“It was really fun to be able to complete my career at Snowbowl and circle back to where it all started.”
Among the ski resort’s many accomplishments during his tenure, he is most proud of the ultramodern Arizona Gondola, well-managed growth, dramatic increase in the kids’ Snowburners program, overall guest experience and “outstanding” management team that he calls “second to none.”
“The Arizona Gondola is such a showpiece, and it really makes the mountain more accessible to all people, both in summer and in winter,” he said. “It took a 20- to 30-minute ride and turned it into a 7- to 9-minute ride, so people got to ski more. It also dramatically decreased lift lines. It is such a state-of-the-art lift and there aren’t that many of them in the country.”
Linde cites Snowbowl’s demand-based pricing model for managing the ski resort’s tremendous growth. “This allowed us to control demand at certain peak periods and keep pricing low for more visitation during traditionally slow periods of time – like midweek. The demand-based pricing model is really very innovative and progressive for our industry. I don’t think anyone is doing it the way we did with such success.”
Another accomplishment he is delighted about is the popularity of Snowburners, a six-week lesson program for kids ages 4–12 to build skiing or snowboarding skills. “When I first came here, there were about a dozen kids in that program. Now, there are more than 400 kids! I think it’s really important to bring kids to the mountain and grow the future of the sport – it’s good for the community, it’s good for families and it is a reflection of what we are trying to accomplish at Snowbowl – getting kids on skis and boards and bringing families together in healthy outdoor recreational activities.”
The guest experience has really improved, too. “We are very guest focused. From our online ticketing and online food and beverage ordering system to our Guest Services and the artistry exhibited on the slopes by our incredible groomers, people don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes to create such a wonderful guest experience. It’s so unusual for a mid-sized ski resort in Arizona to be as innovative as Snowbowl is. We really are industry leaders!”
Linde began his career in the ski industry as a Snowbowl instructor in the late 1970s, while attending Northern Arizona University. “I quickly discovered that this was what I wanted to do – to be in the ski industry.”
His Snowbowl experience was a launching pad for positions at Vail, Beaver Creek and Eldora in Colorado. He also worked for the National Ski Areas Association and RCC, a leading ski industry research and consulting firm. “It was really fun to be able to complete my career at Snowbowl and circle back to where it all started.”
“Rob has been an integral part of creating the highly engaged and positive culture on the mountain while ushering in leading industry innovations, promoting safety for employees and guests as the utmost priority, fostering a strong connection with the community and making it fun to work at Snowbowl,” said General Manager Ryan Hartl. “Under his leadership, we have been able to accomplish many wonderful goals and keep a workforce of 750 people highly motivated to deliver the best guest experience possible. Rob has been a huge advocate for making the mountain accessible to kids and families, and recreationists of all abilities. He has been an amazing mentor to me and others, modeling what it means to be an effective leader who cares about people. We wish him and Susan a fantastic next chapter.”
That next chapter includes a move to Bozeman, Montana, for Rob and Susan Linde. “We’re moving on to try something new and explore a new area of the country. We love Flagstaff. It’s been such a warm community with so much community involvement. It is a very special place, and Snowbowl is a very special mountain.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Courtesy Photo: Retired Arizona Snowbowl General Manager Rob Linde says the ski industry has changed over the years with safer and higher performing gear and equipment, but the people haven’t. “They have a passion for skiing and snowboarding.”
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