Aspen One announces four ‘critical’ leadership updates for company evolution

Aspen One has announced four senior level leadership updates as the company commits to honing its capabilities to support guests, employees, and communities better.

These appointments exemplify what Dave Tanner, president and CEO of Aspen One, calls “deliberate evolution” to protect business, expand the mission, and support the people throughout the valley.

“By elevating proven leaders like John and Susan who embody our community and legacy of excellence, while bringing in fresh perspectives from folks like Steve and Tripp, we’re strengthening our core operations and accelerating innovation across our entire business,” Tanner said. “Our vision is built on our values and creating new ways to inspire people with the transformative power of the outdoors and connection, honoring our 78-year heritage while pursuing the limitless possibilities ahead.”

He credits the people of Aspen One to the success and longevity of the company goals.

“Our employees make us who we are — from those who’ve dedicated decades to building and nurturing this place, to newcomers with different and energizing experiences, we all share clear passion for our values, culture, and vision,” he said.

Company veterans John Rigney and Susan Cross will be promoted with a combined 71 years of experience at Aspen Skiing Company.

Rigney is currently senior vice president of SkiCo business development and has been promoted to chief business development officer, Aspen One. In this new role, he will lead enterprise-wide partnerships, sponsorships, events, summer expansion, and broader business development.

He “has been the force behind some of our biggest endeavors in building an events business that hosts the world’s highest levels of competition,” according to an Aspen One press release. For him, his longevity and commitment to the company is based on the ability to share the Aspen experience with those he works with and those who visit Aspen Snowmass.

“I think because people love this lifestyle, so many of the folks I’ve worked with for the past couple of decades see it as an honor and a privilege to try and craft the best experience possible for people who chose to come here,” he said. “It unites all of us and fuels a desire to make it great for all of our guests. That approach to life and work and play is pretty special.”

Cross is currently mountain manager of Snowmass and will be moving up to vice president of mountain operations, SkiCo, overseeing all mountain operations across Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. She is credited with leading the resort to a No. 1 ranking on Conde Nast top resorts list, according to the press release.

Newcomers Steve Stout and Tripp Riggs are set to bring “new perspective” and extensive experience in retail and finance, respectively.

Stout has joined as vice president of rental and retail, SkiCo, after Ian Stuart was recently promoted to senior director of strategic initiatives, Aspen One. Stout joins the company from Fjällraven after 10 years of leading brand retail and e-commerce across North America and Europe. Stout will focus on developing “best-in-class consumer experiences,” which Aspen One hopes will reshape the rental and retail businesses going forward.   

Riggs recently joined as the new senior vice president of finance, SkiCo, with more than 20 years of experience in enterprise financial leadership in mountain operations, hospitality and service industries, real estate, and development. Riggs spent time in mountain resorts and hospitality finance at Vail Resorts, and as CFO at Balfour Senior Living and Omni Hotels & Resorts. 

Stay connected with Aspen.
Join 16,000 readers who get their news straight from The Aspen Times.

Sign up for daily or weekly newsletters at AspenTimes.com/newsletter.

“These leaders represent our values in such clear ways,” said Geoff Buchheister, CEO of SkiCo, in the press release. “They are shaping the future of our tight-knit community, elevating our trail-blazing culture, and are the right people to continue our legacy of living fully, honoring people and place, taking the long view, and pursuing excellence.”  

Rigney echoed that sentiment by reiterating the community aspect of Aspen One’s endeavors is a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy despite expansion.

“As long as we keep trying to honor our people and focus on delivering a truly amazing and elevated experience, I think it will continue to be exciting and innovative and fun,” he said. “I’m all in. Some of the greatest people I’ve met in my life are right here.”