Gunstock President and General Manager Tom Day announces retirement
January 19, 2024
GILFORD, N.H. – After four years as president and general manager of Gunstock Mountain Resort, Tom Day has announced the 2023/24 winter season will be his final season in the position. Earlier this week, he informed the Gunstock Area Commission of his decision to retire and shared his thoughts on the search process and hiring timeline.
“This community has an incredible asset in the management team and staff of Gunstock, and it has been an honor to work with them every day and see how much we have accomplished together. Gunstock is at the heart of a special community that my wife, Beth, and I have enjoyed tremendously, and we plan to remain a part of it in the years to come.”
Day said he has offered to remain in the position until a replacement is hired. “Over the next few months, I will work closely with the commission and their search committee to assist with the selection process and transition plan. It’s hard to say how long that will take, but we are starting the search right away and, ideally, we’ll have someone in place by this summer.”
Day began his career in the ski industry in 1978 as a lift attendant at Waterville Valley Resort, eventually working his way up to director of mountain operations. In 1997, he was named vice president and general manager of Waterville. After leaving Waterville in 2010, he served in several executive roles, including chairman of the board of Dome Industries and general manager of the Hooksett Welcome Centers. In January 2020, Day returned to the ski industry, stepping into the role of Gunstock’s general manager just two months before the COVID-19 outbreak. The subsequent shutdown impacted resort operations for the next two years and radically changed the existing business model for Gunstock, with record-breaking results.
“There were many challenges when I first got to Gunstock to make us fiscally successful,” said Day. “But the team that was in place was ready to put the pedal to the floor. With a combined vision for success, we were able to really make a difference. I will miss all the employees and will work hard to make sure my replacement shares the same goals as the current team.”
Today, Gunstock boasts a healthy bottom line, more than $6 million in capital improvements, and a harmonious partnership with the commission and its local community.
“The Commission receives this news with a mixture of sadness and a deep sense of appreciation”, said Gunstock Area Commission Chairman Doug Lambert. “We are, of course, going to greatly miss having Tom at the helm of the organization. In a few short years, Tom has turned one of Belknap County’s most prized amenities into a financially sound operation that has become self-supporting and able to improve and expand its infrastructure. Tom has led his team in developing innovative ways to create new sources of revenue that augment the flagship ski business to better defend against the ups and downs of a weather-driven industry. His vision for the potential for Gunstock, to be a world-class recreational resort, is evident wherever one looks throughout the property. The energy and enthusiasm that Tom brought in his leadership role is reflected throughout the staff and employees, from top down.
The Gunstock Area Commission wishes Tom and his wife, Beth, a very well-deserved and enjoyable retirement. His legacy will live on long after his departure. The Commission remains committed to carrying on with this very successful model he has created and we look forward to working with him as we seek to fill the ‘big shoes’ he will be leaving behind.”
