SAM Magazine—Stratton, Vt., Oct. 11, 2023—Alterra Mountain Company has named Matt Jones president and COO of Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort. He most recently served as the VP and general manager of Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California.

Jones will report to Alterra’s regional COO, Patrice Malo, and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations with an eye towards enhancing the employee and guest experience, continuing to build and strengthen community relationships, and driving profitability.

“I am very excited to begin a new chapter at Stratton, where I will have the pleasure of helping continue its rich history and legacy that many before me have cultivated,” Jones said. “Alterra offers the opportunity to lean into what is best for the employees, community, and guests, and I look forward to the many opportunities ahead.”

Jones has 25 years of industry experience, including other roles at Vail Resorts. He spent a decade on the senior leadership team at Vail Mountain as director of human resources. Before moving to Kirkwood, he served as VP of human resources at Vail Resorts, where he oversaw all its Colorado resorts and employee housing initiatives. He served on the executive committee of the Ski California board of directors and was chair of the emergency grants committee for Vail Resorts’ Epic Promise Foundation.

“Matt prioritizes the value of strong resort and community relationships, making him an ideal fit to lead Stratton,” said Alterra COO Mark Brownlie. “I look forward to having him on the Alterra leadership team, where he will be empowered to build on its already rich employee culture and enhance the guest experience.”

Stratton was established in 1961 and offers 13 lifts, 625 acres of skiable terrain, and more than 2,000 vertical feet. Alterra recently invested nearly $7 million in the resort for the 2023-24 winter season to enhance multiple facets of the guest and employee experience, with a reimagined beginner area and new RFID gates at all major lift terminals.