Jan. 13, 2010 - Issue #743: Broken Embraces

Game Face: Gibson’s landing

Running Marmot Basin is a real family affair

Many ski resorts claim to be "family" oriented. But how many can claim an entire clan, spanning two generations, on staff?

It all started when Dave Gibson made the move to Banff in 1975. Born in Kingston, ON, Gibson developed a taste for the mountains after several trips to Banff and Whistler as a young man, and decided he would head West seeking work.

Soon after he arrived in Banff he landed a job as a ski school instructor at Sunshine Village. It was there he met his wife-to-be, Debbie, a fellow ski instructor.

It didn't take long for his talents to shine. After only five years he was promoted to VP of Operations. In 1986 a new opportunity arose and Dave, Debbie and their infant children Dave Jr. and Megan moved to Jasper where he took on the GM and COO positions at Marmot Basin. "I was at a stage in my career where I needed to be in charge of it all or I was going to do something different." Currently Dave is the President and CEO of Marmot, a position he's held since 1989.

When your career is the mountains, finding family time can be a challenge. Working weekends is important to Dave because those are the busy times so he opts to stay home on slower weekdays instead. "There isn't a day where you get bored, there's always something different going on."

The only way the family got to see much of dad was to go up to the mountain. Every weekend (and every opportunity in between) there was always time for dad to go for a couple of runs.

When the new ownership group took over at Marmot six years ago Dave told them, "This will be the biggest roller coaster of your life."

Growing up on the mountain gave the kids an opportunity to appreciate all it had to offer. By the age of 14, Dave Jr. was working summers clearing brush and painting. At 18 he joined the ski patrol, followed by several years as an avalanche technician. He is currently in his second year as the ski patrol director. Dave Jr. clearly has a passion to serve the public: in addition to patrol work, he has been a volunteer fireman in Jasper for the past five years.

Megan started her career in the Marmot Basin marketing department. After two years the glamorous slopes of Whistler beckoned her with a position as an international sales rep. After two years she moved into a position with VIA rail in Vancouver.

Soon she was setting up the Snow Train from Edmonton to Jasper, an activity that connected her back with Marmot and the rest of the gang. It didn't take long and now she is back working in Marmot's marketing and communications department. Dave says, "That girl can sell ice to an Eskimo. We're lucky to have her back."

The last member of the family to join the Marmot Basin team was mom. Debbie is a retired nurse and shop owner in Jasper. Three years ago when the Marmot retail store owner didn't return, Debbie became the fourth Gibson to come on board. Her talent for styles, colour and recognizing the store's primary niche is the "I forgot it market" have steadily increased sales.

As if that weren't enough, there is a fifth member to the team, although he's not on the payroll. Blaze, the family dog, makes the daily trek up the mountain as well. Dave thinks that Blaze has the most important position: "He's the meet and greeter for the guests."

Interestingly enough, none of the family members drive up the hill together. Their hours are so different, car pooling with each other doesn't work. Except for Blaze: a coin toss usually sets him up with a driver.

Of them all, Megan has the best ride. She has a suite up in the mid-mountain chalet. Every morning she skis to work; this year it's already 56 days and counting.

Dave's involvement in the ski industry doesn't stop at Marmot. Since 1982 he has been a member of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and is currently on his second stint as the chairman.

"The industry has been good to me and this is a way of giving back and saying thanks." Ninety-two ski areas are members and I'm sure that Dave's 35 years in the industry provide great guidance.

"Working together on the mountain is much more than a job. This is a passion and it's a great experience for us all." V 

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