John Rice will soon depart as the leader of Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, taking on an even larger challenge as the new President and CEO of Ski California.
The Ski California Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Rice to succeed Mike Reitzell. Rice, a ski industry veteran with 47 years of experience, has served as Vice President and General Manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe since 1993. Ski California oversees ski resorts in California and Nevada.
“On behalf of the full Ski California board, we’re excited to work with John in a new capacity as Ski California’s next President,” said Wade Reeser, COO of Big Bear Mountain Resort and Ski California board chair. “He has a long history with and deep knowledge of our association, understands the unique challenges of our resorts and the communities they operate in, and is well prepared to step right in and continue the great work that Mike Reitzell did for the past decade on behalf of our industry.”
The National Ski Areas Association board also appointed Kristin Bohm, a seasoned attorney specializing in ski industry defense. She succeeds John Fagan, who has served as Special Counsel to the association for more than 30 years.
As Special Counsel to Ski California. Bohm’s legal expertise and understanding of the challenges facing ski resorts is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the association’s strategies and initiatives. She will support Rice in guiding Ski California into a new chapter for the industry.
As the President of Ski California, Rice will serve as the primary leader and representative of the ski industry in California and Nevada. He will oversee the organization’s advocacy efforts, spearhead safety initiatives, develop industry education, drive innovation, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Rice will also be responsible for cultivating key relationships with government agencies, legislators, and industry partners while trying to ensure that Ski California continues to thrive and grow in alignment with its long-term strategic vision and mission. He will work in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and actively support the organization’s member resorts, from global companies to independent resorts, community-based areas, and nonprofit organizations.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Ski California after a long and fulfilling career in ski area management,” Rice said. “Over the past 40-plus years, I’ve witnessed how far we’ve come as an association and how collaboration has fueled our achievements. I’m excited to embark on this next chapter of service to the industry and committed to lead Ski California with focus, passion, and a vision to ensure our continued success.”
Over the course of his career, Rice has managed all aspects of operations at five resorts in California. A popular, results-oriented leader, he is recognized for his passion for snowsports and commitment to mentoring team members. Rice is also known for the strong relationships he has established with local, state, and federal stakeholder groups.
His most challenging task came at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Rice successfully led the Sierra team through the COVID pandemic and navigated the challenges the resort experienced following the devastating Caldor Fire, helping get Sierra back open after a one-year absence and his team back to work.
For the immediate future, Rice will lead Ski California from South Lake Tahoe. His official Ski California start date will be determined on the transition needed to bring in a new leader at Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Bohm is a long-time ski industry defense attorney that brings nearly 20 years of legal experience to the new role. Her last nine years have been spent representing ski resorts, equipment manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders in a wide variety of legal matters.
“Ski California as an association, and most of our individual resorts, have worked alongside Kristin for many years,” Reeser said. “She is a steadfast defender of our industry who not only understands the unique challenges, issues, and opportunities within our industry, but is well-versed in navigating the legal complexities of it. We’re excited to have her in this important role.”
For more information regarding Ski California, visit www.skicalifornia.org.
