Q&A
Roger McCarthy has had a busy couple of weeks at Vail Resorts: installing a new chief executive, announcing plans to build a long-awaited gondola at Breckenridge this summer, and operating four Colorado resorts during spring break, traditionally the busiest time of year. McCarthy, who heads Breckenridge and Keystone ski areas, is in the middle of it all.
Q: There seems to be a lot going on with Vail Resorts these days, and Breckenridge seems to be at the front and center.
A: For Rob (Katz, the new CEO) to send this very strong message right out of the block about building the gondola tells you about the leadership of our company and the directors of our board and what they see as the role that Breckenridge plays in the company as a whole. I think it’s a very strong message, and it’s very exciting for us.
Q: How will the gondola change the experience for Front Range skiers at Breckenridge?
A: Up until December of this year, you began and ended your day on a school bus, and while they’re nice buses and our drivers are nice guys and gals, you begin and end your day on a school bus, and that’s really not the way that you want to experience Breckenridge. I think when you’re on the bus, it’s just something you go through. This will be a much nicer way to get to the mountain, and at the end of the day you can take the Skyway ski-way (trail) that we opened this year ahead of schedule back to the parking lots. I think it’s a huge thing for the guest experience.
Q: How did you put out the fire over the unpopular decision to take over the space at Kinderhut drop-in day-care facility and turn it into retail space?
A: We’ve done a lot (for day care) and continue to do a lot, and our commitment was there from the beginning that we would work with the town. It’s one of those things where we actually take on the lease and then we’ll sublet to (Kinderhut) for 12 months. Really this just bought a year and bought everybody some breathing room until we can find another solution. I think everybody is relieved.
– Steve Lipsher, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
JEFFERSON COUNTY
“Beautiful Junk Sale” on tap
The “Beautiful Junk Sale” to benefit the Jeffco Action Center will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 24 and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 25 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
The Jeffco Center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services, including clothing, food, shelter and medical assistance to needy county residents. For more information, call the center at 303-237-7704.
AURORA
10 women feted for contributions
The Aurora History Museum and local women’s organizations will recognize 10 women Saturday for their contributions in social, political, education and service endeavors.
The “Aurora Women: Sculptors of Our Community” ceremony celebrating Women’s History Month will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.
Kimberly Curtis, Janice Hemingway, Marline McCracken, Norma Nunez, Sharon Powers, Sue Sandstrom, Mae Shockley, Sandy Sweeney, Patricia Wall and Sondra West will be honored at the ceremony.
For more information, call 303-739-6667.
AURORA
Benefit for sailing program slated
Community Sailing of Colorado’s seventh annual gala is from 7 to 11 p.m. March 25 at the Cherry Creek Yacht Club. Admission is $75 per person, with proceeds going toward scholarships for children who might not otherwise be able to participate, as well expanding programs and building an endowment.
The event will include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live entertainment and an auction.
For more information, to make a reservation or to donate to the auction, call 303-757-7718.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
