Ski industry veteran Herwig Demschar is the new general manager for Vernon’s SilverStar Mountain Resort.
From Austria, Demschar will assume the role following the retirement of longtime GM Ken Derpak.
Demschar is well known in the ski industry as a former ski coach, employee of multiple Olympic and Paralympic organizing committees, as well as the former chief operating officer of POWDR, an adventure lifestyle company that “inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places.”
Recently, he oversaw the Alpine Ski World Cup’s wildly successful return to the east at Killington in Vermont and was the GM of POWDR’s helicopter skiing company, Powderbird.
“SilverStar Mountain Resort is a multi-faceted jewel of a resort. It’s a magical place that inspires me to get out there and play – and if a mountain can still do that to me after all of the years I have spent in the ski industry, it must be special,” said Demschar. “I am excited to have the opportunity to further build relationships with the communities of winter and summer sports’ enthusiasts and to expand our involvement in their pursuit of creating memorable experiences.”
Justin Sibley, POWDR’s CEO added, “Herwig knows his way around a mountain – from its construction to its day-to-day management, but he also understands what it takes to be a destination for adventure seekers whether they are professionals or taking their first lesson. I am confident that under Herwig’s leadership, SilverStar will continue to grow and enhance guests’ experiences.
“I also want to extend our thanks, on behalf of all of us at POWDR, to Ken for his dedication and commitment to SilverStar and the surrounding community.”
Currently, Demschar is the senior vice president of international business development at POWDR Corp, which owns SilverStar Mountain Resort. He started with POWDR in 2007 as chief operating officer, working closely with the general managers of the resorts.
Prior to joining POWDR, Demschar worked in a variety of senior management positions for the organizing committees of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games: 2010 Vancouver; 2006 Turin; 2002 Salt Lake City. Demschar was also a successful alpine ski coach leading the Austrian National Alpine Ski Team, both men and women, for nine years before moving to the United States where he took over the leadership of the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team as head coach.
Demschar received a masters degree in physical education and geography from the University of Graz, his Austrian hometown. Demschar and his wife will reside in the SilverStar area.
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