Vail Resorts Announces a Host of Mountain Operations Leadership Changes Across Its Resorts

Vail Resorts today announced a host of Mountain Operations leadership appointments across its resorts. According to a press release, ‘Vail Resorts is focused on building a culture of leadership development and succession planning—making career advancements possible while ensuring its resorts continue to thrive’.

• Related: Vail Resorts Unveils New Company Direction That Focuses on Employees

Changes will affect Heavenly, Northstar, Stevens Pass, Park City, and the recently announced Andermatt-Sedrun.

The announcements are:

• Mike Goar, currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Park City Mountain Resort, will lead Andermatt-Sedrun, our first resort in Europe, as VP, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, reporting to Pat Campbell, Mountain Operations Senior Advisor. Mike’s new role will be effective upon deal close; until then, he will work closely with the team supporting preparation and planning for the transaction closing.

“Park City is an incredible mountain and an incredible town, but it is the people who truly make it special. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work alongside such passionate, hardworking teammates and community members. While I will deeply miss this place, I am excited to support our company as we expand into Europe – and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the team at Andermatt-Sedrun. I am proud of what we have accomplished here at Park City Mountain and so excited for Deirdra to now take the reins. She is one of the most compassionate and inspiring leaders in our industry, and I know the resort and this community will see great things under her leadership.” – Mike Goar

• Deirdra Walsh, currently Vice President and General Manager of Northstar, is promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Park City Mountain Resort, effective May 30, reporting to Bill Rock, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Rocky Mountain Region. Mike will be supporting Deirdra in her transition as he prepares for his new role.

“I am truly overjoyed to have the opportunity to come back to Park City Mountain, a place near and dear to my heart. I know both the opportunities and complexities of this resort well, and I am eager to partner with the community alongside this dedicated team. I am grateful to Mike for the legacy and foundation he has built here, and I’m committed to continuing that great work to make Park City Mountain the world-class destination it is known to be.”

– Deirdra Walsh

• Tom Fortune, currently Vice President and General Manager of Heavenly, is promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Heavenly Mountain Resort & Tahoe Region, effective immediately, reporting to Doug Pierini, Senior Vice President, West Region. In this role Tom will have leadership and reporting accountability for Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar.
• Ellen Galbraith, currently Senior Director, Chief of Staff Mountain Operations, is promoted to Vice President and General Manager for Stevens Pass, effective May 30, reporting to Doug Pierini. Tom Fortune will stay involved with Stevens Pass as a long-term advisor.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into this role at Stevens Pass, and to be part of this truly incredible community as I work to carry forward the momentum that Tom has created in his time here. My family’s roots are here in Washington, and it is meaningful to be returning once again. I am honored to be part of this new chapter in the Stevens Pass story, and I look forward to getting to know the team, the mountain, and the community better as I dive head-first into everything that make Stevens Pass so special.”

– Ellen Galbraith