Gunstock names Robert Drake new general manager

Gunstock has named Tom Drake its new GM. (Gunstock photo)

The Gunstock Area Commission announced Thursday that Robert Drake will take over for president and general manager Tom Day, who announced his intention to retire in January.

Drake’s first day at the Gilford, N.H., resort will be Aug. 5.

He was most recently the business operations general manager at Middlebury Snowbowl in Vermont.

Before heading east in 2022, Drake worked in Montana as the assistant general manager at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and the director of sales, marketing, and lodging services at Red Lodge Mountain Resort.

“I have a deep-rooted passion for snow sports and the ski industry, and I am thrilled to be chosen to continue Tom Day’s legacy and lead Gunstock into a new era of excellence,” Drake said in a statement. “I am eager to collaborate with a team of equally passionate colleagues and engage with the vibrant New Hampshire Lakes Region and Seacoast ski and ride communities. Through dedication to innovating and delivering unparalleled guest experiences, Gunstock will continue to carve a path of excellence both on and off the slopes. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to make Gunstock my home for years to come.”

Drake also worked as the vice president of operations for Wildfire Defense Systems in Bozeman, Mont., and has served on the boards of the Montana Ski Areas Association, Silver Run Ski Club, Fat Tire Frenzy MTB Festival, and the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club.

“Robert’s love of skiing, his well-rounded business background in and outside of the industry, and his community-oriented perspective makes him a natural fit for Gunstock and an exciting choice to continue the success that Tom and the management team have charted,” GAC chair Doug Lambert said in the statement. “The GAC is looking forward to working with Robert as he takes the helm of our beloved ski area.”

Said Day, “Robert’s experience working with the board and the association at Bridger Bowl, which is community-owned and operated, is important. The community here is very involved and interested in Gunstock’s success and everything happening here. Robert gets that, and we think he is going to be a great fit for the demands of this position.”

Gunstock has been in operation since 1937 and is owned and operated by Belknap County. It has 49 trails and eight lifts with 1,340 vertical feet, and is known for its views of nearby Lake Winnipesaukee.