While Gibson has left a large legacy, Prentice comes with an impressive resume: he was most recently General Manager of Painter’s Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa in Campbell River and on Quadra Island. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in B.C.’s Interior.
Prentice is not without ski resort experience: Fairmont is a year-round resort with golf, skiing, natural hot springs and active children’s programs. He also has five years experience with Panorama Mountain Resort, which was part of Intrawest, an international ski resort company.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be the new GM at Mount Washington,” Prentice said. More than 50 people from across Canada and the United States applied for the position.
“The candidate pool was exceptionally strong, which is a reflection of the reputation Mount Washington has in the industry,” said Vern Greco, CEO of Pacific Group Resorts, which acquired Mount
Washington in 2015.
“It was a nice coincidence the top candidate was from right here on Vancouver Island. Ultimately, we felt Dean’s combination of ski resort and tourism experience provided the right blend of technical and analytical skills to go with his leadership qualities,” Greco added.
“Peter left some large shoes to fill, but we are excited about the prospects for Mount Washington with the team we have in place and Dean at the helm.”
Prentice said he jumped at the chance to get back into the ski business. “I think the ski environment is a fun and challenging business.
“I look back on my five years at Panorama as the best time of my career,” he said. “It was most enjoyable. The people you work with will always make the difference.”
Panorama was his first foray into the ski industry, but he is no stranger to the industry here on Vancouver Island. “Mount Washington is an exceptional place, and I have enjoyed skiing here as a guest with my family,” Prentice said.
He skis downhill and a little cross-country. He happily leaves the snowboard for others. “I tried but I hurt myself,” he admits.
As Prentice embarks on his first winter season with Mount Washington Alpine Resort, he reflected on one of his favourite moments at the Resort.
“Last year when they had that 110cm dump and the next weekend they got another 30cm I came up that weekend with my son and had one of my more memorable times skiing with him; lots of
fresh powder, lots of snow, a bluebird day. “Those are the days you remember and enjoy the most.