Mountain High’s General Manager, Ben Smith, is being recognized with a prestigious SAMMY Award for his leadership in the ski industry. The award was presented to four individuals this year in the mountain resort industry by SAM: Ski Area Management Magazine.
Before becoming the General Manager at Mt. High, Ben got his start working at the resort at just 16 years old as a boot fitter. Over the years, he worked his way through snowmaking, lift maintenance, and mountain operations before becoming Vice President of Resort Operations in 2011 and then General Manager in 2012.
Ben has been instrumental in growing the resort over the years into what is today by offering more than just winter skiing and snowboarding. With Ben’s leadership, the resort has added a disc golf course, summer camping, and a mountain bike park, helping transform the businesses into a year around destination. He also helped launch the Yeti Snow Park, giving families and non-skiers a place to enjoy the snow.
Ben also did a phenomenal job helping the resort through two major disasters in back-to-back years. In 2024, the Bridge Fire burned portions of the resort which damaged infrastructure. Then during Christmas week of the 2025–26 season, severe flooding and mudflows forced another major closure. Throughout both emergencies, Ben stayed heavily involved in recovery efforts, working alongside emergency crews, keeping staff informed, and helping guide the resort through cleanup and reopening efforts.
When you’re not seeing Ben at his usual place of business at Mountain High, you can catch him around town, being an active member in the local community. He has previously served as Honorary Mayor of Wrightwood and president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce. He also serves with the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council, the Big Pines Camp Association, and advises students in the career technical education program at Serrano High School, where he shares welding knowledge and career advice.
The SAMMY Award recognizes leaders who have made lasting contributions to the ski industry and their communities, and for many in Wrightwood, Ben’s impact has been visible both on and off the mountain.
