Alterra, owner of Deer Valley, names new CEO ahead of ski season

PARK CITY, Utah — Alterra Mountain Company, the owner of Deer Valley Resort and the company behind Ikon Pass, has named Kelly Vohs as its new chief executive officer.

Vohs will take over as CEO Oct. 19, as Alterra’s mountain resorts prepare for the 2026-27 winter season.

He succeeds Jared Smith, who announced in March that he would step down as Alterra’s CEO at the end of the 2025-26 season. An executive committee of Alterra’s board has overseen the company during the leadership transition.

“Some of the best days I’ve ever had have been on a mountain,” Vohs said in a statement announcing his appointment. “I’m excited to come back to Colorado and help the Alterra Mountain Company team create those days for millions of guests.”

Vohs brings nearly 30 years of experience in hospitality, real estate, and technology, according to Alterra; although he does not come directly from the ski industry.

Most recently, he served as CEO of SafetyCulture, a global frontline operations platform used by more than 85,000 organizations and more than 2.5 million frontline workers, according to Alterra. Before that, he spent more than a decade leading companies in Blackstone’s portfolio, including serving as CEO of LivCor.

His earlier hospitality experience includes leading operations for BR Guest Hospitality, a New York restaurant group with more than 20 restaurants. He also served as general manager of the Boca Raton Resort & Club and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and was the opening general manager of the Conrad Chicago.

Vohs also spent eight years as a Green Beret with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs and completed four combat deployments.

Transitioning to CEO

As he prepares to take on the role of CEO, Vohs said his focus will include supporting the employees who create the guest experience, from lift operators and instructors to groomers, chefs, and housekeepers.

“My first job was in a restaurant kitchen, so I know this is a team sport,” Vohs said. “A great day on the mountain is won or lost by those teams.”

Alterra Board Chairman Eric Resnick pointed to Vohs’ experience managing large, customer-facing operations as a reason for his appointment.

“Kelly has spent his career running businesses where thousands of employees show up every day to take care of people, from iconic resorts to communities that tens of thousands of families call home,” Resnick said.

Alterra and Deer Valley

Alterra owns and operates a portfolio of mountain destinations that includes Deer Valley and Solitude in Utah, as well as resorts in Colorado, California, Vermont, Washington, Idaho, and Canada. The company also owns Ikon Pass and several businesses serving the mountain-resort industry.

Vohs joins the team as Deer Valley is in the middle of a major expansion that will eventually bring the resort to 5,726 skiable acres. For the upcoming 2026-27 season, the resort is scheduled to open its new Hail Peak Express lift and seven new runs, adding 200 skiable acres and bringing the resort to 4,500 acres.

Alterra has not announced any specific changes to Deer Valley operations or plans under Vohs’ leadership.