SAM Magazine—Crested Butte, Colo., Nov. 20, 2024—Vail Resorts named JD Crichton as the new vice president and general manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, effective Dec. 9. Crichton has served as director and general manager of Wildcat Mountain Resort in New Hampshire since 2021.Credit Myles Harrigan, Wildcat Mountain Resort As general manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, he is returning home to a resort where he first started his career in 1998 as a bellman.

“JD’s return to Crested Butte Mountain Resort as general manager is an exciting one given his deep roots and passion for the resort and the community,” said Nadia Guerriero, SVP and COO of Vail Resorts’ Rocky Mountain Region. “His track record for elevating the guest experience and enhancing operational excellence, along with his previous tenure at the resort, will serve him well as he steps into this leadership role. Crested Butte is a special place in Colorado, and JD’s focus on fostering culture and community will ensure the resort’s uniqueness will flourish.” 

Crichton’s career in the ski industry began in 1998 at Crested Butte, where he previously served as director of food and beverage from 2017-2021. During his time at the resort, Crichton served on the boards of several local organizations, including Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation, Mt. Crested Butte Town Center, and Mt. Crested Butte Ski Center. For the last three years, he has led Wildcat Mountain Resort and held an active role on the Ski New Hampshire board of directors.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Crested Butte Mountain Resort as its new VP and GM,” said Crichton. “The resort and the community are close to my heart, and I am excited to reestablish old relationships and create new ones by listening and learning in this new capacity. Crested Butte is rooted in the unconventional, and I’m excited to lead this unique and special place into the future.”