Mammoth to Shut Down June Mountain
Mammoth Mountain, California, announced it will not operate June Mountain for the upcoming 2012-13 winter season. Mammoth purchased June Mountain in 1986 with the idea of significantly increasing the size of the resort, but these plans were never realized. Instead, June has run at a deficit since 1986. Future plans for the area have not yet been announced.


Greek Peak Files for Bankruptcy
Greek Peak Mountain Resorts, Peak Resorts, Inc. (PRI) and affiliates, filed voluntary petitions in the Bankruptcy Court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in August. This filing gives Greek Peak the time and protection needed for reorganization. Earlier this year, Greek Peak Mountain Resort's (GPMR) lender, Tennessee Commerce Bank, was closed by the FDIC and all loans held by the bank, including those of GPMR, were taken over by the Federal Agency. GPMR has not been successful in negotiating a reorganization plan with the FDIC. The Federal Agency will provide funds through a "Debtor in Possession" financing to continue and sustain operations. There will be no immediate changes in operation or staffing outside of normal operations.


Otsego Club Not to Open
The owners of the Otsego Club in Michigan, Osprey S.A. Ltd., announced that they will not open for the 2012-13 season. After unsuccessfully trying to sell the 73-year-old ski area last year, the company was forced to make the decision to shut down operations for this coming season due to economic reasons. There still might be a possibility of finding someone to operate the area, which boasts 31 trails and 5 lifts, including a quad.


U.S. Won't Bid for Olympics in 2022
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) decided that it would not put forth a bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, but to instead concentrate on a 2024 summer bid and a 2026 winter bid. Both Denver, Colo., and Lake Tahoe, Calif., had formed task forces to put their names in the hat as possible U.S. venues for 2022. The U.S. last hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002.


Obituaries
John J. Frado, Jr., 67 of Winchester, N.H., died on June 20 as a result of complications from a traumatic brain injury. John was instrumental in the founding of Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and the development of the Nordic divisions of the National Ski Patrol and the Professional Ski Instructors of America. John leaves behind his wife, Chris Frado, president of CCSAA. Victor Gordon, 98, died in July. Gordon managed Holiday Mountain, N.Y., for 22 years.


People
Lester Keller has been shifted over to regional alpine development director at USSA.

Loon Mountain, N.H., added Kevin Bell as marketing manager and Greg Kwasnik as communications manager.

Okemo, Vt., promoted Chris Saylor to ski and ride director.

Dan Torsell is the new GM at Ski Cooper, Colo. . .At Winter Park, Jodie Silva is the new VP of marketing and sales.

In California, Homewood Mountain named Bryan Schilling as snowsports director and Tim Rantz as mountain operations director. . . Mountain High and Stevens Pass, Wash., announced new leadership structure: On the corporate level for both areas, Michele Roy assumes the CFO and senior VP role; Paul Bauer is COO; and John McColly is CMO. At Mountain High, Ben Smith was appointed GM and Robert Chacon is the new VP of mountain operations. At Stevens Pass, Bill Bourton was named GM, Chris Danforth is VP of marketing and sales, Joel Martinez is VP of operations, Sarah Larson is VP of resort services and Matt Troskey is VP of human resources.

The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association announced that John Gifford will replace retiring president Scott Kaden.

Alyeska, Alaska, welcomes four new managers: Jessica Pezak, director of marketing; Jaci Ohayon, director of human resources; Eric Teixman, mountain manager; and Melissa LaRose, director of retail sales and guest services.


Supplier News
Snownet Inc. announces that Ron Crozier will be joining the team as sales and product manager.

Zap-Lok Pipeline Systems, Inc., was purchased by National Oilwell Varco. Ski industry clients will continue to have access to Zap-Lok through GWTatro in Vermont and Towsley Construction in California.