SAM Magazine-Lakewood, Colo., Apr. 22, 2010-Andy Daly, who variously managed Copper Mountain , Eldora, Beaver Creek, and Vail Associates, has earned the 2010 Lifetime Achievement award of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).

Daly's career began in 1970 when he took a job at Aspen Highlands. By winter's end, Daly accepted a job as a ski patroller for the next season. He moved to Copper Mountain in 1972 and quickly advanced, serving as patrol director in 1973, mountain manager in 1975, VP of operations in 1980, and became president and CEO in 1982. In 1987, Daly left to start his own company, which reopened the Lake Eldora Mountain Resort near Boulder. In 1989, Daly was lured to operate Beaver Creek in addition to Eldora, and also the Broadmoor Golf and Spa Resort in Colorado Springs.

In 1992, Daly was named president and CEO of Vail Associates Inc., the predecessor company to Vail Resorts. During Andy's tenure, the company acquired Keystone, Breckenridge, and Heavenly, as well as Grand Teton Lodging Company. The company filed its initial public offering in February 1997. Daly retired from Vail Resorts in 2002 and started Gore Creek Investments.

Daly's influence in the industry has been widespread. He long served on the NSAA board of directors, including a term as chair of the public lands committee, and was the first chair of the environmental committee. He also served on the board of the American Ski Federation and the Colorado Tourism Board, and was a founding director of the American Avalanche Foundation. Daly was a longstanding member of the Colorado Ski Country USA board of directors and currently sits on the boards of directors for the Vail Valley Foundation, the Vail Valley Medical Center, and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.

Daly was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2009, he received the Bergen Award for his numerous contributions to the success of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at NSAA's National Convention & Tradeshow May 3 in Orlando, Fla.

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