Pam Cruickshank :: Okemo Mountain

Pam's first working experience at Okemo was as a lift operator during her college years. After a few years outside the industry, Pam returned to Okemo in 1986 as the customer service manager. In 1990, she was promoted to marketing manager and then director of public relations.

In addition to being credited with helping put Okemo on the map, going from 60,000 skier visits to 575,000, Pam is now involved in the turnaround of Mount Sunapee, which is showing the same growth.

Outside of Okemo duties, Pam is also the industry liaison to the New England Ski Writer's Association.

Chip Perfect :: Perfect North Slopes

Chip started at both the top and the bottom when his family purchased Perfect North Slopes back in 1980. Since then, the area has reached a new record for skier visits each year except one.

Two years ago, Chip worked with a team to form North Peak Resorts. The newly-formed company then purchased Mad River Mountain in Ohio, where Chip has overseen the operations and upgrading of the resort—sales have nearly doubled.

Aside from the many hats he wears at his own area, he is also a director of the Midwest Ski Areas Association.

John Rice :: Sierra-at-Tahoe

John has spent 24 years working in the ski industry and he's only just getting started. He has held management positions at Squaw Valley, Sierra Summit, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and his current position with Sierra-at-Tahoe.

He is well known for his work in bringing snowboarding to the resort industry, and is credited with building the first full-time snowboard terrain park in the U.S. and continues to consult with resorts around the world on snowboarding issues.

As described by one of his nominators, “John rice has always been out there leading instead of following.”

Jack Turner :: SnowMonsters

You name it and Jack has done it all in the name of the getting people on snow. Jack has produced children's ski and snowboard films (Snow Monsters), is a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, did commentary for cross-country skiing at the 1984 Olympic Winter Games, and was the founder and executive director of the Utah Winter Games in addition to serving on the Salt Lake Olympic Committee until 1989.

On the resort side, Jack was VP of marketing at both Purgatory and Bear Mountain.

“His energy, creativity and contributions will be realized in years to come,” said one of his nominators.