Gilford, New Hampshire — Nearly six months after Tom Day announced his retirement, Gunstock has found its new General Manager who will lead it into the future.
Last Thursday, the Gunstock Area Commission (GAC), which runs Gunstock Mountain Resort, announced that Robert Drake will become the new General Manager of the ski resort. His tenure will begin on August 5, 2024.
Originally from Montana, Robert has worked at various ski resorts. In Montana, he worked at Red Lodge Mountain as Director of Sales, Marketing, and Lodging Services and at Bridger Bowl as the Assistant General Manager. In 2022, he became the business operations GM for Middlebury Snowbowl. He joined the Vermont ski area during a transformative period, as they added a new chairlift and night skiing last season.
In the press release, Drake said that, “I have a deep-rooted passion for snow sports and the ski industry, and I am thrilled to be chosen to continue Tom Day’s legacy and lead Gunstock into a new era of excellence. I am eager to collaborate with a team of equally passionate colleagues and engage with the vibrant New Hampshire Lakes Region and Seacoast ski and ride communities. Through dedication to innovating and delivering unparalleled guest experiences, Gunstock will continue to carve a path of excellence both on and off the slopes. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to make Gunstock my home for years to come.”
GAC Chair Doug Lambert succinctly described why they hired him for the role:
“Robert’s love of skiing, his well-rounded business background in and outside of the industry, and his community-oriented perspective makes him a natural fit for Gunstock and an exciting choice to continue the success that Tom and the management team have charted. The GAC is looking forward to working with Robert as he takes the helm of our beloved ski area.”
Robert will place Tom Day, who has been the General Manager of Gunstock since 2020. Before that, he worked in various leadership positions, such as being the Vice President and General Manager of Waterville Valley from 1997 to 2010. He helped create a healthy bottom line for the ski resort and guided their employees through a tense period when partisan members took control of the Gunstock Area Commission. During the offseason of 2023, he oversaw various major capital improvements, including building a new rental shop, renovating the Stockade Lodge, expanding the Panorama Pub, and paving the main parking lot.
“Robert’s experience working with the board and the association at Bridger Bowl, which is community-owned and operated, is important. The community here is very involved and interested in Gunstock’s success and everything happening here,” said Tom Day. “Robert gets that, and we think he is going to be a great fit for the demands of this position.”
This offseason, $4.8 million in improvements are planned. These include adding snowmaking to two trails, adding a deck to the Stockade Lodge, and building a welcome center at the campground.
Gunstock Mountain Resort, which is owned by Belknap County, first opened in 1937, making it one of the most historic ski resorts in a region full of historical ones. The ski resort has 49 trails, 8 lifts, and a 1,340 feet vertical drop. Other winter activities include nordic skiing and snow tubing.
Gunstock remains a bustling place in the summertime, with various attractions and events, such as a zip-line tour, mountain coaster, campground, scenic chairlift rides, a Ford Bronco off-rodeo course, and more.
Image Credits: Gunstock Mountain Resort
