Industry Remembers Ski Pioneer Tim Brennwald, POWDR Executive Vice President and COO

The North American outdoor industry is mourning the loss of Timothy "Tim" Henry Brennwald, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of mountain resort operator POWDR, who passed away unexpectedly on August 13, 2026, at the age of 62.

With a career spanning four decades—from World Cup ski racing technicians to senior executive suites—Brennwald was a influential figure in modern ski resort operations, safety standards, and equipment innovation.

Tim was blessed with a rare talent for making difficult things look easy, both athletically and professionally. He possessed an unassuming strength and steadfast character that defined both his personal and professional lives. Tim was handsome, charming, and private, with a gracious, reserved presence that never sought attention, yet always seemed to draw it through his infectious, dimpled smile.

Tim was born December 23, 1963, in Zurich, Switzerland. After the family relocated to the United States, he attended Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont, and the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). Tim ski raced under legendary coach Tom Reynolds and earned a bachelor's degree in business through the university's renowned Ski Industries Program. There, he gained his first grounding in the business, management, and operational side of the ski industry that would become such an important part of his life.

After graduating in 1986, Tim became the international technician for Marker Ski Bindings. For the next five years, he was an integral member of the World Cup tour, supporting both speed and technical events throughout Europe. Tim eventually rose to leading Marker's Race Program and product management worldwide; he "did it all." It was the beginning of a career that would span the ski industry, real estate, and mountain resort operations. At the time of his death, Tim served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of POWDR. For 17 years, he was a steady hand guiding the expansion and advocacy of POWDR and the outdoor industry.

Those who worked with Tim knew him as a great friend with an incredible ability to bring humor and sarcasm into even the most tense and challenging moments. Much to the dismay of friends and competitors alike, Tim excelled at nearly everything he tried. The Swiss part of him embraced procedures and processes-a trait that served him well throughout his life. He led humbly, with a calm confidence that inspired both affection and respect from the industry.

Of all his accomplishments, however, Tim's greatest pride was his family.

Tim met the love of his life, three-time Olympian, Heidi Voelker, on the World Cup circuit. His love and devotion to Heidi was immediate and remained absolute for 37 years. Their marriage was marked by deep affection, mutual admiration, common interests, and a shared sense of humor.

Together, Tim and Heidi raised their two sons, Lucas and Stefan, who were his "everythings". Whether watching their lacrosse games, ski races, chasing one another down a ski hill, or competing with them on the golf course, Tim loved being with his boys. Last year, he took great pleasure in helping them obtain Swiss citizenship, bringing his family heritage full circle.

In addition to his wife and sons, Tim is survived by his parents, Heinz and Marion (Tauber) Brennwald; his brother and sister-in-law, Daniel Brennwald and Lindsey Whitaker; his aunt and uncle, Hank and Sally Tauber; his cousins Kristina and David Tauber, and his many nieces and nephews.

At the time of his death, Brennwald served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of POWDR, overseeing operations across the company’s portfolio of ski resorts and hospitality brands. POWDR owns and operates major mountain destinations including Snowbird and Sundance in Utah, Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and Copper Mountain in Colorado, as well as national park concessions and other hospitality ventures.

Colleagues described him as a “steady hand guiding the expansion” of POWDR’s operations over nearly two decades, reflecting his reputation for operational excellence and deep industry knowledge. His career spanned technical expertise in ski equipment and race operations to executive leadership in resort management, making him a respected figure across multiple segments of the ski industry.

A celebration of life is scheduled for October 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Snowbird's Cliff Lodge in Utah.

In lieu of flowers, his family requested "snow and strong summer winds for sailing," honoring his dual passions for winter sports and open water. Memorial donations may be made to Park City Ski & Snowboard, a youth sports organization dedicated to training the next generation of alpine athletes.