Alpine Meadows Vice President of Operations Scott Swietanski quietly left his post last week. Swietanski has been in charge of operations for many years, and through several owners. The title of Vice President was only recently assigned after Alpine Meadows was merged with Squaw Valley. Swietanski, referred to as Scotty by employees, will be heading to the island of St. Maarten for his next adventure. Later this spring he’ll be the new General manager for Rain Forest Adventures. It’s a place far, far away from managing a ski area.
Swietanski is known as a quiet guy. I’ve tried to strike up conversations on the hill with him several times over the years, and may have managed a total of 20 words in response. When I have shared that story with employees, they told me I was doing well. It also appears that he’s a pretty private guy, as he has almost no history online, and only one photo exists, not counting a couple on his personal Facebook page.
With Scott goes another rather large chunk of the soul of Alpine Meadows. Without his presence over the last four years, we would have seen far more influence from over the hill. It’s clear that Swientanski loves this mountain. I can recall seeing him out on the slopes frequently. Often he would be at the top of a slope, or standing off to the side, as if admiring his creation and the people that were enjoying he and his teams’ work.
Jeff Goldstone will be serving as the interim VP and mountain manager for the remainder of the season. Goldstone is another skier with a rich history at Alpine Meadows. It makes sense now that I have seen him out on the mountain much more frequently recently, just like Scotty.
The question is what happens next? If Goldstone assumes the duties as VP of Operations on a permanent basis, there may be some hope that the soul of Alpine Meadows will still flicker. But if a new VP is hired and chosen by Andy Wirth and friends, all bets may be off…
As always, we’re happy to hear your thoughts. We’ll miss you Scotty.
I heard that when Andy Wirth got wind of Scotty’s forthcoming resignation (of which his employer had already been informed), that Andy was a total ass and made Scotty leave his job that day, rather than finishing out the season. Perhaps others closer to the inner circle can verify the accuracy of that.
A new GM will come and the rich history known as Alpine Meadows will be just that. It will just be Squaw. Sad, but true.
I rode the chair with Scott about two weeks ago after not seeing him for quite a few years. He remembered my name, even though there was really no reason for him to. We talked a little bit before I, out of the blue, asked him how his daughters were doing. (Once upon a time, I was a liftie… a dad with daughters is just too cute to watch!) Anyway, he told me how old they were and what they were doing. I was shocked! (I guess *I’m* OLD! LOL) I felt like it showed so, not knowing what to say, I told him I was sorry. He wasn’t phased at all… in fact he seemed very happy with the whole situation. Nice chairlift ride! Nice guy! I’m happy for Scott! Happy trails, and THANKS!
Yes i heard he was kicked out too.Also heard Andy didnt even acknowledge Scott or say good bye. Scott will be missed by many. He truly was the heart of Alpine
Meadows. Good Luck Scott. You deserve it. Thanks for keeping Alpine GREAT!
This is a pivotal moment in the history of Alpine Meadows. Hopefully KSL hires the right guy or gal.
Swietanski is virtually unknown online. Wirtlhless has a dedicated website and countless numbers of glamour posts all over the Internet. That sort of sums up the difference between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley.
There is no truth to the above RUMORS. Stop gossiping!
Its all true. Scott told me exactly what happened. Im in St Maarten. There is NO reason for him to lie. Hes done with that job and wont affect his new position.
I heard a rumor, let me repeat, rumor that Michael Gross was going to be stepping in as VP of operations.
Who is Michael Gross? Isn’t he the ticket manager at Squaw?
There are some good people who have worked at AM year round a very long time.
Risk Manager at Squaw
Michael Gross has taken over operations. He’s cut a lot of people’s hours that were promised full schedules the last few weeks, and has been having department heads cut employees mid-day if he thinks “the mountain is too slow to stay staffed.”
I tried to talk to Scotty. He is not saying much. He is very positive about his future. It is true after 25 years combined at Squaw and Alpine he was lead out of Alpine like a criminal without any fan fare.
Is Wirthless the person we can trust our Wilderness areas or National Forest with?
Seems like KSL let the wrong guy leave.
Call to arms!
Get rid of worthless!
Alpine is dead and history once it merged with Squaw. Greed, constant desire to profit, and always impress shareholders destroy great organizations. Are $175 lift ticket prices impressive? It’s sad. The sport of skiing is being destroyed as well. I just don’t ski anymore!
You dont ski anymore?….sad.
Alpine lives! dont fool yourself.
Our Mountain Manager (VP) will be missed. Scott did an awesome job for this mountain and the full moon pass party was a highlight in my book.
Best to Scott.. One great guy!
Goldstone is Gold….hope we hang on to him!!!