SAM Magazine—Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec. 20, 2024—Grand America Hotels & Resorts has promoted Pete Sonntag to chief operating officer of Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, and Davy Ratchford to chief operating officer of Snowbasin Resort, Utah. Both will also continue in their current capacity as general managers of their respective resorts. Davy Ratchford and Pete Sonntag

As part of their new roles, Ratchford and Sonntag will work directly with Bruce Fery, CEO of Grand America Hotels & Resorts, which owns Snowbasin and Sun Valley, to provide strategic direction for the company as a whole. Grand America Hotels & Resorts also owns six hotel properties in the Western United States.

Since joining Snowbasin in 2018, Ratchford has overseen several critical capital investments, including new chairlifts, new dining and banquet venues, improved resort access, and expanded parking. He previously served in senior leadership roles at Vail Mountain, Colo., Northstar California, Calif., and Park City Mountain, Utah. He is a 2020 SAMMY Leadership Award honoree and currently sits on the board of directors for the National Ski Areas Association, Ski Utah, and Visit Ogden. 

"Davy's leadership has been instrumental in Snowbasin's remarkable trajectory," said Fery. "His commitment to developing a winning team has elevated Snowbasin's guest experience and been a major contribution to our company's overall success."

"I am honored to take on this expanded role with Grand America Hotels & Resorts while continuing to lead Snowbasin's exciting future,” said Ratchford. “Our recent success as the No. 1 ranked resort in America (in SKI, Outside, and USA Today) reflects the quality of our mountain, and most importantly our incredible team. I'm excited to contribute to both Snowbasin's continued success and the broader vision of Grand America Hotels & Resorts."

Sonntag, a 2012 SAMMY Leadership Award honoree, joined Sun Valley in 2021 and has led the resort through several major capital improvements, including new chairlifts and expanded mountain access. Prior to joining the resort, Sonntag oversaw Vail Resorts’ western portfolio. He previously served many years as a resort GM and COO, first at Heavenly, Calif., and then at Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.

“Pete is an inspiring leader who is passionate about delivering the best experience for our guests while caring immensely for our people,” said Fery. “He has been incredibly successful leading strategic initiatives for Sun Valley while positioning the resort for continued success.” 

“From the day I arrived at Sun Valley Resort, I knew I was part of something unique and incredibly special,” said Sonntag. “I’m inspired every day by the people I work with, and I’m grateful for the trust they and our owners have placed in me to lead them. I could not be more excited for what’s ahead this year as we lean into the legacy of America’s first destination ski resort with the opening of yet another new lift at Seattle Ridge and culminating in March when we host the world’s best skiers for the Alpine World Cup Finals."