SAM Magazine - Whitefish, Mt., July 6, 2007 - Whitefish (formerly Big Mountain) CEO and President Fred Jones has announced that he is retiring. Jones, who is expected to be retained by the resort as a consultant, will be replaced by Daniel Graves.

Jones leaves the resort during a period of transition for the brand. Last month the ski area changed its name from Big Mountain to Whitefish and several large projects are currently being undertaken including the construction of a new day lodge, the replacement of two chairlifts and the development of a new master plan.

"Fred has worked incredibly hard at the role he assumed in a time when the mountain was undergoing significant change," says Bill Foley, chairman of the board.

Graves who was the resort company's VP of finance prior to the announcement that he would replace Jones, was hired by Jones with, "the intent of him being my successor," says Jones.

Graves has held key management roles at several ski resorts throughout the country, including Keystone and Breckenridge in Colorado, Killington in Vermont and Northstar-at-Tahoe in California. He also has experience in the oil transportation and mining industries. He and his wife live in Whitefish.

"It didn't take me long to realize what a truly special place Whitefish and the resort on Big Mountain are," says Graves. "It's rare to have such a wonderfully authentic community at the base of a world-class mountain with the magnificence of Glacier National Park next door. Personally, I'm going to miss Fred very much. He has been an inspiring leader and a good friend. It's comforting to know that he'll be available. \

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