Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) announced the winners of its 2024-25 Double Diamond Awards in front of an audience of industry leaders and partners at its annual meeting on June 5, at Infinity Park. Sponsored by Leitner-Poma, the Double Diamond Awards, which have been given annually since 1999, honor the men and women who dedicate their seasons to making Colorado winter sports enjoyable, safer, and fun-filled.
“The recognition of the Double Diamond Awards is richly deserved by each and every one of the award winners,” said CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills. “In partnership with our sponsor Leitner-Poma, we take a moment to celebrate the professionals who make skiing and snowboarding safer and more enjoyable for everyone, each day of the season.”
And the 2025 Double Diamond Awards go to…
Kristin Mueller | Food & Beverage Professional of the Year
Monarch Mountain
Kristin traded a corporate career for what was supposed to be one short winter in Colorado and never looked back. Her warm hospitality, signature cocktails, and uncanny ability to remember guests by name have made the Monarch bar a beloved gathering spot. When Kristin’s pouring, you’re guaranteed a great drink—and an even better conversation.
J.R. Spies | Guest Services Professional of the Year
Purgatory Resort
A lifelong skier and seasoned leader who’s the calm in the storm on even the busiest powder mornings, J.R. sets the tone for guests’ entire day—answering questions, solving problems, and doing it all with a smile. Whether he’s directing traffic, troubleshooting tickets, or mentoring new team members, he infuses kindness and clarity into every interaction—and Purgatory’s guests feel like they’re in heaven.
Mike Cravens | Patroller of the Year
Winter Park
Excellence in patrol work means calm under pressure, deep operational know-how, and an unshakable dedication to guest safety and team wellbeing—all things Mike brings to the job every day. Born and raised in Colorado, Mike now leads the very patrol team he grew up admiring. His steady leadership and support for his team shine brightest during the toughest moments—proving why safety is truly a service.
James Arnold | Snow Groomer of the Year
Copper Mountain
There’s a reason people rave about the corduroy. Behind every perfect run is someone like James “Jim Bob” Arnold, Slope Maintenance Foreman at Copper Mountain and this year’s Groomer of the Year. With a career that started in 1980 and that has spanned resorts nationwide, Jim Bob is known for tackling the toughest jobs first, mentoring others, and pioneering grooming practices still used today.
Jenn Weier | Instructor of the Year
Aspen Snowmass
Our 2025 Ski Instructor of the Year, Jenn Weier, Ski Pro and Alpine Certification Lead Trainer at Aspen Snowmass, brings elite technical skill and compassionate mentorship to everything she does. From a tiny hill in Wisconsin to the peaks of Aspen, Jenn has shaped not only great skiers but great teachers—making snowsports more welcoming for everyone.
Pauly Borichevsky | Snowmaker of the Year
Winter Park
Pauly stands out as this year’s Snowmaker of the Year, for nearly a decade of braving frigid nights to flip compressors, fine-tune guns, and deliver early, reliable terrain. His leadership was key to expanding and modernizing Winter Park’s snowmaking system, boosting efficiency and getting guests on snow sooner. Pauly was unable to attend the ceremony. His award was accepted by members of the Winter Park team on his behalf.
Cole Brantner | Terrain Park Specialist of the Year
Eldora
A former liftie turned snowcat maestro, Cole (pictured, third from left) is now the Terrain Park Cat Operator at Eldora. He brings both creativity and precision to every feature he shapes, and by riding what he builds, he keeps fun, flow, and safety in perfect sync—making sure every park day is a good day.
Jeff Hanle | President’s Award
The 2025 President’s Award, which is given annually to a person who has made significant and positive contributions to the trade association, went to Jeff Hanle, whose 25-year career extended far beyond the grounds of the four storied mountains of Aspen Snowmass. He’s given much to the industry, on the record, behind the scenes, and in his commitment to mentoring the next generation, and he leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary contributions to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Scott Fitzwilliams | Chair’s Award
The 2025 Chair’s Award was presented to Scott Fitzwilliams, former Forest Supervisor of the White River National Forest. For more than 15 years, Scott guided the nation’s most-visited national forest, balancing recreation, conservation, and community across 2.3 million acres and 11 world-class ski areas. His collaborative approach to stewardship and sustainable planning has helped ensure that the landscapes we love will thrive for generations to come.
All photos courtesy of Cort Muller
