News

Welcoming Kim Essensa as the New Manager of the Middlebury Snowbowl

We are thrilled to announce that Kim Essensa has joined the Middlebury Snowbowl as our new Manager. Kim brings a wealth of experience from Dartmouth Skiway, where she oversaw operations as the Guest Experience Manager. Her passion for creating a welcoming and efficient environment will make her a valuable addition to our team here at the Snowbowl.

A Strong Fit for the Snowbowl Community

Kim is a perfect fit for the Snowbowl, not only because of her extensive experience in the ski industry but also because of her personal connection to skiing and the outdoors. Having grown up skiing in Maine, Kim has always been drawn to the mountains, and her love for skiing is something she has carried with her throughout her career. Her journey began with instructing at Shawnee Peak (Pleasant Mountain) and grew into a full-fledged career at renowned ski destinations like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Dartmouth Skiway.

Her professional philosophy aligns with the values we hold dear at the Snowbowl—creating a community-focused, inclusive environment where guests of all ages and abilities can feel welcome. Kim’s hands-on approach means she’s not just focused on operations, but also on cultivating a space where skiers and snowboarders, whether seasoned pros or first-timers, feel at home. Her goal is to make each guest’s time on the mountain as seamless and enjoyable as possible, and she brings the expertise needed to ensure that happens.

A Vision for the Future

Kim’s focus at the Snowbowl will be on continuing to provide the family-friendly, community atmosphere that has made the Snowbowl such a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Her dedication to enhancing guest services and improving operational efficiency will help streamline the experience for everyone. From the moment you arrive at the mountain to the time you leave, you can expect a smooth, welcoming experience that allows you to focus on enjoying the snow, the outdoors, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

One of the key elements of Kim’s leadership will be her emphasis on inclusivity. She believes that skiing and snowboarding should be accessible to everyone, and her track record shows that she knows how to implement changes that create a welcoming environment for all guests. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or have been a Snowbowl regular for years, Kim’s vision is to make sure you feel right at home.

A Personal Connection to the Mountain

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kim has a deep personal connection to skiing, which makes her leadership at the Snowbowl even more meaningful. After spending 14 years in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she lived in Victor, Idaho, Kim and her family moved back to New England in 2021 to be closer to family and enjoy all the Northeast has to offer.

Kim’s family is just as passionate about the outdoors as she is. Her 3-year-old son, Oliver, is already skiing blue trails, and she and her husband, Fielding, take every opportunity to enjoy the mountain lifestyle together. When they’re not on the slopes, you can often find them spending time at the lake, enjoying the natural beauty of the region. This deep-rooted love for skiing and outdoor adventure is something Kim brings not just to her family, but also to her role at the Snowbowl.

What Kim Brings to the Snowbowl

As Kim steps into her new role, we are confident that her expertise will enhance everything that makes the Snowbowl special. Her leadership will help us continue to offer a smooth, well-organized experience for all guests while preserving the intimate, community feel that sets us apart. You can look forward to improvements that streamline your time on the mountain, all while keeping the Snowbowl’s welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at the heart of everything we do.

We are excited for the future with Kim at the helm, and we know her fresh perspective, combined with her deep experience in the ski industry, will take the Snowbowl to new heights. Whether you’re here for a day on the slopes, a season of fun, or just to take in the natural beauty of the mountain, Kim’s focus is on ensuring that your experience is the best it can be.

Join Us in Welcoming Kim Essensa

Please join us in welcoming Kim to the Middlebury Snowbowl team. We know her passion, dedication, and love for skiing will resonate with our community, and we’re excited for what lies ahead. Be sure to say hello when you see her on the mountain—whether she’s helping make your day a little smoother or carving turns with her family, Kim is always happy to connect with the Snowbowl community.

Middlebury Snowbowl: Investing in Our Snowmaking Future

As we look forward to another winter season, we are excited to announce a significant capital investment at the Middlebury Snowbowl. Over the next few weeks, we will replace 3,000 to 4,000 feet of our existing snowmaking pipes. While infrastructure replacement may not seem glamorous, it is an essential upgrade to ensure our mountain continues to offer excellent conditions for all winter sports enthusiasts.

In the words of our Assistant Mountain Manager, Ryan McNulty, “Although this is not an expansion, it is certainly an upgrade.” Much of our existing snowmaking system was installed in the early 1980s and has now reached the end of its usable lifespan. By upgrading these pipes, we are doubling down on our commitment to providing ample snow coverage throughout the season, regardless of natural snowfall variability.

Snowmaking is the backbone of modern ski resorts, ensuring consistent and reliable snow conditions. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), snowmaking is crucial in maintaining the viability of ski resorts, especially in light of climate change and fluctuating weather patterns. As reported by Ski Area Management (SAM), advances in snowmaking technology have significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems, allowing resorts to open earlier and maintain better conditions throughout the season.

The Middlebury Snowbowl has a rich history of providing top-notch skiing experiences. Established in the 1930s, the Snowbowl has continually evolved, embracing new technologies and practices to enhance the guest experience. This latest investment in snowmaking infrastructure is a continuation of that legacy, ensuring that we can provide reliable and high-quality snow coverage for years to come.

We have completed several snowmaking upgrades in the past few years, improving efficiency and maximizing our output. The replacement of aging pipes with new ones will help ensure that our snowmaking system runs at maximum efficiency, helping to eliminate leaks, breaks, and costly downtime. Every hour counts when the temperatures are right, and this project will significantly enhance our ability to make the most of ideal snowmaking conditions.

As we have seen below-average natural snowfall in recent years, this project serves as a form of insurance, allowing us to maintain optimal conditions even in less favorable winters. We are committed to maintaining and improving our facilities to offer the best possible experience for our visitors. This snowmaking pipe replacement project is a vital part of that commitment, reflecting our dedication to excellence and sustainability at the Middlebury Snowbowl.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this important project, and we look forward to welcoming you to a snowy and exciting winter season at the Snowbowl.