IN what seems like a strategic game of snow chess, Vail Resorts have announced this morning that Tina Burford will be the new general manager of Mount Hotham Skiing Company.

With almost four decades of experience, Burford will lead the Hotham team starting from July 3. Currently she is the resort services director at Perisher where she has worked for 32 years, predominately in ski school where she was previously Perisher snowsports director.  

It was only last month that Nathan Butterworth, former general manager of Hotham was appointed to oversee Perisher. This was after Belinda Trembath, who had resided at Hotham for decades, then moved to Perisher, is now in Canada running Whistler Blackcomb.

Originally from Austria, Burford moved to Australia in 1986, where she worked as a ski instructor at Hotham for five seasons before moving to Blue Cow, now part of Perisher Ski Resort.

She has worked internationally within the industry including in Austria, Canada, the U.S., and of course, in Australia. Her passion has also extended to representing Australia at two Interski Congresses, and she currently sits on the Board of the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors.

“Tina’s passion, knowledge, and decades of experience in the industry will undoubtedly support driving the legacy of excellence that Hotham is well known for,” said Doug Pierini, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, West Region at Vail Resorts.

“Her commitment to inclusivity and focus on both the employee and guest experience make Tina an incredible leader who will lead Hotham into the future.”

Vail Resorts said she has impacted and influenced both Hotham and Perisher in many ways throughout her career, including with her leadership across snowsports instruction and racing. She has a depth of experience in system implementations and product innovation and is also a great developer of talent within her teams.

“This is a special homecoming for me, as Hotham is the first resort I worked at in Australia,” said Burford.

“I’ve always felt a close connection to Hotham, and to return in this role is a dream come true. I’m thrilled, honoured, and humbled to be the resort’s new GM, and I look forward to diving right in as the season has already begun.”