Wisp Resort and Pacific Group Resorts has announced a planned leadership transition that will see Erik Barnes join Wisp Resort as General Manager Designate and ultimately succeed General Manager Ron Hawkes following Hawkes’ semi-retirement at the conclusion of the 2026-27 winter season.
Together, Hawkes and Barnes represent nearly nine decades of ski industry experience and share a common passion for teaching, guest service, and growing participation in skiing and snowboarding. The transition is designed to ensure continuity for the staff, guests, community partners, and the resort’s many stakeholders.
Barnes joins Wisp following nearly 40 years in the ski industry. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Ragged Mountain Resort in New Hampshire and previously held senior leadership positions at Mount Snow Resort in Vermont. A Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Examiner for the past 23 years, Barnes currently serves as Chairman of the organization’s Board of Examiners, a position he has held for the last decade.
Hawkes, who is entering his 49th consecutive season in the ski industry and spent eight seasons working at Portillo in Chile, has also served as a PSIA Examiner. Following his retirement as General Manager, he will continue working with Pacific Group Resorts in a strategic advisory capacity focused on ski and snowboard school programming across the company’s resort portfolio. During the transition period, Barnes will focus on risk management, safety initiatives, and snow surface quality.
“Erik’s background makes him uniquely qualified to lead a resort as diverse as Wisp,” said Mark Fischer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Group Resorts. “His experience spans mountain operations, golf, guest services, risk management, capital planning, and team development. Just as importantly, he is a people-first leader who understands that exceptional guest experiences begin with exceptional employees. This transition gives Erik the opportunity to learn from a respected leader with deep Mid-Atlantic roots while ensuring continuity for our guests, team members, and community partners.”
Barnes spoke about the transition.
“Wisp Resort has built a tremendous reputation throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond,” he said. “The opportunity to work alongside Ron for an entire season is invaluable. He has built a strong team and a loyal following of guests who care deeply about the resort. I look forward to becoming part of the Deep Creek community, learning from Ron, and helping position Wisp for continued success in the years ahead.”
Hawkes will continue to serve as General Manager through the 2026-27 winter season and will play a central role in mentoring Barnes and facilitating a seamless transition.
“One of the things that gave me confidence in this retirement decision was knowing Wisp would be in capable hands,” said Hawkes. “Erik brings tremendous operational experience, strong leadership skills, and a shared passion for introducing first-timers to the sport. Most importantly, he understands that Wisp’s success is built on its people, its guests, and its place in the community. We’ve shared a commitment to teaching and growing the sport, and that gives me great confidence in the future of Wisp. I’m confident Erik will do an outstanding job leading Wisp into its next chapter and look forward to helping him get to know the resort, our team, and the Deep Creek community.”
Since arriving at Wisp, it was noted that Hawkes has guided the resort through significant capital investment while maintaining a steadfast commitment to guest service, affordability, free learn to ski and ride programs, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Wisp expanded its Mission Affordable initiatives, enhanced year-round recreational offerings, and reinforced its position as Maryland’s four-season mountaintop destination.
“This transition represents the passing of the torch between two professionals who have devoted their lives to the sport,” added Fischer. “Combined, Ron and Erik bring nearly nine decades of experience to this partnership. Ron has spent his career helping people discover a lifelong passion for skiing and snowboarding, and we’re fortunate that his influence will continue across our portfolio for years to come. At the same time, Erik’s passion for teaching, operations, and leadership makes him the ideal person to build on the foundation Ron has created at Wisp.”
Article courtesy of Wisp Resort.
