SAM Magazine—Blakeslee, Pa., Jan. 23, 2026—Vail Resorts has hired Tony Torsell as general manager of Jack Frost Big Boulder, effective Feb. 15. Torsell, who grew up not far from the neighboring ski areas, succeeds previous GM Tony Santora, who is now the vice president of mountain operations at VR-owned Beaver Creek, Colo. 

“Coming back home to lead JFBB is truly special,” said Torsell. “I believe great resorts start with great people, and I know there are great people here. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, listen intently, and work alongside the JFBB team to deliver the best days in the Poconos.” 

Torsell becomes one of only a small handful of Vail Resorts general managers to come from outside the company’s leadership ecosystem. He has several years of ski industry experience, including nearly a decade working at Ski Cooper, Colo., where he rose to senior director of resort services and administration, reporting to his father, general manager Dan Torsell and working alongside his brother Patrick, who held a variety of leadership roles at the ski area. Since then, he spent more than a year as director of business operations at Purgatory Resort, Colo. He most recently served as director of guest services and revenue at John Ball Zoo in Michigan. 

“Tony is an exceptional fit for Jack Frost Big Boulder,” said Tim Harris, Vail Resorts’ chief operating officer of local resorts. “He brings deep ski-industry experience, and his proven ability to combine strategic vision with operational execution will be instrumental in elevating the guest experience and driving continued success at JFBB.”