PRESIDENT / OWNER
Gunther Jochl, a native of Austria, begins his 43rd year at the helm of Sugar Mountain Resort. Mr. Jochl, who believes in a “hands-on” approach to managing, has actively been involved in all aspects of the ski industry. His constant pursuit of perfection is a result of his intense love and passion for the sport of skiing and the outdoors. It is the foundation of the company’s culture. Mr. Jochl is an excellent skier and competes regularly in Sugar Mountain ski events.
VICE-PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING
Kimberley Jochl, a former nine-year member of the United States Alpine Ski Team (1984-1993), brings unique experiences and diverse knowledge to Sugar. She came to Sugar Mountain Resort in the spring of 1993 as the special events director. In 2001 Kim filled the vacant director of marketing position. In the spring of 2005 Mrs. Jochl took over the management of the Sports Shop and in 2014 she was appointed vice president. Mrs. Jochl is also Sugar’s media contact. press@skisugar.com. Press information can be found at www.skisugar.com/press-releases.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Andrew Jochl, born and raised in the High Country, grew up on Sugar Mountain wishing he could skip school to go to work with his dad or to tinker with his homemade snow machine. He spent many summers and Christmas breaks learning the ins and outs of the Sugar Mountain operation. Andrew spent one year working at Doppelmayr located in Wolfurt, Austria and nine years as a design and test engineer at Kassbohrer in Laupheim, Germany. He enjoys racing in local ski events and cruising the slopes on his snowboard. In the fall of 2015 Andrew became Sugar Mountain Resort’s Director of Operations. He is responsible for the overall management and execution of the resort’s operations.
SKI AREA & RESORT MANAGER
Erich Schmidinger grew up in western Massachusetts where he learned to ski in the Berkshire Hills. After ski racing nationally and internationally Mr. Schmidinger took a position in 1995 at Sugar Mountain Resort as the ski club director. In 1998 he filled the much-needed position as night manager. Erich continues to supervise, manage and execute the ski area’s complex operations. Wherever he is needed, you’ll find him.
GRAVITY BIKE PARK MANAGER
PJ Noto, a native of Marlboro, NY, was recruited by the Lees-McRae College cycling team in 2006. While attending school and competing full-time, PJ found a passion for trail building. In 2018, Sugar Mountain Resort recruited him to lead the charge in creating and building Sugar’s gravity bike park.
SKI/SNOWBOARD SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Len Bauer’s teaching experience ranges from New England to the Southeast and spans 39 years. Even though this is his 28th year as ski/snowboard school director at Sugar, he has been teaching at Sugar for 34 years and has served the ski/snowboard school as a supervisor and as race coach. Mr. Bauer is a fully-certified level 3 PSIA instructor.
DIRECTOR OF GROUP SALES
Morgan Lecka is a local girl, born and raised in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Fresh out of college, with a degree in marketing from East Tennessee State University, Morgan begins her first season as Sugar Mountain Resort’s Director of Group Sales. Her inviting personality welcomes groups from all over the Southeast and ensures the experience is fun and wonderfully memorable. groupsales@skisugar.com
SKI AND SNOWBOARD PATROL DIRECTOR
Tommy Taylor began working at Sugar Mountain Resort in 1986 as a lifeguard. Years later in 1998 he returned to Sugar to work as a ski school instructor, a rental technician and a ski patroller. In 2004 Mr. Taylor became the assistant ski patrol director. In 2008 he became the director of Sugar’s ski and snowboard patrol. Tommy brings an outstanding work ethic to the position. He is trained in outdoor emergency care and is an emergency medical technician.
TUBING & ICE SKATING MANAGER
Donnie Peters begins his 30th season at Sugar Mountain Resort. From 1990 until 2018 Mr. Peters managed Sugar’s equipment rental and repair department. In 2007 the added responsibilities of the tubing and ice skating venues fell under his leadership. Donnie currently oversees the operation of the tubing & ice skating departments. He brings valuable experience, a “get it done” mentality, and an accommodating, friendly personality.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REPAIR MANAGER
Dick Casey began working at Sugar Mountain Resort in the mid-90’s as a ski patroller before shifting to head coach of the Sugar Mountain Ski Club and Director of Group Sales. After coaching the Aspen Valley ski club, then followed by 15 years in the corporate world in Charleston, SC, Dick returns this season to Sugar Mountain Resort. His passion for skiing and willingness to chip-in wherever his assistance is needed makes him a valuable asset in many areas of the resort. In his spare time, Dick enjoys trail running, soccer, cycling, surfing, and spending time with his wife and two children.
RETAIL MERCHANDISE MANAGER
Mike Thomas grew up in East Tennessee. He has over 30 years of experience in the ski and snowboard industry. In 2020 Mike joined the Sugar Mountain Resort team. He strives for excellence in every detail and his sociable personality is sure to make each customer happy and satisfied. Mike loves being outdoors with his wife and two daughters, skiing, biking, hiking, camping, or just lounging. Stop by the shop and say hello. sportsshop@skisugar.com
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Florian Kasper, born and raised in the Austrian Alps, loves the mountains, especially when it comes to hiking. That’s why he felt right at home when he moved to Avery County and began working at Sugar Mountain Resort in 2017. Florian has 20 years of IT experience beginning with Tyrolean Airways, Austrian Airlines, and Thoeni Industriebetriebe. Mr. Kasper is responsible for network installation & maintenance, PC hardware maintenance, graphic & website design, ticket sales, supervising auditors & cashiers, and everything in between.
EXECUTIVE & FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Holly Green began her career at Sugar in 1991 as a Sugar Bear ski school instructor. She is now in her 21st year as Sugar’s financial administrator and 12th year as the administrative manager. Holly’s duties include office management, accounts payable, payroll, domestic banking, financial reporting as well as administering the company’s insurance and 401K programs.
