A longtime ski industry leader is about to retire after four decades on the snow from Eldora Mountain Resort in Nederland, Colorado.

Brent Tregaskis, President and General Manager of Eldora, has announced his retirement effective May 2, the resort announced Friday.

“With a distinguished career spanning four decades, Tregaskis arrived at Eldora in 2015 and quickly proved his dedication to the resort and its surrounding communities,” Sam Bass, Marketing Director at Eldora, said in a statement. “He oversaw significant enhancements and expansions that greatly improved the guest experience as well as future-proofed the resort infrastructure.”

Tregaskis’ tenured highlights at Eldora

• Strong partnership with the U.S. Forest Service resulting in positive decisions regarding past and future projects
• Helped with installation of the Alpenglow high-speed 6-person lift
• Worked on upgrading snowmaking capabilities
• Oversaw expanded parking facilities
• Helped open the Caribou Lodge and Ignite Adaptive Sports building in 2024

“Brent’s leadership has elevated Eldora’s standing within the ski community, locally and across Colorado,” Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR said. “He has built a strong team and is leaving Eldora in a healthy position to continue delivering the best ski experience on the Front Range. I commend him for a remarkable and meaningful career and wish him well in retirement.”

Tregaskis said of his retirement announcement, “The past few years have been deeply rewarding. I’m grateful to our entire team and I’m exceedingly proud of the progress we’ve made. I’m confident that Eldora will continue to thrive.”

A distinguished career on the mountain

Tregaskis began his career at Park City Mountain Resort in 1984. When an opportunity opened at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, California, he jumped at the chance to work at the resort known in guest service and snowboarding.

Tregaskis learned the ropes in food service management and soon oversaw all revenue centers.

In 1996, he moved to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming to lead its food service transition from outside concessionaires to in-house, as well as several other departments.

In 1998, Big Bear Lake recruited Tregaskis once again and was tapped to be the General Manager of Bear Mountain Resort.

In 2015, Bill Killebrew, the previous owner of Eldora, brought Tregaskis onboard as the General Manager for Eldora.

“He used his talents of cooperation and collaboration to build the resort’s relationships with public and private agencies and the local community,” Bass said. “He has remained happily at Eldora since.”

Tregaskis served on the California Ski Industry Association Board for 17 years and Colorado Ski Country USA Board for ten, where he is currently vice chair.

“I have had an amazing, challenging, and fun career in this business,” Tregaskis said. “My wife Bonnie and I recognize how lucky we’ve been to live in the beautiful resort towns we have so enjoyed. The people here have been exceptionally welcoming.”

Tregaskis said POWDR has been a great resort owner that has supported major improvements and growth at Eldora while recognizing the value of closer connections with the neighboring communities and organizations.

He said he is especially proud to have been involved with the excellent Ignite Adaptive Sports Program, the CU Boulder and Eldora race teams, and POWDR’s Play Forever community initiative.

“Having just turned 65, I’m excited for my next steps, and for Eldora’s,” Tregaskis said. “It’s a special place with a wonderful team, and it’s well-positioned to continue to deliver success and great skiing and riding.”

What does Tregaskis have planned for retirement? “More travel and more skiing,” he said.

Industry folks’ thoughts on Tregaskis

“Brent’s contributions to Eldora are immeasurable,” John Cumming, POWDR’s founder and chairman of the board, said. “His infectious enthusiasm for this sport and our industry is only matched by his exceptional skill at skiing. We will miss him, certainly, but wish him and Bonnie well as they set off on their next adventure.”

Brian Dobias, CFO of POWDR, will serve as Eldora’s interim General Manager to ensure continuity and strategic oversight during the final stages of the previously announced sale of Eldora. Dobias’s experience within POWDR, as well as a previous stint as interim GM at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, positions him well to lead Eldora during this evolving period.

Information about the sale of Eldora will be announced when available.

“As Eldora embarks on this new phase, it is poised to continue enhancing its offerings while maintaining its commitment to providing superior skiing and snowboarding experiences,” Bass said. “Eldora’s leadership transition signifies not only an end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter, where traditions of excellence will continue.”