SKI INDUSTRY VETERAN BRANDON SWARTZ TO LEAD SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT AS GENERAL MANAGER

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, one of North America’s most celebrated family-focused mountain destinations, announced today the appointment of Brandon Swartz as its new General Manager, welcoming the seasoned ski industry leader whose lifelong connection to Vermont helped shape both his career and passion for mountain communities.

Swartz's connection to Vermont began at just three years old when he first learned to ski at Mount Snow. That passion eventually led to his first job teaching children to ski at the resort and inspired a career that has spanned more than two decades in the ski industry. Swartz later graduated with a Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management degree from Vermont State University Lyndon, where he met his wife and established lasting ties to the Northeast Kingdom. The couple would later marry at Burke Mountain, where Swartz also served as a ski patroller early in his career.

Now, after more than two decades of leadership roles at respected mountain resorts across the country, Swartz will return to Vermont to help steward one of the state's most beloved mountain destinations. At Smugglers’ Notch, Swartz will oversee all aspects of resort operations while working closely with employees, homeowners, local businesses, and community partners.

“Coming back to Vermont is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Swartz. “This is where I learned the ski business and where I developed a deep appreciation for the role resorts play in their communities year-round. My wife Nicole and I are excited for the move and to raise our sons on the mountain.”

Most recently, Swartz served as General Manager of Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Ski Area in New Hampshire, where he earned a reputation as a hands-on leader focused on culture, operational excellence, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has prioritized being visible and accessible to employees and guests, and working collaboratively with local community businesses.

“Smuggs has built something truly special over the years,” continued Swartz. “The culture, the families who return year after year, the dedicated employees, and the connection to the local community are what make this place unique. With the support of Bear Den Partners and the Stritzler family, my goal is to honor that legacy, support the team, and help ensure that the resort continues to thrive for years to come.”

“Brandon understands that great resorts are built on great people and strong communities,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We conducted a national search with several rounds of interviews for this position. During that process Brandon and I spent a lot of time together. I grew to appreciate him as a person, his background in the industry and his dedication to his family. I feel confident that he is the right person with the right ethics to lead Smugglers’ Notch into the future.”

Smugglers’ Notch is America’s Family Resort, located in Jeffersonville, Vermont, offering four seasons of adventure. The mountainside condominium village features summer outdoor waterparks, FunZone 2.0, shopping, dining, an award-winning snow sports school, and three mountains with 78 trails of skiing and riding. Learn more at smuggs.com.