Alta Ski Area has named David Hirasawa as its next general manager, with Hirasawa set to take over the role Oct. 19, 2026.
Alta President and General Manager Mike Maughan announced the appointment following a months-long search that included a review of resumes and interviews with 19 candidates.
According to Maughan, the search committee focused on finding a leader who understands what makes Alta unique, including its employees, culture, community, independence and commitment to providing an authentic skiing experience in a natural mountain environment.
“Throughout the search, the committee focused on finding someone who understands and respects what makes Alta unique – our employees, our culture, our community, our independence, and above all, our commitment to providing an authentic skiing experience in a natural mountain environment,” Maughan said. “This task was not taken lightly.”
Hirasawa brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the ski and resort industry, with a background in resort operations, finance, strategic planning, capital investment and development.
He most recently held a senior management position with Boyne Resorts, where he worked across multiple resorts and business areas, including Big Sky, Brighton, Boyne Mountain, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon Mountain and the Summit at Snoqualmie.
Before joining Boyne, Hirasawa spent nine years with Grand America Hotels & Resorts, working in accounting, resort operations, financial planning, risk management and information technology. His work included properties such as Sun Valley and Snowbasin ski resorts, along with six other hospitality properties.
Hirasawa has also held leadership positions with Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, Canyons Resort, Talisker Mountain and American Skiing Company. He began his career in investment banking in New York.
Hirasawa is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics with concentrations in finance and management and a minor in environmental studies.
Maughan said he believes Hirasawa can help Alta maintain its identity while navigating the increasingly complex business and political landscape facing the ski industry.
“I am confident that, with your help, Dave can help us preserve the heart and soul of Alta by providing authentic skiing experiences while taking care of our company, employees, customers and our mountain and generating sufficient resources to stay economically viable,” Maughan said.
