Women are leading some of the largest destinations in the snowsports industry, including Park City Mountain in Utah, as Vail Resorts continues to expand female representation within its executive ranks and resort management. The company currently reports that nearly 25% of its resorts are run by women.
Leadership at Park City Mountain
At Park City Mountain, Deirdra Walsh serves as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In a statement regarding the industry's potential for female professionals, Walsh encouraged women to pursue careers within the company, stating, "This is an industry for everybody. Come and join Vail Resorts. This and is a place where you can thrive."
Corporate Executive Milestones
The presence of women in high-level roles extends across the broader Vail Resorts network. The company's two largest resorts—Park City Mountain in Utah and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia—are both currently under female leadership. This follows a historic appointment in 2021 when Kirsten Lynch became the first female CEO for Vail Resorts and the highest-ranking woman in the ski industry. Lynch remains a significant figure in the sector, as she is the only female CEO among Travel & Leisure companies listed on the Fortune 1000.
Board and Executive Diversity
Vail Resorts' board and executive committee also reflect this shift toward gender diversity. According to company data, six of the 11 board directors are women, and one-third of the members on the executive committee are women. This internal structure is supported by long-standing industry veterans like Pat Campbell, who serves as a Senior Advisor to Vail Resorts and Chair of the National Ski Areas Association Board of Directors. Campbell’s career trajectory, which began as a ski instructor and included serving as the first woman to lead the Mountain Division for the company, serves as a primary example of the company's leadership development.
Economic Drivers for Inclusion
The push for female leadership is driven by both social and economic objectives. While the National Ski Areas Association reports that female participation in snowsports has remained stagnant at approximately 30% for over a decade, Vail Resorts views diversity as essential to the sport's sustainability. The company notes that women often guide discretionary spending and plan family vacations, making their engagement critical to the industry's resilience.
Employee Resource Initiatives
To facilitate this growth, the company utilizes its Women & Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG) to gather direct feedback from staff. Shannon Buehler, who serves as the Vice President and General Manager of Stowe Mountain Resort and is a Co-Lead of the ERG, noted that the group has conducted workshops and focus groups involving more than 100 employees to assess how to better empower female staff. This process includes analyzing data and collaborating with human resources and recruitment teams to identify new opportunities for advancement across the resort network.
Industry Recognition and Culture
The company's focus on gender diversity has earned external recognition, including being named one of America’s Best Employers for Women by Forbes. Additionally, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce recognized Vail Resorts as a "Champion of Change" for its efforts in the male-dominated industry. Beth Howard, the Chief Operating Officer of Vail Mountain, emphasized that the company's culture is built on providing a path toward significant roles, noting that she grew her own career from food and beverage positions to leading the namesake resort.
Future Outlook
While Park City Mountain continues to offer a variety of summer activities, including dining and mountain exploration as detailed in its current seasonal offerings, the company remains focused on its long-term goal of breaking the "ice ceiling" for women in snowsports. The company maintains that investments in gender diversity over the last 15 years are intended to create a more inclusive and productive workplace for all employees.
