Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is saying goodbye to Doug MacFarlane, vice president of mountain operations.
MacFarlane is retiring after 36 years touring his way up the ranks of the company. According to a release issued by WB, ski-industry veteran Brian Suhadolc will take over the role.
MacFarlane expressed admiration for those he worked with over the years and the mountains he pursued a career in based on passion.
“It’s impossible to sum up what 36 years at Whistler Blackcomb have meant to me. Not many people are lucky enough to say they pursued their passion and turned it into a career they’re proud of—but I can. There won’t ever be enough words to accurately share what these mountains—and most importantly, the people here—have meant to me,” MacFarlane said in the release.
“I’m eternally grateful for every moment and lesson learned over the years, every team I’ve been part of, and every person I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with. This certainly isn’t goodbye, it’s just ‘see you later’ as I enter this new adventure of retirement as a loyal guest of these two great mountains.”
Belina Trembath, Whistler Blackcomb VP & COO, called MacFarlane a pioneer of mountain operations and integral to bringing Whistler to the world as an international destination.
“Doug’s leadership and tremendous impact can be felt in every corner of Whistler Blackcomb and within the community. In his 36 years at the resort, he has been a pioneer in Mountain Operations and a key player in elevating Whistler Blackcomb to what it is today—an iconic global destination known for its incredible on-mountain experiences,” Trembath said in the release.
“He has inspired countless team members over the last three decades and his legacy is one of passion. On behalf of the entire Whistler Blackcomb and Vail Resorts family, we wish Doug nothing but the best as he enters this new chapter.”
Filling MacFarlane’s big skis, Suhadolc has ran mountain operations throughout North America, at Park City Mountain and Vail Mountain, and comes to WB from Mount Snow in Vermont, where he was the vice president and general manager, according to Trembath. At Park City, he executed a $50-million lift upgrade and connection project, and at Vail, he brought in a snowmaking system.
“I have the utmost confidence in Brian, and I know he will step into this role with a level of focus and excellence that Whistler Blackcomb demands,” Trembath said.
In the release, Suhadolc called the new role an honour and stressed the excellence and innovation at WB as admirable.
“I look forward to listening, learning, and getting to know the Whistler Blackcomb team and the community while also bringing my experience and passion for Mountain Operations to therole,” he said.
He begins his role Aug. 5.
