SAM Magazine—Vail, Colo., April 8, 2026—Shaydar Edelmann has been appointed as vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. He succeeds Beth Howard, who is retiring at the end of the ski season after 41 years with Vail Resorts, but will “remain engaged” during a leadership transition period. 

“I’m incredibly honored to join the team at Vail Mountain, a place that represents the very best of our company and industry,” said Edelmann. “I am committed to building on Vail’s legacy while embracing new ideas, innovation, and opportunities that will keep Vail Mountain leading the industry for years to come.”

Edelmann currently serves as vice president and general manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif. He previously served as vice president of mountain operations at Park City Mountain, Utah. A Kiwi and former member of the New Zealand Junior Surf Team, Edelmann began his snowsports career in ski and ride school and skier services leadership roles at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Calif. He went on to serve as vice president of operations at Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs Mountain Resort and Woodward Tahoe, Calif. Later, he was general manager of Woodward Park City, Utah, leading the project through construction and grand opening. 

Beyond the slopes, Edelmann is also active in the community. He’s currently on the board of the Tahoe Fund, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, the Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council, and the executive committee of Ski California. He previously served on the board of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. “Edelmann will bring this same community-mindedness to his role in Vail,” said the company in a release. 

“Shaydar is a thoughtful, innovative leader who understands what makes mountain resorts special and unique," said Jody Churich, Vail Resorts SVP of destination resorts. “Shaydar will build upon the resort’s incredible legacy to deliver excellence for our guests, employees, and community.” 

Edelmann’s predecessor Howard announced her upcoming retirement at the end of March. A 2015 SAMMY Leadership Award honoree, Howard began her career in 1985 as a college intern in food & beverage at Beaver Creek Resort, Colo. She rose through Vail Resorts to become vice president of food & beverage and clubs, before being named general manager of Northstar California. In 2016, Howard became COO of Beaver Creek Resort, and in 2019 was named COO of the company’s flagship Vail Mountain.

“It’s impossible to overstate Beth’s impact on our company, our people, and the guest experience,” said Churich. “So many of the special moments our guests look forward to today exist because Beth imagined them first. Her commitment to innovation, hospitality, and elevating our mountain experiences has shaped who we are as a company. Beth leaves a legacy that will continue inspiring us for years to come.”  

“It has been the honor of my life to serve these mountains and this community,” said Howard. “I am proud of what we built together, and I am excited for the next generation of leaders who will build on that foundation and carry the spirit of innovation forward.”