SAM Magazine—Deep Creek Lake, Md., June 22, 2026—Erik BarnesErik Barnes will join Wisp Resort as general manager designate, ultimately succeeding general manager Ron Hawkes following Hawkes' planned semi-retirement at the conclusion of the 2026-27 winter season.

During the transition period, Barnes will focus on risk management, safety initiatives, and snow surface quality. The yearlong transition is intended to ensure continuity for staff, guests, community partners, and other stakeholders, according to parent company Pacific Group Resorts (PGR).

Barnes brings nearly 40 years of ski industry experience to the role. Most recently, he served as general manager of Ragged Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, which PGR managed until the ski area was sold in 2025. He previously held senior leadership positions at Mount Snow in Vermont and has served as an alpine examiner and chairman of the board of examiners for PSIA-AASI Eastern.

"Erik's background makes him uniquely qualified to lead a resort as diverse as Wisp," said PGR president and CEO Mark Fischer, citing Barnes’ experience in mountain operations, guest services, risk management, capital planning, and team development.

Ron HawkesFollowing his retirement as general manager, Hawkes will continue with PGR in a strategic advisory role focused on ski and snowboard school programming across the company's resort portfolio. Hawkes has worked nearly 50 consecutive seasons in the ski industry, including eight seasons at Portillo in Chile, and has also served as a PSIA-AASI examiner.

Hawkes will remain Wisp's general manager through the 2026-27 winter season. During his tenure, he oversaw significant capital investments, expanded the resort's Mission Affordable initiatives, and enhanced its year-round recreational offerings.

"One of the things that gave me confidence in this retirement decision was knowing Wisp would be in capable hands," said Hawkes. "Erik brings tremendous operational experience, strong leadership skills, and a shared passion for introducing first-timers to the sport."

"This transition represents the passing of the torch between two professionals who have devoted their lives to the sport," Fischer added. “Ron has spent his career helping people discover a lifelong passion for skiing and snowboarding, and we're fortunate that his influence will continue across our portfolio for years to come. At the same time, Erik's passion for teaching, operations, and leadership makes him the ideal person to build on the foundation Ron has created at Wisp."

Wisp, Maryland's only four-season mountain resort, offers 33 trails served by 11 lifts across 132 skiable acres, along with two golf courses, a mountain coaster, and a 169-room ski-in/ski-out lodge.