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TAOS TO BE SOLD

In mid-December, Taos Ski Valley, N.M., entered into an agreement to sell the longtime, family-owned resort to conservationist and hedge-fund manager Louis Bacon, who has owned land in the Taos area since 1996. The Blake family has owned the resort since Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded it in 1955. The Blake family will retain one seat on the board of directors. Future plans include expansion, which was approved by the Forest Service over a year ago.


Good news For west and whaleback

After filing for bankruptcy protection last June, West Mountain, N.Y.’s future looks brighter thanks to the purchase of its first mortgage by the investment group that has been running the area—Apex Capital. The purchase was subject to court approval, but the mountain opened on December 14.

Whaleback Ski Area, N.H., was planning to open on December 26 after the Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation, a nonprofit, raised enough money to enter into an operating agreement.


People

Caitlin Flynn was appointed the new terrain park and mountain adventure park supervisor at Cranmore, N.H.

At Killington, Vt., Diane Davis, director of employee and guest experience, announced her retirement.

In New York, Paul Trippi was named mountain manager at Bristol Mountain. . . At Swain Mountain, Chuck Fries was named ski school administrator.

At Crystal Mountain, Mich., Stephanie Scott was promoted to spa director and Marcus Matthews to spa/wellness manager.

Telluride, Colo., named four new managers: Greg Pack is the new president and GM; Brad Larsen is VP of sales and marketing; Robert Stenhammer is the new VP of hospitality; and Scott Clements is the new director of ski patrol and risk management. In addition, the resort named Andrew Shaffner wine director. . . Copper Mountain named Dwight Eppinger director of marketing.

At Hogadon Ski Area, Wyo., Chris Smith was named the new manager.

In California, Tahoe Donner hired Dana Herlihy as member services manager. . . Mammoth Mountain named Eric Clark COO of hospitality.


Supplier News

MND America, a subsidiary of MND Group, announces the purchase of ski safety equipment manufacturer/distributor Special Protection Inc. and Areco/Sufag snowmaking equipment distributor Snownet Inc. MND now holds offices in Eagle, Colo., Salt Lake City, Utah, and New Milford, Pa. Jay Bristow is the GM, Katherine Senn is in charge of finance/administration, Bob Senn oversees manufacturing operations and sales, Ed Dietzel will handle snowmaking technical services and sales, and Brandon Dodge will cover TAS (Gasex) and snowmaking service.

Siriusware, a provider of ticketing and point-of-sale software and hardware solutions, announced that it was acquired by accesso Technology Group, a technology solutions provider to the global attractions and leisure industry. Siriusware will retain its Taos, N.M., headquarters and Mark Danemann will serve as president of the Siriusware division. All 60 Siriusware employess will stay on.

Prinoth and Snow Park Technologies announced a long-term partnership related to the development and marketing of Prinoth snow groomers dedicated to terrain park and pipe building. The scope of the agreement is worldwide.

MountainGuard Insurance announced the promotion of Jane Philbrick to VP and Tim Barnhorst to assistant VP in the eastern office. In the western office, Tim Hendrickson has been promoted to VP and Tom Baff has joined the team as a claims and loss control specialist.

DemacLenko hired Dennis Kinsella as sales manager North America.

NPD Group has acquired the retail sales tracking and consumer research businesses of Leisure Trends Group.

The Senior leadership team of RRC?Associates LLC is buying the company back from STR, its corporate parent, in order to renew its focus on the tourism and recreation industries.

The International Skiing History Association (ISHA) recently launched a newly redesigned website, www.skiinghistory.com with articles, videos, vintage ski art and membership services.

Outdoor Ventures was honored as one of the “top economic projects, programs and leaders” at the Celebrate CT! event in Hartford, Conn., for its work on two aerial forest adventure parks.

Head’s winter sports division promoted Julia Blumenfeld to communications manager.