Danbury, New Hampshire — Ragged started a new era in November 2025 following the purchase of the ski resort by long-time skiers. The latest step in its future vision came this week, as a new General Manager has been announced.

Yesterday, Ragged Mountain Resort announced that Alan “Al” Wickstrom will be their new General Manager. As the nickname implies, you can call him Al. Wickstrom was the longtime Mountain Operations Manager at Ragged Mountain before heading to Loon to serve as the Vice President of Mountain Operations.

The news follows the departure of Erik Barnes, who rejoined Pacific Group Resorts by becoming the future General Manager of Wisp Resort in Maryland.

For more information, check out the press release from Ragged below.

Ragged Mountain Names Industry Veteran and Former Mountain Operations Leader Alan Wickstrom as General Manager

Danbury, N.H. — July 22, 2026 — Ragged Mountain today announced the appointment of Alan “Al” Wickstrom as its new General Manager, marking the return of one of New Hampshire’s most respected mountain operations leaders to the ski area he calls home.

Wickstrom joins Ragged after serving as Vice President of Operations at Loon Mountain Resort, where he spent the past four years overseeing one of the largest and most complex ski resort operations in the Northeast. Prior to Loon, Wickstrom led Mountain Operations at Ragged Mountain, making his return both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.

A Danbury local and passionate Ragged skier, Wickstrom said the opportunity to return was one he couldn’t pass up.

“Ragged is where I learned this business, both operationally and fiscally,” said Wickstrom. “Leaving Loon is genuinely difficult because I helped build something I’m incredibly proud of with a team and leadership I deeply respect. But when the opportunity to return to Ragged came along, I knew in my heart it was the right decision. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned through the years in this industry and apply that knowledge to a mountain I already know well, and for a community I’ve been part of for a long time.”

The appointment comes as Ragged Mountain embarks on a multi-year investment strategy focused on enhancing the guest experience while preserving the independent character that has made the resort a favorite among New England skiers and riders. Planned investments include expanded snowmaking capabilities, improvements to the base area and lodge, and continued operational enhancements across the mountain.

Ragged Mountain ownership said Wickstrom’s combination of operational expertise, financial discipline, and deep connection to the mountain made him the clear choice to lead the next chapter of the resort’s growth.

“Al represents exactly the kind of leadership we were looking for,” ownership said in a statement. “He understands every aspect of mountain operations because he’s done the work himself. Just as importantly, he understands Ragged—its culture, its people, and what makes this mountain special. He brings the experience of leading one of the Northeast’s premier resort operations while sharing our commitment to keeping Ragged authentic, affordable, and family-focused.”

Asked about his leadership philosophy, Wickstrom emphasized that successful ski areas are built around their people. “You build people, not just processes,” he said. “A ski area succeeds because of the people who show up every day in all kinds of conditions. When you invest in your team, give them ownership, and help them understand why their work matters, great operations follow.”

Ownership also expressed its appreciation to Brenda Belmonte, who has served as Interim General Manager throughout the summer and helped ensure a smooth leadership transition.

With Wickstrom’s return, Ragged Mountain continues its focus on thoughtful growth, operational excellence, and preserving the community atmosphere that has defined the mountain for generations. As for his favorite trail? “On the right day,” Wickstrom said with a smile, “it’s hard to beat Not Too Shabby.”

ABOUT RAGGED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Ragged Mountain located in Danbury, NH, just 99 miles from Boston, MA, offers 57 trails and 250 acres of skiable terrain during the winter months. Spring, summer, and fall seasons bring lush meadows, unique venues, and full-service catering to provide unforgettable wedding and retreat experiences.

As of November 2025 Ragged Mountain Resort is locally owned by SF Mountain Co, LLC (SFMC). SFMC is led by six close friends who grew up skiing at Ragged and have deep ties to Danbury and the surrounding region. The group includes experienced professionals from across the outdoor industry and business world, united by a shared goal to keep Ragged rooted in community, maintain affordability, and promote outdoor recreation in one of New England’s most pristine locations.