SAM Magazine—Wilmington, Vt., June 18, 2025—The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain has appointed Joshua DeBottis as its incoming executive director and general manager, effective August 2025.
DeBottis will succeed Bill Benneyan, who joined The Hermitage Club in 2020 and oversaw its successful transformation into a member-owned private mountain club.
DeBottis has more than 20 years of hospitality experience. He’s served as the chief operating officer and general manager of the private Two Rivers Country Club in Williamsburg, Va., since 2022. Prior to that, he was general manager of the Omni Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire from 2018 to 2022, overseeing Bretton Woods ski area, the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, the Bretton Arms Inn, the Lodge at Bretton Woods, and the Bretton Woods Club.
“I am eager to lead The Hermitage Club in its next chapter, building on its existing success,” said DeBottis. “The club is fortunate to have built an exceptionally qualified senior management team, and a highly engaged board of directors who are deeply committed to the long-term success of the organization.”
Benneyan came to The Hermitage Club after a group of members purchased the ski area and other properties in a foreclosure auction following several tumultuous years under previous owner Jim Barnes, which ended when all assets were seized and put into receivership. Since then, the club has grown to more than 400 member families and has undergone several capital improvements, including construction of a new booster pumphouse for its snowmaking system and a major overhaul of the Witches chairlift.
“It has been a high point of my 40-year career in the industry to lead The Hermitage Club through a successful relaunch as a member-owned club,” said Benneyan. “The Hermitage Club is unique as the only truly private ski mountain in the east. Our special, close-knit community of member families share a passion for snowsports and a social outdoor lifestyle.”
Benneyan, a 2003 SAMMY Leadership Award honoree, will continue to serve in an advisory capacity for the 2025-26 season. “I look forward to seeing the club continue to thrive for future generations of members, and celebrating its success as an important part of the Deerfield Valley community.”
Board president Stuart Kovensky emphasized that the executive director and general manager role requires a mix of experience in ski area management, member services, “and the ability to effectively collaborate with club governance,” he said. “Josh’s leadership and experience is clearly aligned to our mission, and he is uniquely positioned to carry forward the success enjoyed under Bill Benneyan.”
The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain has four chairlifts, including a six-pack bubble chair, serving 45 trails and 1,400 feet of vertical spread across 200 skiable acres.
