General manager Tom Day walks up the slope at Gunstock Mountain Resort with his skis. (Courtesy photo/Gunstock Mountain Resort)
GILFORD — After four years as president and general manager of Gunstock Mountain Resort, Tom Day told the Gunstock Area Commission Thursday he is retiring, and this winter season is his final one at the resort, according to a press release.
In the release, Day said he will remain in the position until a replacement is hired and is working closely with the commission on the selection and transition plan. It is uncertain how long it will take, but the search will start right away and aim to have someone new by this summer.
“The commission receives this news with a mixture of sadness and a deep sense of appreciation,” said Gunstock Area Commission Chair Doug Lambert. “We are, of course, going to greatly miss having Tom at the helm of the organization.
"His legacy will live on long after his departure. The commission remains committed to carrying on with this very successful model he has created, and we look forward to working with him as we seek to fill the ‘big shoes’ he will be leaving behind.”
Day said he has enjoyed his time at Gunstock, but, at the age of 70, he believes it's time for him to go. He wants to enjoy his remaining years with his wife.
“We need to take advantage of the fact that that we're healthy and we have an opportunity to travel and to go enjoy ourselves. ... And if I was 65, I'd be here five [more] years. I love it here.” Day said in an interview. “Who knows what's going to happen a year or two years, three years from now when you're my age.”
Day has had a lengthy career in the ski industry, beginning his career in 1978 as a lift attendant at Waterville Valley Resort, where he eventually worked his way up to director of mountain operations. In 1997, he was named vice president and general manager of Waterville. After leaving Waterville in 2010, he served in several executive roles, including chair of the board of Dome Industries and general manager of the Hooksett Welcome Centers. Finally, In January 2020, Day made his way to Gunstock, where he accepted the role as general manager.
But starting two months before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Day had a lot of ambitious changes. According to the press release, Gunstock has made more than $6 million in capital improvements. Over the last four years, Day led infrastructure developments that invested about $12 million into the resort, all without borrowing money. This includes the mountain's most recent renovations last fall. This is Day’s proudest achievement. Lambert attested to this growth.
“When you go there now you feel like you're at a world-class resort,” he said. From the signage to the lighting at night. ... He's brought it to the next level, including down to minor details.”
Day’s motivation to change the financial direction of the resort caused a rift between the Gunstock commission and the Belknap County Delegation in 2022, during which Day and other staff walked out temporarily until an agreement could be reached. Day told The Daily Sun this did not prompt his decision to eventually retire. He added “that was more fuel to the fire for me.”
Day doesn’t believe his leaving will affect the resort’s operations at a large scale. He emphasized the importance of the current staff, as they will continue any legacy that Day will leave at the resort.
“The managing staff, they got what we were trying to do here,” he said. “They jumped into it with both feet, they enthusiastically went after stuff, and got it done. So yeah, it'll go fine without me. We get the right person in here, the same sense of energy and culture will continue on.”
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