Ski area leaders juggle two demanding roles: developing people and delivering projects. This session with the Class of 2025-26 Summit Series cohort 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.
Mentors:
- John Melcher, CEO, Crystal Mountain, Mich.
- Jean Mikulas, President and GM, Red Lodge Mountain, Mont.
- Lori Phillips, GM, Ski Big Bear, Pa.
- Hugh Reynolds, Partner and CMO, SNOW Partners, N.J.
- Ryan Schramm, GM, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Colo.
Mentees:
- Chris Adams, VP of Mountain Experience, Boyne Mountain Resort, Mich.
- Beck Badger, Lead Marketing Coordinator, Gunstock Mountain Resort, N.H
- Drew Brewer, Director of Mountain Experience, Alyeska Resort, Alaska
- Sam Burns, Snowmaking Supervisor, Arizona Snowbowl, Ariz.
- Julie Bush, Marketing Specialist, Wisp Resort, Md.
- Teagan Knudson, Front Desk & Guest Services and Ski Patrol Manager, Snowriver Mountain Resort, Mich.
- Ryan Leclerc, Location Manager, Adult & Private Lesson Programs, Beaver Creek, Colo.
- Rebecca Repp, Director of Food & Beverage, Brundage Mountain Resort, Idaho
- Shayna Silverman, Communications Manager, Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
- Gabriel Sudermann, Manager of Mountain Operations, Camp Fortune, Que.
Leadership Coach:
- Lex Curtis, Founder, Field of Play Consulting
Thank you to our sponsor, MountainGuard, for their support of this program.
