Mike Giorgio to be Stowe’s next general manager

Mike Giorgio will become the next general manager at Stowe Mountain Resort on Nov. 18. (Vail Resorts)

When Stowe Mountain Resort opens for the season later this month for its 89th season, it will have a new general manager. Vail Resorts announced Wednesday that Mike Giorgio will assume the role on Nov. 18.

Giorgio has been general manager at Vail-owned Mount Brighton in Michigan for the past three years and was promoted in June to Midwest regional GM.

“Mike’s appointment as the new GM of Stowe Mountain Resort is a testament to his exceptional leadership,” Vail Resorts senior vice-president and COO of the Eastern Region Mountain Division Tim Baker said in a statement. “His decades-long hospitality experience and recent role overseeing six of our Midwest resorts demonstrates his vision and capability to lead the Stowe team and make a positive impact on our guests and the community. Tapping into the extensive talent pool within the Vail Resorts network has been invaluable in our search for the right leadership for Stowe Mountain Resort, and Mike is truly an example of this practice at its best.”

In addition to Mount Brighton, Giorgio led Mad River and Boston Mills/Brandywine/Alpine Valley in Ohio and Paoli Peaks in Indiana.

Giorgio has experience in Vermont, working nearly 11 years at Mount Snow as the executive chef and director of food and beverage before moving to Michigan.

He is the third general manager in as many years at the crown jewel of Vail’s Eastern properties. Giorgio replaces Shannon Buhler, who began her role as vice president and general manager at Keystone in Colorado in September.

“Stowe Mountain Resort has an incredible history, and it’s truly an honor to contribute to that legacy going forward alongside such a talented team,” Giorgio said in the release. “Joining the Stowe family and being a part of the vibrant, passionate community is an opportunity I’m excited for. Returning to Vermont, where my journey in the ski industry began, feels like coming full circle. I’m eager to build on Stowe’s reputation as the premier Northeast destination, while respecting and celebrating everything that makes Vermont’s highest peak so special.”

In announcing the hiring, Vail Resort said Giorgio has developed “high-performing leaders and deep connections with the community led to a transformative guest experience and the revitalization of events for both employee and guests.”

Giorgio has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, according to his LinkedIn profile, and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family snowboarding, rock climbing and running in his spare time.