SAM Magazine—Palmer, Alaska, June 4, 2026—Skeetawk Ski Area has promoted Ryan Thompson to general manager. Thompson previously served on the board of directors for the nonprofit that runs Skeetawk before resigning in 2025 to serve as Skeetawk’s construction development manager. 

As construction development manager, Thompson oversaw capital development for the ski area, including a $2.5-million-plus snowmaking infrastructure project, the installation of a new surface lift, and construction of a new access road.

Thompson succeeds Megan Justus, who served as general manager of the ski area since December 2021. Justus left on good terms to pursue other opportunities, according to a press release.

About Thompson, Justus said, “I believe that Ryan is the right person to champion Skeetawk’s growth during this next phase of development. I am extremely excited for the future of Skeetawk under his leadership.”

Thompson, originally from Northern Ireland, brings 25 winters of snowsports and mountain operations experience to the role, having previously worked at areas in Scotland, New Zealand, Colorado, Lake Tahoe, and Argentina before making Alaska home. He began his career as a snowsports instructor, eventually becoming a member of the New Zealand Snowsports Demo Team before moving into snowsports school management. 

He went on to join Woodward Tahoe before becoming senior manager of base operations for the Boreal Ridge Corporation, overseeing cross-functional teams, capital safety projects, and sustainability initiatives across Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs, and Woodward Tahoe.

Thompson said in the press release that he is eager to continue supporting the growth of Skeetawk as a community-oriented ski area.