Silver Mountain GM Jeff Colburn Elected Ski Idaho president

The Idaho Ski Areas Association board of directors elected Silver Mountain Resort GM Jeff Colburn as its new president during its annual meeting June 4 hosted by Sun Valley Resort this year. Also known as Ski Idaho, the organization represents the interests of the Gem State's 19 alpine skiing destinations.

Colburn has worked for more than three decades in the resort industry. He grew up in Cusick and Newport, Wash., and earned a bachelor's in marketing at Eastern Washington University. After graduation, he worked in tourism, taught skiing, and built houses before joining Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Ore., in 1991. He transferred to Silver Mountain in 2005 -- both resorts were owned by Oregon-based Jeld-Wen Corp. at the time -- and was named general manager the following year.

During Colburn's tenure, the resort has added an array of amenities, including Idaho's largest indoor waterpark, Silver Rapids; the summit magic carpet and winter tubing park; the scenic nine-hole golf course, Galena Ridge; Silver Mountain Sports Shop and other new shops in the Gondola Village; and new ski runs, an additional terrain park, a second food-and-beverage venue on the mountain, the Jackass Snack Shack, and other substantial capital improvements.

Plus, in 2013 the resort transformed its mountain bike park into what's considered by many to be the best in the Northwest, helping reestablish Silver Mountain as a year-round destination. And in 2020, the resort expanded its lodging offerings by purchasing and remodeling the nearby Silver Inn.

During his four-year term as Ski Idaho president, Colburn hopes to help nurture sustainable and targeted growth that increases the Gem State's share of western U.S. skier and snowboarder visits.

"Ski Idaho's focus should remain on continuing to position Idaho as a ski destination with uncrowded slopes and a fantastic mix of big and small resorts," he said. "Idaho has a lot to offer the in-state and out-of-state skiing populations. There are also many challenges facing the ski business that we as an association need to continue seeking viable long-term solutions for so all can continue to enjoy the pristine mountains of Idaho."

Colburn succeeds outgoing Ski Idaho board president Brad Wilson, general manager of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, who took on the role as ski areas throughout the state were adding and expanding year-round operations.

Wilson will remain on the ISAA board as past president. He also represents Northern Rockies region ski areas on the board of directors for the National Ski Areas Association.

Former Bogus Basin Director of Finance Ron Welton, who recently retired, will continue to serve as ISAA's board treasurer, and Bogus Basin Customer and Community Relations Director Susan Saad will remain as secretary. A vice president will be elected by the board at a later date.

Founded in 1982, the Idaho Ski Areas Association, a.k.a. Ski Idaho, is a nonprofit association funded in part by the Idaho Travel Council via the state's 2 percent lodging tax paid by travelers and collected by hotel, motel, private campground, and vacation rentals owners. Boasting 29,000 feet of vertical spanning more than 22,000 acres, Idaho is home to America's first destination ski resort, the birthplace of the chairlift, and often considered the soul of skiing. Its 19 family friendly alpine ski areas offer trails and backcountry for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, breathtaking views, hundreds of inches of fresh powder, affordable passes, and short lift lines