President and General Manager Ski Cooper

Ski Cooper

Ski Cooper is seeking a champion for independent skiing to guide “The Heart of Skiing in the Heart of the Rockies” into its next era. If you are a passionate leader who thrives on developing and coaching high-performing teams, solving dynamic challenges, guiding an authentic underdog through its next phase of growth, and blending time-tested ski industry traditions with forward-thinking strategies, all while building strong community and interagency relationships, you may be our next President & General Manager.

Ski Cooper stands proudly as the antithesis of the mega resort. Its origins trace back to the brave men of the 10 th Mountain Division who skied the first slopes on Cooper Hill to train and prepare to fight on skis and secure victory in the breakthrough Battle of Mount Belvedere in World War II, successfully breaking the German line and opening the path to the Po Valley.

Through its long-term lease agreement with Lake County spanning decades, Ski Cooper has retained an authentic skiing-centric, no-nonsense mission ever since.

Straddling the Continental Divide just outside of America’s highest city, Leadville, CO, the mountain’s high elevation guarantees superior snow quality, while its approachable, down-to‑earth atmosphere make it the ideal learning experience for new skiers, and simultaneously a welcome retreat for skiers of all abilities who prefer shorter lines, uncrowded slopes, and accessible prices.

Topping out at 11,700’ elevation, Ski Cooper offers 64 trails served by 5 lifts, spanning 480 lift‑served acres. And that’s just the beginning. The 2025 Ski Cooper Master Development Plan, currently in review by the United States Forest Service, guides the way to organic and thoughtful growth true to the mountain’s character, opening the door to $40 Million in improvements including multiple new lifts, major terrain expansion, and significant base area upgrades.

You have the opportunity to lead a successful 501(c)4 organization at an exciting time of growth. You’ll have ownership of all operations, administration, and management of the ski area, reporting to the Cooper Hill Ski Area, Inc. volunteer Board of Directors.

You’ll confidently navigate the complexities of the day-to-day leadership of the company, while partnering with the Board to ensure long-term strategic and financial goals are achieved.

You’ll develop and coach your team to excellence so you can focus on executive leadership, strategy, growth, and fostering community/interagency relationships, while still maintaining a visible presence around the mountain.

You’ll also be responsible for the next chapter: championing the Ski Cooper Master Development Plan and the strategies and financial planning needed to bring it to fruition.

Anticipated Salary Range: $135,000 - $190,000 annually DOE, plus bonus opportunities

Job Type: Full-Time Year-Round, onsite

Benefits:

• 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

Perks:

• Free season pass for you and your dependents
• Reciprocal Skiing Privileges at many resorts
• Complimentary Ski/Snowboard Lessons
• On-Premises Discounts

• Develop and coach a high-performing team to successfully operate the ski area to high standards of guest satisfaction, safety, and operational excellence
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational structure
• Forge a culture of resilience, high performance, accountability, and teamwork
• Lead and guide succession plans for key roles
• Maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers, industry organizations (NSAA, CPTSB, CSCUSA), and industry peers
• Guide and monitor capital…