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Winter is here: Marmot Basin opens today.
The Jasper ski hill’s November 8 opening date was weather-dependent but was confirmed by Marmot last Thursday.
And this year Marmot has a new head honcho.
Longtime president and CEO of Marmot Basin Dave Gibson retired at the end of June after leading the resort for 32 years.
He has been succeeded by Jason Paterson, who has been vice president of operations and maintenance at Marmot Basin since 2012 and was tram manager at Jasper SkyTram from 2000 to 2002.
“I love the culture in the ski industry that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Paterson.
“It is an enthusiastic culture that energizes people and some people will be involved for a year or two and it’s always a part of them - but some of us stick around.”
Paterson’s first job at a ski hill was as a lift operator and he has always worked in the industry, apart from time away at university and a short break working in finance and economic development.
“I was lucky to go to school and get an education while working in the industry, and lucky to have a bunch of mentors in my life who helped propel me through,” he said.
“It is a blast, a lot of fun. I love the outdoors and the winter.”
And Paterson said he is excited for the winter season ahead.
“With the SkyTram shutting and Marmot ramping up, everything's coming together,” he said.
“We have a strong team, a lot of new faces in senior management and below.”
Paterson said Marmot is going to be a different operation this year and he wants to bring a more collaborative approach to how things work.
“We have a new approach this year, we are testing a lot of processes and will be looking for a lot of feedback on what people want,” he said.
“From an event and group booking point of view we have a busy season ahead.
“And to our locals, we want to offer the best skiing possible.”
Paterson paid tribute to former president Gibson’s era at the ski hill.
He said: “Dave did a great job.
“He was Marmot Basin for so long and did a fantastic job.
“He took it from a very rudimentary ski area in the 80s and grew it to a destination facility. The growth is there, the story tells itself.”
And what are Paterson’s hopes for the season ahead?
“The biggest is to have a huge snow year which I’m sure we will,” he said.
“I hope it’s one for the books.”
