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.