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One strategy is package deals. In one package, a first-timer can take three ski or snowboard lessons for $99. That includes lift tickets and rentals. After completing the lessons, the person can buy a season pass at half the price.

"The purpose is that at the end of that period everyone will be more comfortable at the lower part of the mountain," Duncan, 54, said. "Hopefully, by the end of the season, they will get comfortable with the whole mountain."

"Juneau is a shopping hub for surrounding communities," said Clough, who has worked for Eaglecrest for 13 years. "We want to make them realize we also have Eaglecrest here. It's a great asset to the community."

Since Eaglecrest was established 28 years ago, it has run at a deficit. The city normally gives Eaglecrest between $325,000 and $350,000 a year to balance its books.

"I will spend half my time on the mountain and the other half working with the Assembly to make a financially sound plan for Eaglecrest," Duncan said.

Duncan replaced Paul Swanson, who retired this year.

Duncan has more than 25 years of management experience in the ski industry. He started his career in 1976 at Mount Baker Ski Area in Washington and worked there for 10 years. Between 1977 and 2001, he worked as general manager for the Mount Spokane Ski Area, where he increased the annual number of visitors from 22,000 to 125,000. Eaglecrest serves about 35,000 to 50,000 customers a year.

Before he came to Juneau, he served as director of ski area operations at Mount Creek Ski Resort in New Jersey.

"Twenty-five million people live within 45 miles of the resort. Sometimes we had 14,000 people on the mountain, which is about half the size of Eaglecrest," he said. Eaglecrest is about 640 acres.

Duncan said he wanted to come to Juneau because he was tired of the hectic pace of life in New Jersey. He isn't new to Juneau. In 1997, he was recruited to design and operate the food service at the top of Mount Roberts.

Duncan is optimistic about attracting more people to the ski area.

"Our managing team has more than 100 years of ski experience," Duncan said. "We are experts in winter recreation."

• I-Chun Che can be reached at ichun.che@juneauempire.com.