The Ski California Board of Directors has appointed John Rice, a ski industry veteran with 47 years of experience, as the Association’s new president.
Rice, who has served as VP and general manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe since 1993, succeeds Mike Reitzell, now president and CEO of the National Ski Areas Association.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Ski California after a long and fulfilling career in ski area management,” said Rice. “Over the past 40+ years, I’ve witnessed how far we’ve come as an association, and how collaboration has fueled our achievements. I’m excited to embark on this next chapter of service to the industry, and I am committed to leading Ski California with focus, passion, and a vision to ensure our continued success.”
The Board also appointed Kristin Bohm, Esq. specializing in ski industry defense, as special counsel to Ski California. The trade group said Bohm’s legal expertise and nuanced understanding of ski resorts’ challenges will play a pivotal role in supporting the Association’s strategies and initiatives. She will support Rice in guiding Ski California into a new industry chapter.
Over the course of his career, Rice has reportedly managed all aspects of operations at five resorts in California.
“A popular, results-oriented leader widely recognized for his passion for snowsports and commitment to mentoring team members, he is also known for the strong relationships he has established with local, state and federal stakeholder groups,” the group said.
Ski California said that Rice successfully led the Sierra-at-Tahoe team through the pandemic and navigated the challenges the resort experienced following the Caldor Fire to get Sierra back open and operational.
“On behalf of the full Ski California board, we’re excited to work with John in a new capacity as Ski California’s next President,” said Wade Reeser, COO of Big Bear Mountain Resort and board chair of Ski California. “He has a long history with and deep knowledge of our association, understands the unique challenges of our resorts and the communities they operate in, and is well prepared to step right in and continue the great work that Mike Reitzell did for the past decade on behalf of our industry.”
As the president of Ski California, Rice will reportedly serve as the primary leader and representative of the ski industry in California and Nevada. The trade group said he will oversee the organization’s advocacy efforts, spearhead safety initiatives, develop industry education, drive innovation, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
“Rice will also be responsible for cultivating key relationships with government agencies, legislators, and industry partners while ensuring that Ski California continues to thrive and grow in alignment with its long-term strategic vision and mission,” Ski California said in a media release. “He will work in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and actively support the organization’s member resorts, from global companies to independent resorts, community-based areas, and non-profit organizations.”
Rice will lead Ski California from South Lake Tahoe, CA. His official start date will be determined based on the transition needed to bring in a new leader at Sierra-at-Tahoe. He will continue to lead Sierra-at-Tahoe until a successor is identified.
“Bohm’s appointment as special counsel to Ski California ensures the association will be well represented now and in the future,” Ski California added. “A long-time ski industry defense attorney, Bohm brings nearly 20 years of legal experience to the role, the last nine of which have been spent representing ski resorts, equipment manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders in a wide variety of legal matters ranging from liability defense, employment defense, regulatory compliance, advice and counsel pertaining to safety and risk management, and complex contractual issues.”
Bohm succeeds John Fagan, who served as special counsel to the Association for over 30 years.
“Ski California as an association, and most of our individual resorts, have worked alongside Kristin for many years. She is a steadfast defender of our industry who not only understands the unique challenges, issues, and opportunities within our industry but is well-versed in navigating the legal complexities of it. We’re excited to have her in this important role,” continued Reeser.
Ski California (California Ski Industry Association) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association representing 36 ski resorts in California and Nevada.
Image courtesy Ski California/Bear Valley
