September 29 was the last day at Skibowl for Hans Wipper. The resort’s marketing director said leaving the post after 28 years was one of the hardest decisions he has ever made.

“I am sad to be leaving an incredible group of people and working on the mountain I love,” Wipper told The Mountain Times. “I can’t thank Skibowl enough for all the opportunities, knowledge and
friendship that it has provided over the years, and I will miss working with
some wonderful people. I am looking forward to spending more time with my
family, especially my daughter, and getting to enjoy the holidays for the first
time in a long time.”

As Wipper looks back over the nearly three decades on the job, it is difficult to
pick out a single moment that stands out. However, he was able to cull the
events of a few winters ago when a group would hit the Upper Bowl every
Sunday night and end the evening in the Warming Hut to music and beers –
followed by a final run to the bottom.

“That, and many memories like it were what made it such a special place to
work and play,” he said. “Oh, and any powder day that I got to sneak on first
chair.”

He will miss working with people that have become family over the years,
pointing out that the ski industry is a relatively small group of people, leading
to many friends.

“I hope to continue to keep in touch with them and stay involved in the
industry in some capacity,” he said. “I will miss being on the mountain every
day ... Sunrises on a cold, crisp January morning with a few white clouds
against a deep blue sky and the trees buried in snow, is one of the most
special, serene and spectacular moments you can experience. I encourage
everyone to try it once.”

Wipper’s retirement from Skibowl will be short-lived, as he now turns his
attention to a bunch of Wippersnappers.

Two years ago, he and his wife Tiffany started Wippersnappers Kids Play Place
in Sandy, and its success has caused the family to focus more on it.

“The wonderful people of our Mountain community have been very supportive
to us and we are very thankful for this opportunity to give all the kids a fun,

dry, family place to play,” he said. “Oh, and we have great pizza, espresso,
beer and wine as well.”

Wipper added that recently, they were able to rent the space next to them
and are working on expanding, adding another party room, bathroom and
more seating.

Meanwhile, at Skibowl, Sam White takes over as the new marketing director.
He can be contacted by email at sam@go.skibowl.com.