Former school principal Steve Hall has been appointed by NZSki as The Remarkables ski area manager, completing a full circle.
Mr Hall, who led Queenstown’s only high school from 2012 to 2022, worked at The Remarkables in the rental department in 1986.
He will be in charge of that department, and all others, from April 22.
After wrapping up his time at the high school, Mr Hall, who is believed to be in his late 50s, had a 12-month break, ticking off an adventure bucket list, which included skiing in Japan, Canada and Colorado, watching the Tour de France, and mountainbiking the length of New Zealand on Te Araora Trail.
Of the new gig, Hall said he felt genuinely excited.
"It’s a great role and it’s a really important role, because The Remarkables is so precious, not only to NZSki, but also to locals and Queenstown as the town and industry grows.
"I know there are going to be challenges along the way, but being part of figuring things out is what I’m really looking forward to."
NZSki boss Paul Anderson said he was stoked Mr Hall had accepted the job and believed given the breadth of experience he brought to the table he was the "perfect fit" for The Remarkables.
Regarding his first job on the hill, "it was only meant to be for a year". But he immersed himself in the ski and outdoor industries, gaining invaluable experience as a ski instructor at both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
He also led glacier tours, rafting excursions and heli-ski trips in a variety of tourism hotspots, and served as a field training leader in Antarctica.
Mr Hall has been Outward Bound school director and Halberg Trust chief executive, while he has also gained a master of business administration from Canterbury University, a bachelor of arts in economics and English and a teaching diploma.
He has also had stints at Harvard University, in the United States, completing two short courses in leadership and non-profit management.
Mr Hall is replacing outgoing ski area manager Ross Lawrence, who is handing in his name badge on April 30 after 16 years in the role.
