SigMT

SiG MT 96 "Showdown is a labor of love," George says. "I've had an awesome time supplying people with a fun, lifelong recreational activity that gets them outside to enjoy the winter." Aer working in the ski area's guest services for 35 years, Margie recently retired to help chase aer the youngest of their 11 grandchildren. At 77 years young, George is still actively involved in all aspects of Showdown's operations, but he's also been working side-by-side with his children and older grandchildren, transitioning more duties into their very capable hands. e couple's eldest granddaughter, Avery Gold, planned to work for one season as a barista at Showdown's T-Bar Coffee Bar aer she graduated from Carroll College in 2012. Not only did Avery decide to stay onboard as part of the family business, she also ultimately le the coffee bar and took over as Showdown's marketing director – a position she has held for the past three years. "is will be my seventh season here," she says with a laugh. "She's doing a good job, and she's sure fun to have around," George says. "She always comes with a smile on her face." Avery makes a half-hour commute from White Sulphur Springs each day, and her grandparents and mother, Showdown general manager Katie Boedecker, live on the mountain year-round. Avery's Uncle Charlie Wille, handles graphic design duties for the ski area, as well. "It's been really cool to work with my family," Avery says. "Not a lot of kids get to spend that kind of time with their grandparents." In June, the multistate Intermountain Ski Area Association surprised George at their annual conference by presenting him with the esteemed Pioneer Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the ski industry. Avery and George were both recognized for their contributions to the skiing industry in 2017. Avery said she was honored to be recognized by Ski Area Management Magazine as an up-and-coming industry leader.

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