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david nordenSAM Magazine—Taos, N.M., July 14, 2016—Resort industry veteran David Norden has been appointed chief executive officer of Taos Ski Valley and will begin work on July 25. He will oversee all existing Taos Ski Valley resort operations including The Blake, a new slopeside hotel, which is slated to open this winter.

Current CEO Gordon Briner will transition to chief operating officer and oversee the ski valley's core revenue departments, including ticketing, the snow sports school, food and beverage, retail and rentals. He will also play a role in planning expanded summer programming that will develop over the next few years.

“Taos Ski Valley is evolving into a multi-season resort destination, and as such the executive responsibilities are expanding,” said TSV board member Peter Talty. “David brings superb industry expertise to the ski valley, which will be critical as we prepare for the launch of The Blake hotel this winter and expand our on-mountain opportunities.”

Norden began his ski industry career at the SE Group. He later served as vice president of Spruce Peak Realty, where he was instrumental in launching the renaissance of the historic Stowe Mountain Resort and as project manager for the Hines Resorts development of Aspen Highlands Village, Colorado. Nine years ago, he founded Owls Head Partners, an international resort development management company. He provided planning and development services for projects at Taos, Bretton Woods, N.H., Grand Targhee, Wyo., and Terra Viva, Colombia, among others.

“I am thrilled to join the famed Taos Ski Valley, a destination that is celebrated for its extraordinary ski terrain, distinctive personality and cultural mystique,” said Norden. “I look forward to the challenge of leading the resort into the future. It is an incredibly exciting time to be here as we celebrate and hold tight to what makes Taos Ski Valley unique, while also introducing substantial improvements and an environmental ethic that will enhance the visitor experience.”