SAM Magazine—Massanutten, Va., Feb. 7, 2024—Industry veteran Michael Hammes has been selected as the new general manager and vice president of Massanutten Resort, a four-season resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Hammes most recently served as director of base operations at Washington's Summit at Snoqualmie resort, part of the Boyne Resorts group. He also has held leadership roles at Keystone Resort in Colorado, The Canyons/Park City Resort in Utah, Mammoth Resort in California, Omni Barton Creek and The San Luis in Texas, and the Wintergreen Resort in Virginia.

Hammes began his career with Planet Hollywood Restaurants in Chicago, helping to opening over 12 of the world's busiest restaurants.

“We are confident that [Hammes’] wealth of experience and commitment to excellence will contribute significantly to the continued success and growth of the resort,” said Matthias Smith, executive vice president at The Resorts Companies, which owns Massanutten. “Together, we look forward to crafting a new chapter of exceptional hospitality.”

Smith was Massanutten’s general manager since 2014 before being elevated to his current position.

“I am both honored and excited to return to the Shenandoah Valley region and establish a long-term role with Massanutten resort,” said Hammes, alluding to his time at the Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford, where he worked as director of hospitality in 2017-19. “Contributing to the rich history of the resort with such a great team in place is humbling. I am eager to help deliver a continued outstanding experience for our team, guests, owners, and the community.”

The Resorts Companies also owns and operates the Wilderness Presidential Resort located in Spotsylvania, Va.