Keith Kreischer studied Resort & Hospitality Management at Green Mountain College, Killington Campus. After graduating, he took his first job as Terrain Park Manager at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, Massachusetts. After 5 years he relocated to Cornwallville, NY and worked for Windham Mountain in several positions, including bike park building and terrain park design for 8 years. His career goal has always been to operate his own mountain and after connecting with our (now) partners his goals became reality. He is the father of 5 children.
As a local, Emily spent many winter seasons skiing on this hill. She eventually became a part of the previous Granite Gorge family, and for quite a few seasons, ran the ticket counter. She enjoyed wearing many hats as she was trained in other areas of the operation. Fast forward 10 years, Emily is enjoying being a part of the new Granite Gorge Mountain Park. “It is incredible to see this mountain back and better than ever. As someone who grew up on this mountain, it is so rewarding to be apart of the team bringing it back to life”
Ian was the first full time employee to take part in the restoration of one of New England's beloved ski areas (Granite Gorge). Entirely "green" to the ski industry, Ian had the opportunity to explore various departments and learn different aspects of the operations. Designing and building mountain bike trails has always been his dream job. Now he is blessed with the opportunity to do just that. During winter operations, he is the main park feature fabricator and dabbles in many different departments. He is no stranger to snowmaking as well as being a lift attendant. Snowboarding, fishing, mountain biking, longboarding, dirt biking-- you just never know what you will see him doing in his spare time!
I.am.Gordy.
Ovid learned to ski at the Gorge in 2010.
The Partnership
Ron has called the Monadnock Region home since he was very young. He had the fortune of growing up here and after living in Massachusetts during his undergraduate and graduate years, he have been in Keene for the past 15 years. "It's such a wonderful place to raise a family" says Ron. Some of his favorite memories as a child are learning to ski at small, local feeder hills such as Maple Valley and Temple Mountain. He spent countless hours there with his friends. Ron wants the next generation of little shredders to have a ski hill they can call home and where their families can feel comfortable with them being there. One thing Ron is looking forward to is having a connection again with the local schools from the younger children at the elementary level to the college students stating "GGMP is a great option for our schools to enjoy local skiing". Shown in the picture above is Ron with his wife Beth, oldest daughter Audrey, youngest daughter Alayna and our dog Cali.
Mike has lived in Keene with his wife, Marni and two sons, Caleb and Noah since 2004. Prior to living in Keene they lived in the Upper Valley. Mike believes that the small, local ski hills are key to the future of our sport. The cost, travel time, and logistics of skiing and riding at the big mountains can be a barrier for many potential new participants. The small, local mountain provides an affordable and fun opportunity for everyone to experience skiing and riding. Mike and his family wanted to bring back the local ski hill to the Monadnock Region, with the feeling of camaraderie and community that exists at a place like Granite. They have treasured memories of their older son Noah learning to ski at Granite Gorge, of their whole family night skiing with friends until last chair, and fun days of tubing and hot cocoa. They want to once again bring these experiences and more to the community. One thing Mike is looking forward to is seeing the elementary school ski programs operating again. Having a close, safe, fun place for kids to learn to ski is an amazing community resource.