Sponsored by Ski the Northwest Rockies Association
Cover photo courtesy of Matt Mascol
Especially in a challenging year like the 2023/24 season, we owe the employees who keep our favorite local mountains serving up the snowy fun extra recognition. Here are a few of the people who have kept the spirit of winter we love up and running this season.
49 Degrees North: Lift mechanic Joshua Beckley goes above and beyond his regular work duties by taking photos of terrain conditions, from the summit and all over the mountain. “This not only gives folks something pretty to look at, but gives us all real-time conditions,” says marketing director Sarah Walker.
Lookout Pass: Liftie Lilianna is a standout employee at Lookout. “She’s constant energy—always happy, smiling, greeting people,” says marketing director Matt Sawyer. Sawyer also commends Lookout Pass Ski Patrol, especially because of an amazing life-saving outcome this season for a very serious event. “A guest suffered a heart attack on the slopes while skiing, and our patrol stepped in. They say it’s only a 6-7% chance of survival [for this type of incident], but our patrollers were able to revive the person with an AED and then continue respiration for 40 minutes before being able to transport the skier to a hospital.”
Mt. Spokane: Night manager Stephen Roys, who has been on staff since 2008, knows how to get things done, says general manager Jim Van Loben Sels. “Stephen has lots of energy. He’s great with customers, fully engaged and he loves it out here,” says Van Loben Sels. Roys also does year-round lift maintenance for Mt. Spokane.
Silver Mountain: “An employee who has gone above and beyond this season is the Noah’s Canteen new restaurant manager LaNae Hendrickson,” says Gus Colborn, marketing director for Silver. “Not only is she doing a fantastic job at the restaurant and banquets, but she is fully embracing the advantages of working at a ski resort.” Hendrickson, who was a Silver lift operator last season, says this is only her third year skiing. Colburn commends her for making time to improve her ski skills by hitting the slopes before the restaurant opens and using her days off to ski too. “I have really grown to love the community and sense of belonging that Silver Mountain provides,” she says.
