SAM Magazine—Kirkwood, Calif., Nov. 16, 2023—Ricky Newberry has been named VP and GM of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Newberry comes from Heavenly, where he’s served as VP of mountain operations since 2021. However, he started his 23-year ski industry career at Kirkwood in 1999, straight out of college, on the ski patrol. Both ski areas are owned by Vail Resorts.

"I can think of no one better suited to lead Kirkwood than Ricky,” said Tom Fortune, VP and COO of Heavenly and Vail Resorts' Tahoe Region. “Ricky’s connection to Kirkwood runs deep and his passion for the resort, team, and community will undoubtedly support his success. I know he will lead the resort with the clear focus, dedication, and empathy that he is known for.”

Newberry has been focused on mountain operations and safety throughout his career. His various safety-related roles at both Heavenly and Kirkwood over the years include patrol director and senior manager of health and safety. At Heavenly, where he worked in 2015 and again in 2021, he played a “pivotal role” in implementing best practices related to safety, snow science, and general operations, which shifted the resort’s approach to operations, says a press release.

His expertise has led to speaking engagements at the International Snow Science Workshop and participation in National Avalanche School Field Sessions. In Lake Tahoe, he’s served as an adjunct professor of Wilderness Studies at the Lake Tahoe Community College and as a trail crew leader for the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association.

He’s also a co-founder of the non-profit Kirkwood Rescue Avalanche Dogs Foundation, which helps to provide insurance, food, uniforms, and training for rescue dogs. 

His familiarity with Kirkwood’s avalanche terrain, mitigation procedures, and the work of patrol is a boon and “continues to be a passion and something I’m knowledgeable about,” said Newberry in an interview with SAM. “But that team is strong. I’ve passed the torch but will lean into what they need to be safe and successful and get the terrain open for employees and guests.”

Though it’s too soon to tell what the day-to-day will look like in his new role, Newberry said his 30-, 60-, 90-day plan is to connect with the community that he calls unique. “There’s an employee base, primary residents, and second homeowners. I’ll be focused on reconnecting with the people and the place,” said Newberry.

The return to Kirkwood, he said, is a homecoming of sorts. “It’s a pretty cool story to tell, as I’m piecing it together from day one on the front line,” said Newberry. “Coming back to Kirkwood feels good. It is a full-circle moment that comes with an incredible opportunity to lean into my leadership values and principles. The Kirkwood spirit of adventure generates a unique passion that seeps out of every corner and curve of the mountain, and to be immersed in it once again is truly an honor.”

Newberry will assume his new role on Nov. 20.