In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to awards, obits, and supplier news, we celebrate the people that make this industry thrive.
PEOPLE
SAM BURNS, KILLINGTON RESORT, VT
Sam Burns was named as snowmaking supervisor for Killington Resort. Prior to joining Killington, Burns was the snowmaking manager at Arizona Snowbowl, Ariz.
BILL HORNBUCKLE, VAIL RESORTS
Vail Resorts has appointed Bill Hornbuckle to its board of directors. Hornbuckle is president and chief executive officer of MGM Resorts International and brings more than 35 years of experience in hospitality, resort operations, marketing, strategy, and integrated resort management to the board.
LIZZY SCHOFIELD, ARAPAHOE BASIN, CO
Lizzy Schofield was promoted to ski patrol director for Arapahoe Basin. Schofield has been with Arapahoe Basin since 2010, starting off in the base area parking cars and shoveling snow.
PEGGY SHINN and NICOLE FELICIANO, NASJA
Peggy Shinn and Nicole Feliciano have been elected to serve as vice presidents on the North American Snowsports Journalists Association board of directors.
IAN CULLISON, JACKSON SKI TOURING FOUNDATION, NH
Ian Cullison was appointed as executive director of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Cullison was the director of the Adventure Center at Waterville Valley Resort, N.H., for nine years.
PETER JOHNSON, ANTELOPE BUTTE MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA, WY
Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area has appointed Peter Johnson as its new general manager. Johnson most recently led the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association, overseeing Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in North Powder, Ore. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
ALAN WICKSTROM, RAGGED MOUNTAIN, NH
Ragged Mountain has named Alan "Al" Wickstrom as general manager, bringing the New Hampshire industry veteran back to the resort where he previously led mountain operations. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
JULIE JACKSON PIPER, EAGLECREST SKI AREA, AK
The Eaglecrest board of directors selected Julie Jackson Piper to be the next general manager of the nonprofit Eaglecrest Ski Area. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
Left to right: Evan DesLauriers, Lindsay DesLauriers, Tara Murphy, Nick Lemire.LINDSAY DESLAURIERS, TARA MURPHY, EVAN DESLAURIERS, and NICK LEMIRE, BOLTON VALLEY RESORT, VT
Bolton Valley Resort’s leadership is evolving, as president and CEO Lindsay DesLauriers transitions to chair of the board while assuming a new strategic leadership position. Tara Murphy has become president and CEO, and Evan DesLauriers is now vice president; Nick Lemire was promoted to GM in May. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
JACE WIRTH, BRETTON WOODS SKI AREA, NH
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa has appointed Jace Wirth as general manager of Bretton Woods Ski Area, where he will oversee year-round operations, including mountain operations, guest experience, community relations, and long-term strategic growth. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
CHUCK RANDLES, HUNTER MOUNTAIN, NY
Chuck Randles has been named as the new vice president and general manager of Hunter Mountain. Randles is a 20-year veteran with Vail Resorts, most recently serving as general manager of Wilmot Mountain, Wis., and regional GM with oversight of Mount Brighton, Mich., Hidden Valley, Mo., and Snow Creek, Mo. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
BILL CUBBAGE, POWDER MOUNTAIN, UT
Powder Mountain named Bill Cubbage as general manager of resort operations. He will oversee guest services, rental and retail, base area operations, ski and ride school, mountain operations, ski patrol and I.T. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
HANNAH BARREGO, BEAR DEN PARTNERS
Hannah Barrego has been hired by Bear Den Partners as its executive vice president of strategy, operations and integration, a new leadership position focused on strategic execution and operational alignment across the company’s portfolio of ski areas. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
ERIK BARNES, WISP RESORT, MD
Erik Barnes will join Wisp Resort as general manager designate, ultimately succeeding general manager Ron Hawkes following Hawkes' planned semi-retirement at the conclusion of the 2026-27 winter season. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
SUPPLIER
SE Group appointed Annie Henderson as community recreation planner. Prior to joining SE Group, Henderson was a graduate program manager for Walking Mountains Science Center.
Sean Malaguti has been promoted to serve as president of SNOCOUNTRY SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION as part of a reorganization at the national snow conditions and ski area promotional outlet that also included former president Mike Colbourn transitioning to board chair and Andy Davis being promoted to director of operations. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
ENTABENI has added 11 team members across operations, technology, analytics, mergers and acquisitions, accounting, and partner support as it continues building the organization behind its mission to serve independent ski areas. Full report on SAM’s Headline News.
AWARDS
Arapahoe Basin president and COO Alan Henceroth was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame.
OBITUARIES
Channing Murdock died on July 8, 2026. He was 91. Murdock co-founded Butternut Basin Ski Area (now Ski Butternut) with his wife, Jane, opening the area in 1963. He also served in leadership roles with the Massachusetts Ski Areas Association, New England Ski Areas Council, Eastern Ski Areas Association, and National Ski Areas Association. He received NSAA's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
Allen R. “Al” Kryger died after more than 50 years with Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Kryger helped transform the area into a four-season destination, overseeing the addition of the region’s first chairlift, snowmaking, night skiing, Hope Lake Lodge, and Cascades Indoor Waterpark. He was inducted into the SKI NY Hall of Fame in 1989 in recognition of his contributions to New York’s ski industry.
