SAM Magazine-Danbury, N.H., June 26, 2007-Industry veteran Bob Fries is the new president of Ragged Mountain. Fries will be responsible for all facets of resort operations, including skiing, golf, and real estate.

Fries takes the position after a five-year stint as co-owner and president of Bolton Valley, Vt. He previously served as president of Stratton Resort, president of the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, N.Y., and general manager of Breckenridge Resort.

"We are incredibly fortunate that Bob Fries just completed the sale of his ownership in Bolton Valley and was available to lead our team at Ragged Mountain," said Douglas Anderson, a partner in RMR-Pacific, which purchased Ragged Mountain last month. "Bob has some of the best experience in the ski business, and I think the Lifetime Achievement Award he received last month from the Vermont Ski Areas Association speaks volumes about his credibility within this industry."

Fries predicted big changes will occur at Ragged Mountain, with substantial improvements across the board. "We will spend a substantial amount of money this summer just on deferred maintenance and infrastructure issues," he said. Once those projects are completed, Ragged Mountain will see "significant changes over the next few years," he added. "From a recreational and real estate perspective, we believe this will become one of the most attractive four-season resorts in New England, and we're really looking forward to that."