SAM Magazine—Lake Tahoe, Calif., April 15, 2024— Shaydar Edelmann will succeed Tom Fortune as the general manager and vice president of Heavenly Mountain Resort, effective June 24.Tom Fortune and Shaydar Edelmann

Edelmann, who has more than two decades of experience in the ski industry, has been the vice president of mountain operations at Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, for the last four years. He helped lead efforts to upgrade lifts and snowmaking at the resort and optimize chairlift operations across the Vail Resorts group. 

His prior roles include 17 years at Lake Tahoe resorts, starting at Alpine Meadows on the competition and events team and later becoming vice president of operations at Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs, and Woodward Tahoe. He was general manager of Woodward Park City during its construction and grand opening before joining Vail Resorts in 2020.  

“Tahoe has so much passion and energy around the outdoors and snowsports, and Heavenly is truly iconic,” Edelmann said. “The chance to lead this special mountain resort is something that only comes once in a lifetime.”

Tom Fortune, who has spent the last 5 years at the helm at Heavenly, is retiring after more than four decades in the ski industry.

“I am forever grateful to the amazing people I have had the honor of working with over the last 45 years—I have learned and grown, and my success is not mine alone, but shared with everyone I’ve ever crossed paths with,” said Fortune, who began his career at Stevens Pass in 1978. 

“This decision was not one made lightly, but I am ready to start a new adventure,” said Fortune.

“Tom has been an incredible force over the last four decades and his leadership has left an indelible mark on the ski industry and all of us,” said

Jody Churich, senior vice president & chief operating officer of Vail Resorts’ West Region. “We are so proud to have been part of his journey, and his legacy of transparency, honesty, and kindness will continue to be an inspiration.”  

Reported by Bob Curley

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