SAM Magazine—Rossland, British Columbia, June 18, 2025—Red Mountain Resort is undergoing a major leadership transition as longtime CEO Howard Katkov and resort president Don Thompson are both stepping down from their roles and, effective July 6, industry veteran Mark Schroetel will become the resort’s new president. 
Mark Schroetel and Howard Katkov
Schroetel has more than 30 years of ski industry leadership experience. He served for 15 years as general manager of Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, and then spent eight years as general manager and CEO of Utah’s Powder Mountain.
“I’m incredibly honored to join the team at Red and can’t wait to put down roots in Rossland,” said Schroetel. “This is more than a job—it’s a commitment to community, to authenticity, and to keeping the dream of independent skiing alive.”
It seems this move was meant to be. “I’ve always been drawn to the Kootenays,” said Schroetel. “In fact, I brought my dad here for his 60th birthday and returned to Red as a reward for completing my first year as a GM over two decades ago. When this opportunity came up, it felt like destiny. During a recent visit, my wife looked at me and said she’s never seen me so happy in the 16 years we’ve been together. I responded, ‘This is where I belong.’”
After more than two decades at the helm, Katkov will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors. Thompson, who has served as president since April 2015, will also remain an active member of the board.
“For 22 years, I’ve poured my heart into this mountain,” said Katkov. “Not to build a cookie-cutter resort, but to protect something real. Red stands for independence, character, and community. I couldn’t pass that legacy to just anyone. In Mark, I see someone who gets it—who understands that Red’s success lies in its authenticity, not in conforming to the status quo. I’m thrilled to support him as we take Red into its next chapter.”
Under Katkov’s stewardship, Red has grown into one of the 10 largest ski resorts in North America, with 3,850 acres of skiable terrain across five peaks. It has also evolved into a four-season destination and continues to expand summer offerings with the grand opening of the new Red Mountain Bike Park set for June 21. Katkov was also the figurehead for some of Red’s innovative marketing campaigns, including 2016’s “Fight the man. Own the mountain.”
