Yesterday the Monarch crew attended the 63rd annual meeting of Colorado Ski Country USA.  This is always a great opportunity to get together with our partners at other Colorado ski areas and discuss the seasons successes and challenges and look ahead to how we can all improve as an industry.  This conference is always followed by Double Black Diamond Awards Ceremony.  This year Monarch had 2 winners with Aaron Peyrouse winning Patroller of the Year, and Scott Pressly taking home the President’s Award.

Aaron Peyrouse is one of our most experienced and energetic patrollers who is a natural leader and mentor, especially to our younger patrollers.  Aaron has been a Patroller and Cat Guide at Monarch for 15 years and is always gung-ho about whatever task is put in front of him.  I spoke to a member of the award interview committee who said “I don’t know that we have ever had as qualified and deserving candidate as Aaron.  We just looked at each other after his interview and there was no doubt who would win.”  Colorado Ski County President and CEO Melanie Mills put it best; “Aaron brings experience, compassion, and level headedness when it matters most.  He’s the one others want beside them when the call comes in.”

The Colorado Ski County USA President’s award is given annually to someone who has made an important and lasting contribution to the association and to the Colorado ski industry.  I previously dove into Scott’s amazing career in my first ever blog post.  It was great to have Scott’s wife Leanne and daughter Sophie get to see Scott receive this recognition in front of the GM’s and operators of all 20 Colorado Ski Country resorts.  Scott spent years working with these other leaders to share ideas and collaborate on projects that improve the skiing experience for us all.

Congratulations to both Aaron and Scott, you worked hard to earn these awards, enjoy the recognition!