The ski industry is on the cusp of a major shift. Nearly 40 percent of U.S.-based resort general managers are age 60 or over, according to NSAA. When all of these leaders retire, they’ll take about 3,000 years of experience with them.

Enter the young guns. Our industry has long thrived on superstars in supporting roles, but perhaps more than ever, the focus is on the crop of enthusiastic and passionate Millennials who are gearing up to assume leadership roles at ski areas. If this year’s 10 Under 30 is any indication, the future is in good hands.

SAM received more than two dozen nominations this year, diverse in geography, position, and sector. They came from marketing, guest services, snowmaking, retail, sales, admin, rental, retail, and mountain ops. Interestingly, nominations didn’t come only from coworkers—ski area suppliers and subcontractors also jumped in. One person received a whopping 11 nominations. Yet this group represents just a fraction of the young talent at resorts across North America.

Congrats to all the nominees, and a big “thank you!” to our readers who took the time to put them on our radar.

CHARLES  BACON	STIRLING COBB	BEN COLONA	DUSTIN COMBS	BECCA DESCHENES
KAELA GILLUM	SAGE MCDERMOTT	IAN NAUDAIN	BRENDAN RYAN	BRITTANY SMITH

Click on a Nominee to read their full profile, complete with full interviews and nominator statements. We think you'll agree that its an impressive group. Now let us know which six-word bio inspired you the most...and get everyone in your organization to vote—there are bragging rights at stake! — The Editors