Telluride Ski Resort Honored in Three Categories by the National Ski Area Association

Every year the leading ski industry organizations recognize resorts and individuals for efforts that advance or improve the overall experience and wellbeing of skiers and riders. This year, Telluride Ski Resort and employees of the company were recognized by three different entities in three different categories.
The National Ski Area Association (NSAA) is a trade association formed in 1962 for ski area owners and operators, representing 325 alpine resorts nationwide. NSAA recognizes efforts made to improve the industry as a whole, create a better experience, and educate skiers and riders. The NSAA honored thirteen resorts from around the country this year for exceptional work in educating guests and employees about skiing and snowboarding responsibility. Telluride Ski Resort received the award for the Best Chairlift Safety Program in the nation.

This season’s lift safety program included an increase in the resort’s Chill on the Chair signage and messaging, focused on children’s safety on the lifts, as well as several series of safety signs reminding skiers and riders about their responsibility on the slopes.

Grooming is an integral part of the guest experience at every destination. Perfect corduroy from one side of a run to the other is a magnificent sight and luxurious to ski. Telluride Ski Resort’s very own Steve “Parky” Parkinson was honored as the Groomer of the Year by Colorado Ski Country USA, Colorado’s industry trade group.

Parkinson began his grooming career here in 1980 and was Telluride’s first winch cat driver. Winch cat drivers groom the steepest runs in the country with winch assistance. He is an integral part of providing the renowned skiing and snowboarding on Telluride’s signature runs, including The Plunge, Bushwacker, Milk Run and Silvercloud. He is also a key player with the Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club as the builder of the quality race courses, contributing to the success of our young athletes.

SAM Magazine (Ski Area Management) is the voice of the mountain resort industry, keeping staff from CEOs to the front line informed about current issues and practices. SAM recognizes emerging leaders in the industry with its SAMMY Leadership Award each year. This year’s recipients included TSG Vice President of Sales & Marketing Matt Skinner, along with Jody Churich, president and GM of Boreal, Soda Springs, CA, and Peter Sonntag, GM, Heavenly Mountain Resort, CA. The three were recognized for their accomplishments to date and potential to have an even bigger impact in the future.

Originally from Boise, ID, Skinner has been a part of the resort industry most of his life. He worked in newspapers and television and at multiple resorts, domestic and abroad, before coming to Telluride. Since his arrival, Telluride has been recognized with three NSAA Marketing Awards in the last four years and top rankings in various industry and travel publications.

Telluride continues to gain momentum in the mountain resort industry, and the succession of awards over the past several years recognizes the dedication and hard work that goes into creating that success.