SAM Magazine-Vancouver, B.C., Mar. 2, 2009-Hugh Smythe, Intrawest's senior vice president of mountain resorts, is retiring on Mar. 12. He will remain an advisor to the company.

Smythe, a 43 year veteran of the ski industry,has been with Intrawest since 1986, including 20 years as president of resort operations. Currently, he oversees the management of Intrawest's Eastern resorts, as well as cross-resort business platforms including F&B and rental/retail operations. These groups will now report directly to Intrawest CEO Bill Jensen.

Smythe was instrumental in Intrawest's growth from a single resort operation to a major multi-resort company. It was his vision that led to the original development of Blackcomb Mountain in 1980 and to the ultimate success of Whistler Blackcomb. With Intrawest's entry into the ski industry in 1986, Smythe was deeply involved in each successive resort acquisition. Most recently, Smythe realized his vision for the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

"I have a tremendous amount of pride in the company we have built and the legacy we continue to create for our resort guests, homeowners and employees," said Smythe. "It has been a fantastic journey since I started as a ski patroller on Whistler Mountain in 1966." He added, "I am proud of my contributions to the industry overall, and it is truly an honor to remain actively involved with the Intrawest team going forward."

"Hugh is one of the most experienced and respected individuals in the ski industry," said Jensen. "His commitment to excellence has redefined the levels of customer service, safety and guest satisfaction that customers have come to expect when they visit ski destinations around the world." \