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SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., Jan. 8, 2019—Dave Rathbun, a snowsports vet with more than 30 years of experience in the resort and hospitality industry, has been named the new general manager of Purgatory Resort in Colorado.Dave Rathbun

Rathbun, a 2010 SAMMY Award winner, got his start at Stratton Mountain, Vt., as a lift attendant. He served in management positions at Stratton, Killington Resort, Vt., Copper Mountain, Colo., and Winter Park, Colo. From 2008 to 2016 he was president and general manager of Mt. Bachelor, Ore. He also served as chairman of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association. Prior to joining Purgatory, Rathbun was the chief marketing officer for Sugar Bowl, Calif.

Purgatory is part of the six-area Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) group, which has invested $40 million in capital improvements across its resorts in the past four years, including a new snowmaking infrastructure, a new triple chair, and a new surface lift at Purgatory for the 2017-18 season. “I’m very happy to join the team at Purgatory Resort and the community in Durango at this exciting time,” said Rathbun.

“Dave’s ability to build strong relationships while fostering a positive culture really made him stand out as a candidate, and we’re thrilled he joined our team,” said Elizabeth Howe, director of operations for MCP. “Dave’s leadership skills and valuable experience in the ski industry will help make Purgatory Resort become more successful across the board."

Report by Katie Brinton