Elliott named Bridger Bowl general manager

published on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 2:44 PM MST

By KAYLEY MENDENHALL, Chronicle Staff Writer

Randy Elliott will take over as general manager of Bridger Bowl ski area when the current general manager, Terry Abelin, retires in June.

Elliott, 49, has worked at Bridger Bowl since 1977 and has spent the past 12 years as mountain manager. In that position he has been responsible for all departments on the mountain, including ski patrol, lifts and vehicle maintenance.

"He's from the Bozeman area," Abelin said. "He knows lots of the local employees, the local skiers and he will do an excellent job."

Elliott was one of 97 people who applied for the job, said Abelin, who was a member of the search committee. Of those applicants, about 20 were locals, and some had no ski area experience.

"We got it down to four people, and interviewed the four people," Abelin said. "Randy has the same experience as the top candidates. He is from Bridger Bowl and knows what's going on. We had a local candidate right on top; there was no reason to hand it over to anyone else."

Until Abelin officially retires on June 1, Elliott will act as assistant manager and the two will work together through the transition.

"We're in the process of finishing up the lodge projects and we'll be looking at lift projects next," Elliott said. "Depending on how things go with our EIS (environmental impact study) and expansion into surrounding terrain, we'll be looking at those options."

Overall, Elliott said he's not interested in changing the operations of Bridger much, but wants to see the local, nonprofit ski hill continue to run as it always has.

"I want to try to keep it a friendly ski area that gives good value to the locals," he said.

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