Last month, Vail Resorts, Inc. announced that Tracy Bartels, former senior director of mountain operations at Colorado’s Keystone Resort, accepted the role of general manager at Mount Sunapee effective November 18.

The combination of Bartels’ depth of operations experience, leadership and passion for mountain communities qualified her for the position, said Doug Pierini, vice president and chief operating officer of the eastern region. Bartels joined Vail Resorts nearly 20 years ago as a children’s ski instructor at Breckinridge Ski Resort in addition to taking on a broad cross-section of other roles there.

Bartels took over at Mount Sunapee from Bruce Schmidt, the former Okemo Mountain Resort general manager. Based in Broomfield, CO, Vail Resorts now operates 37 ski resorts worldwide. It purchased operating rights for the state-owned property in Newbury, NH in addition to buying Okemo and Colorado resort Crested Butte, from the Mueller family in 2018 for $82 million. Bartels and her husband of 31 years reside in Sunapee.

 

1.What are your feelings about recently being appointed the role of general manager at Mount Sunapee?

I am very excited to lead the team at Mount Sunapee.  I love the family environment with the nurturing learning area and the legacy of timeless charm of Mount Sunapee.  What does this mean for Mount Sunapee's future?  The team at Mount Sunapee will strive to continue provide the ultimate in learning experiences through outstanding service levels and be pushed to improve all aspects of service to our guests.

2. You have once been quoted as saying that your personal motto is based on Mark Twain's quote: "Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection". What does the quote mean, and how does it apply to your motto and, more specifically, to your plans for Mount Sunapee?  

I do not like to simply rest on how things have always been done.  I believe that, even if everything is great, we can always find ways to improve.  Mount Sunapee is fantastic, and we need to continue to improve all aspects of the experience for our guests.

3. You joined Vail Resorts nearly 20 years ago as a children's ski instructor at Breckenridge Ski Resort and, during that time, have held a variety of roles involving the ski school, food and beverage, health and safety, and mountain operations. How do you think this experience will help to drive your mission in your new role as a general manager?  

I believe all of my various roles have uniquely positioned me to be able to delve into all areas of the operations and focus on the total guest experience.

4. What are you most proud of in your professional career and why?

I am very proud of the long-standing relationships I have developed with people who have worked for me, with me as peers, and as guests.  For me, forming strong personal relationships add to the value of the experience - at work or play.

5. How would you define yourself? Tell us more about who you are, what is most important to you, and where you see yourself in ten years.

I expect and want the best in every experience.   I want to be remembered as a person who acts with integrity, positively influences others, and works to continually improve all aspects of life.  Ten years is a long way out. Regardless of where I am, I want to have developed some lasting connections and look back on positive improvements for Mount Sunapee.