General Manager of Mt. Ashland, OR, Andrew Gast Resigns Amid Resort Closure

[UPDATE: Mt. Ashland opened for the season on Wednesday, January 7)

Mt. Ashland has had a challenging season so far, with less-than-ideal conditions forcing an indefinite midseason closure. Following the early closure, additional news has emerged for the South Central Oregon resort. Andrew Gast, General Manager of the resort since 2021, announced his resignation in the pursuit of another unknown job opportunity.

• Related: SnowBrains Podcast Ep. 90 | Andrew Gast – General Manager of Mt. Ashland, OR

Gast is known in the local community for his improvements on the resort during his time as general manager. He oversaw the installation of the new Lithia Chairlift and substantially expanded the lighting infrastructure. In addition, he expanded summer operations to turn the resort into a year-round destination.

In an interview with KOBI5 in which Gast was asked about his role at the resort, Gast said, “You know, I think it was just an opportunity to get back to what I really have been the most passionate about, where my experience is. I’ve been a pass holder at Mt. Ashland as long as we’ve been living here, skiing almost every single day I could. It was just an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Though operating without a General Manager is always a challenge, it is not one Mt. Asland hasn’t faced before. Adam Reiss, Mt. Ashland Association Board of Directors President, said, “Mt. Ashland has a strong core of employees with decades of experience that are more than capable of running the mountain until a new general manager is hired.” He then continued on to say, “I can’t speak highly enough about Andrew. Every day, opening the mountain requires overcoming several obstacles, and not only did Andrew take this in stride, but he also prioritized maintaining and improving Mt. Ashland’s connection to the local community and made great progress in evolving the mountain into a year-round destination.”

While Mt. Ashland is currently in the hiring process for a new General Manager, the resort doesn’t plan to rush. Mt. Ashland leadership plans to interview and search for the right person for the job, regardless of how long that may take. In the meantime, the resort will be managed by an experienced senior leadership team while the position is filled.

While the ski resort and community will be sad to see Gast leave, they wish only the best for him in his new position. Gast’s last day with the ski area will be Saturday, January 24, 2026.