The Summit Series 2025–26: The Layers of Leadership
The Summit Series brings together rising leaders in the ski industry for conversations that go beyond the basics of management. Each session connects mentees with mentors and peers to dig into the challenges of leadership, the realities of resort operations, and the personal work it takes to grow into a stronger leader. This year’s sessions explore leadership at every level — from managing yourself, to leading people and projects, to making organizational decisions. Through candid conversations, interactive discussions, and shared experiences, the Summit Series creates a supportive space to sharpen skills and gain confidence as a leader.
Thank you to our sponsor, MountainGuard, for their support of this program.
Fall 2025: Course Topics
- Summit Series 101
This kickoff call is designed exclusively for mentees to set the stage for the months ahead. You’ll meet your peers, learn how the program works, and pick up practical tips for success. It’s also a chance to begin building the supportive network that will grow stronger with each session in the series. - People vs. Projects: Finding the Balance
Resort leaders juggle two demanding roles: developing people and delivering projects. Led by Lex Curtis, this session dives into how mentors strike that balance — keeping teams motivated while hitting deadlines, shaping culture while driving results, and navigating the constant pull between personalities and priorities. The discussion brings out the real challenges and creative strategies leaders use to make it all work. - Leading by Managing Myself
Leadership is a relationship game. In this session, Erik Thompson introduces an approach to leading others by managing oneself. In a conversation with Mike Solimano, president and GM of Killington, they’ll explore how self-awareness plus relationship awareness are foundations of effective leadership. Leaders are advantaged when they can identify their role in the organization's adaptive challenges, and modify their behavior to foster success. Mentors will then share stories from their own journeys, showing how managing self has shaped their ability to lead others. - Ask Me Anything
Anything goes in this fast-paced, interactive session. Mentors take on questions straight from the mentees, sparking candid conversation and fresh insights. From tricky staff situations to big career moves, no topic is off the table — and the lively exchange keeps the discussion real, relevant, and energizing. - You’re in Charge. Now What?
Step into the GM’s chair for a role-playing challenge. Mentees will work through scenarios drawn from real-world resort leadership, tackling everything from personnel dilemmas to operational tradeoffs. With mentors weighing in, this session pushes you to think on your feet and experience the complexities of leadership at the top.
Topics are subject to change. Sessions are recorded and reported on in the pages of SAM Magazine, as well as in the PodSAM podcast. You can find more content in our Leadership Development Mountain Department.
Leadership Coaches
Lex Curtis
Lex Curtis is the founder of Field of Play Consulting and an experienced facilitator with more than 25 years of expertise in leadership development and organizational culture. He has worked with organizations across Canada, the United States, and Australia to strengthen leadership pipelines, build high-performing teams, and cultivate values-driven cultures. Holding a master’s degree in Experiential Education and Organizational Development from the University of Utah, Lex designs programs that blend hands-on learning with reflection and coaching. His work centers on helping leaders and teams navigate complexity, connect with purpose, and bring curiosity and shared values to the forefront of their organizations.
Erik Thompson
Erik Thompson, MA, is a licensed leadership psychologist who works with senior executives and their teams. He helps them develop leaders, grow exceptional teams, and overcome high stakes relationship challenges. He founded Thompson Leadership Development, Inc. and has worked with leaders and their teams across the country for 25 years. His innovative "Leading by Managing Self" leadership course is a year-long journey for senior executive teams. It has received consistently exceptional ratings. You can learn more, and access Erik's interview podcast at www.thompsonleadership.com.
Winter 2026: One-on-One Mentor Pairing
The group sessions are just the first half of the Summit Series. Over the course of the winter, mentees will have the opportunity to schedule three 30-minute calls with their mentor. These pairings provide focused guidance, personalized feedback, and deeper connections that extend beyond the group experience. This one-on-one element is a defining part of the program, giving mentees a direct line to experienced leaders in the ski industry — and, for many past participants, it’s been the most valuable part of their Summit Series journey.
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