Opinion | Howard: My thank you to Vail
After 41 years with Vail Resorts, including the past seven years serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Vail Mountain, it’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me.
I started as a food and beverage college intern for Vail Associates Inc. at Beaver Creek Resort in 1985. I drove from Iowa to the Vail Valley, sight unseen, and I couldn’t have imagined then where that first step would lead. Or how deeply I would connect with this industry, these mountains, our community, and most importantly the people who bring them to life every day. Thank you to Vail Resorts for allowing me such a wonderful career spanning so many roles and responsibilities.
From the early days in restaurants to leading teams across resorts, I’ve always believed our work was about having an impact, creating experiences that people carry with them, those moments that turn into traditions, memories, and stories shared year after year.
Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape everything from dining concepts to new lifts and mountain infrastructure, to a variety of signature experiences guests now see as part of Vail’s identity. And none of that happens alone. It takes incredibly talented teams who share a vision, who care deeply about the guest experience, the mountains, and about each other.
This career has also given me the chance to support and champion others, including women pursuing leadership roles in mountain operations. That has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, and I hope the path we’ve built continues to widen for the next generation.
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There’s a special kind of magic in this industry. It shows up in the details like a perfect run, a shared meal, and a moment of connection in a place that feels bigger than all of us. I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of something that brings people joy in such a tangible way.
As I step into retirement, I do so with a full heart. I’m grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, and the people who made every step worthwhile, and I’m excited to see how the next generation of leaders continues to innovate and build on Vail’s legacy.
I will continue to live locally in Eagle County, as this is home. So don’t consider this goodbye, more like “see you around.” Thank you, Vail.
Beth Howard finished her career with Vail Resorts as vice president & chief operating officer of Vail Mountain.
