Class of 2024
Innovator and Leader in West Virginia Snow Sports
Resort Management
Terry Pfieffer
Terry Pfieffer has dedicated his life to the ski industry, contributing significantly to its growth and development across multiple regions. Born and raised in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Terry discovered his passion for skiing at Nashoba Valley. This love led him to pursue a degree in ski area management at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington.
Terry's early career included roles as a ski patroller at Keystone Ski Resort and as an avalanche technician and ski patrol director at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. His drive for excellence led him to earn an MBA from the University of Denver, paving the way for leadership roles, including controller and business analyst/assistant director of mountain operations at Keystone.
In 1994, Terry became part owner and President of Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia, where his visionary leadership brought transformative changes:
Key Accomplishments at Winterplace Ski Resort:
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Facilities Expansion:
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Constructed a 10,000-square-foot addition to the Resort Center.
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Added a further 14,000-square-foot expansion to include additional seating and a new Rental Shop.
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Built a 10,000-square-foot lodge for skiers and tubers, now known as the Mountain House.
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Lifts and Terrain Development:
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Installed lifts 5, 8, and 9, and multiple conveyor lifts.
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Expanded the teaching area to create an exceptional learning experience.
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Added new trails, including Woods Run, Buttermilk, Milkshake, Ridge Runner, and Over Easy.
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Snowmaking Enhancements:
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Doubled the snowmaking capacity by enlarging the water supply.
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Achieved 100% snowmaking coverage for the resort with the addition of over 80 automated snowguns.
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Innovative Features:
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Built West Virginia's largest tubing park, complete with two conveyor lifts.
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Developed group cabins on resort property.
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Expanded the children’s teaching area and introduced a conveyor lift for the Ski Wee Program.
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Operational Improvements:
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Implemented a central reservation system to support lodging partners.
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Leadership Beyond Winterplace:
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Served as President of the West Virginia Ski Area Association for 20 years, advocating for the ski industry and fostering collaboration among regional resorts.
Terry Pfieffer’s unwavering dedication to innovation, growth, and exceptional guest experiences has left an enduring legacy in the ski industry. His leadership at Winterplace Ski Resort transformed it into one of West Virginia’s premier winter destinations, earning him widespread respect and admiration.