Gifford will be PNSAA’s fourth president. He succeeds Scott Kaden, who resigned after 12 years with PNSAA. Gifford’s tenure at Stevens Pass spanned 14 years, and he served as GM for the past 10. He was a PNSAA board member for eight years, and the founding president of Ski Washington, a role he filled for six years. Gifford also served as a member of the NSAA board for one year.

“John’s business acumen, his experience as a ski area general manager, his vast knowledge of the Pacific Northwest ski industry, and his relationships with the leadership at the National Ski Areas Association make him the ideal candidate for this critical leadership position,” said Dave Rathbun, chairman of the PNSAA board and president and GM of Mt. Bachelor.

“I understand the immense value of a strong and supportive association,” Gifford said. “I look forward to building on the relationships that Scott has forged with members of the Association, as well as the agencies and organizations that work with the ski industry.”