PINKHAM NOTCH, New Hampshire ??” Wildcat Mountain is pleased to announce that Alexa Bernotavicz of Intervale, NH, has recently been promoted to the position of Director of Mountain Operations. In her eighth season at Wildcat, the 34-year-old Bernotavicz is no stranger to the mountain, and has progressed her way from working in the Lion’s Den Children’s program literally to the top of Wildcat Mountain! Bernotavicz is the first female Mountain Operations Manager in the history of Wildcat, currently in its 48th consecutive ski season.

Bernotavicz will oversee a staff of managers tasked with ensuring the lift maintenance, lift operations, snowmaking, grooming, vehicle maintenance, and ski patrol departments all run smoothly. Working with Bernotavicz will be John Ginter as the new Director of Lift Maintenance;

Ian Turnbull takes over the Ski Patrol Director position; Pat Markey oversees snowmaking operations; and Shawn Wallace is the lead mechanic responsible for vehicle maintenance.

According to General Manger Tom Caughey, “Alexa was the natural choice for us. We are very excited to offer this opportunity to Alexa, and everyone who is taking on new responsibilities. This allows us to further the team approach to management of Wildcat Mountain. This staff has been working together over the years, and this gives them all an opportunity for continued growth right here at Wildcat.”

Originally from Litchfield, Maine, Alexa graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 1994, achieving high honors for her senior thesis research for her Bachelor of Arts in Geology. Her experience ranges from geological field research in Iceland and the Canadian Arctic to extensive supervisory experience with the U.S. Forest Service, stretching out as far as Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. In connection with her roles with the Forest Service, Alexa has a very high level of training and experience in emergency response and fire-fighting. An EMT (nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician) and Wilderness EMT, Bernotavicz has received additional training in life support and avalanche rescue.

Alexa took her first position at Wildcat in December 1998, as Director of the Children’s Ski School and Nursery Programs. The following season saw her join Wildcat Ski Patrol on a full-time basis through the ski season, with full-time summer employment with the White Mountain National Forest.