Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Heavenly Mountain Resort has announced the forthcoming retirement of its current Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Tom Fortune, effective June 23. After an illustrious 45-year career in the industry, Fortune will be passing the torch to his successor, Shaydar Edelmann. Edelmann brings with him 25 years of invaluable industry experience, having most recently served as the Vice President of Mountain Operations at Park City Mountain.
Fortune’s journey with Vail Resorts began in 2010 when he assumed the role of Director of Base Area Operations at Heavenly, a position he held for six years. He then transitioned to Director of Mountain Operations at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in 2016, subsequently becoming General Manager and Vice President there two years later. In 2019, Fortune ascended to the position of GM & VP at Heavenly, later adding the role of COO overseeing the resort and the Tahoe Region, which included Northstar California and Kirkwood, in 2022.
Noteworthy among Fortune’s accomplishments is his leadership during the Caldor Fire in 2021, where he demonstrated exemplary coordination during mandatory evacuations at Heavenly and Kirkwood. He spearheaded efforts to support firefighting endeavors by mobilizing his team to establish a base camp for First Responders, utilizing Heavenly’s California Base Area and snowmaking equipment. Additionally, Fortune played a pivotal role as a guiding force through the 2022/23 winter season’s unprecedented snowfall, which prompted a state of emergency across the region. Throughout his career, Fortune has actively contributed to various tourism and government advisory boards, currently holding the position of Chair of the Board of Ski California.
“Tom has been an incredible force over the last four decades and his leadership has left an indelible mark on the ski industry and all of us,” said Jody Churich, SVP & COO of Vail Resorts’ West Region. “From starting his career at Stevens Pass in 1978, to today as COO at Heavenly & Tahoe, Tom is the definition of how passion can transform into impact. We are so proud to have been part of his journey, and his legacy of transparency, honesty, and kindness will continue to be an inspiration.”
“I am forever grateful to the amazing people I have had the honor of working with over the last 45 years – I have learned and grown, and my success is not mine alone, but shared with everyone I’ve ever crossed paths with. Thank you to the teams at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, and Stevens Pass for 14 amazing years, and I want to further share my gratitude to the Vail Resorts team for their endless support along my journey and in making this decision,” Fortune said. “This decision was not one made lightly, but I am ready to start a new adventure.”
Following Fortune’s departure, Edelmann is set to assume the role of GM & VP at Heavenly, commencing on June 24.
Bringing over twenty years of industry experience to the table, Edelmann has spent the past four years as VP of Mountain Operations at Park City. In this capacity, he oversaw a team of over 700 individuals, navigating challenges posed by COVID-19 and unprecedented snowfall. Notably, he spearheaded chairlift optimization initiatives across Vail Resorts and contributed significantly to the planning and permitting processes for forthcoming transformative upgrades in lift and snowmaking technologies at the resort.
Before his tenure at Park City, Edelmann dedicated 17 years to North Lake Tahoe. Starting in Competitions & Events at Alpine Meadows, he progressed through leadership roles in Ski & Ride School and Skier Services. Subsequently, he served as VP of Operations at Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs, and Woodward Tahoe. During this time, he played a pivotal role in implementing California’s inaugural recycled water snowmaking system and oversaw the construction and launch of Woodward Tahoe. Prior to his current role, he served as the general manager of Woodward Park City during its construction and grand opening, before joining Vail Resorts in 2020.
“I am so honored and excited to be stepping into the role of GM & VP at Heavenly,” Edelmann said. “Tahoe has so much passion and energy around the outdoors and snowsports, and Heavenly is truly iconic. The chance to lead this special mountain resort is something that only comes once in a lifetime. I look forward to getting to know the Heavenly team and South Lake Tahoe community as I begin this new chapter.”
Heavenly straddles two states, delivering an unparalleled skiing adventure with its mesmerizing, iconic vistas nestled amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Spanning nearly 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and boasting 97 trails, from smoothly groomed paths to thrilling chutes, the mountain caters to skiers and riders of all levels with its extensive variety of landscapes.
Edelmann will spearhead the resort’s operations, overseeing Mountain and Base Area Operations, Food & Beverage services, Ski & Ride School, and other vital aspects of the business.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
