Alterra Mountain Company appointed Dave Hunter as president and COO of Steamboat in Colorado and Eric Clark as president and COO of Mammoth Mountain in California, who will also oversee operations at nearby June Mountain. Hunter and Clark acted as interim leaders through the 2023/24 winter season.
“Steamboat and Mammoth Mountain are two marquee destinations within the Alterra Mountain Company portfolio, and I have great confidence in Dave and Eric’s capabilities to continue their success well into the future,” said Mark Brownlie, chief operating officer of Alterra Mountain Company. “For several years, both have been incredibly dedicated to their destinations, proving their ability to lead, their love for their mountain communities, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the employee and guest experience.”
Hunter comes to the role with over 30 years of experience in the ski industry and sales, the last six spent at Steamboat. He started at Mt. Tom Ski Area in Holyoke, MA, and moved to Colorado in 1997, eventually becoming Eldora Mountain Resort’s director of operations in 2004. After 15 years at Eldora, Hunter joined snowcat manufacturer Prinoth as director of North American sales and joined Steamboat in 2017 as VP of Mountain Operations. Since then, he has been responsible for overseeing all components of Steamboat’s mountain operations, including snowmaking, lift maintenance and operations and ski patrol. Under his leadership, Steamboat reported it “installed the longest, fastest ten-person gondola in North America, introduced an on-hill dedicated beginners area and added 655 acres of advanced and expert terrain, helping transform Steamboat into Colorado’s second largest ski resort.”
“Dave is no stranger to the changing landscape of the ski, tourism and hospitality industries, and his extensive knowledge and experience will keep Steamboat steered in the right direction to move full steam ahead for many years to come,” said Rob Perlman, Alterra EVP and former president and COO of Steamboat. “As the interim leader of the resort this winter, he proved he could effectively guide his team through the various peaks and valleys that come with each season.”
Eric Clark at Mammoth Mountain also brings over 30 years of industry and hospitality experience to his new role. During his industry tenure, he has held leadership positions in the ski country of Colorado and Utah, with the last ten-plus years spent in California. Clark began at Mammoth Mountain in 2013 as chief operating officer (COO) of hospitality and oversaw lodging properties, golf course operations and the resort catering department. By 2015, Clark was promoted to COO of resort services, including the hospitality, food and beverage, retail, staff accommodations, and guest services divisions.
As a member of various executive committees, Clark’s wide focus on resort operations includes increasing revenue for retail, food and beverage, outdoor activities, and lodging businesses. Additionally, he has managed multiple HOA buildings, Master associations where he “continually strives to ensure a common vision is established between the resort, business and residential homeowners, and commercial leases of the resort communities.” He serves on the board for Mammoth Lakes Tourism. He is the past Treasurer of the AYSO Soccer board and Mammoth Hospital Foundation board.
“Eric has proved to be a remarkably successful operator of Mammoth Mountain, which is the largest destination in Alterra’s portfolio,” said Ron Cohen, Alterra EVP and former president and COO of Mammoth Mountain. “Eric is passionate about the Mammoth Mountain community and its team, and I have no doubt he will continue to thrive at the helm of this special place.”
Image courtesy Alterra Mountain Company
