Gunstock board selects ski industry veteran to lead resort forward

Robert Drake (Courtesy photo)

GILFORD - Following a four-month national search to replace retiring President and General Manager Tom Day, the Gunstock Area Commission on Thursday they have selected Robert Drake for the position beginning Aug. 5.

In a statement from commission Chair Doug Lambert, he noted that, "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."

Drake, an industry veteran with roots in Montana, most recently served as business operations GM for Middlebury Snowbowl in Vermont. The ski area, a self-described "Vermont Original" since 1934, is owned and operated by Middlebury College and where he launched his East Coast ski career after leaving his adopted home of Bozeman, Mont., in 2022. Prior to 2022, Drake worked as the Assistant GM at Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Bozeman and the Director of Sales, Marketing, and Lodging Services at Red Lodge Mountain Resort in Red Lodge, Mont.

Tom Day added, "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. Robert gets that, and we think he is going to be a great fit for the demands of this position."

Drake also worked as the vice president of operations for Wildfire Defense Systems in Bozeman, where he served as an operations strategist for the wildfire consulting and field services firm. He has served on the boards of the Montana Ski Areas Association, Silver Run Ski Club, Fat Tire Frenzy MTB Festival, and the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club.

Like Robert, his wife and three children are avid skiers who have provided him with invaluable support throughout his professional journey. His oldest son raced for Rocky Mountain College and still lives in Montana where he serves as the U14 Head Alpine Coach for the Bridger Ski Foundation.

Of his upcoming move to Gunstock, Drake says, "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 Vice Chair, Jade Wood, who was part of the five-member selection committee appointed by the commission, noted, "Gunstock is an excellent model for organizational and community-supported resilience. The selection process confirmed that the relationship between the management team and the commission is well-positioned for continued self-sustainability, measured growth, and careful fiscal calibration. We are incredibly grateful for Tom's vision, passion, and execution and we wish him well in his retirement. It is with great and hopeful expectation that we welcome Robert Drake as the new President and General Manager of Gunstock Mountain Resort."

About Gunstock

Located in the heart of the legendary Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Gunstock Mountain Resort is among the longest continuously operating ski areas in the country and remains committed to its mission of connecting people of all ages and abilities to the outdoors. Built by the Works Progress Administration in 1937, Gunstock is owned and operated by New Hampshire's Belknap County. Gunstock is a four-season recreation area that features alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, RV and tent camping, adventure park attractions, and is host to many weddings, celebrations, group functions and major public events.