“Freedom to Ski” Innovator, James H. Coleman of MCP, to be Inducted into the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame
James Colman - 2025 New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame Inductee
Ski New Mexico and the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame are delighted to announce that James H. Coleman, Managing Partner and CEO of Mountain Capital Partners - which owns and operates Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Sandia Peak Ski Area, and other ski destinations across the globe - will be inducted into the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame at its annual banquet on Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM.
Creator of the purpose statement, “Give People the Freedom to Ski,” Coleman has 24 years of experience in ski resort operations and over 30 years of investment and development experience. He has been an innovator in the ski industry with a unique business model that offers free skiing to children 12 & under, free ski lessons to never-ever skiers of all ages, lift tickets as low as $9, plus a GPA program that awards students with free season passes to teens with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In addition, his resorts have taught thousands of New Mexico's elementary students how to ski with discounted school programs.
Since becoming Managing Partner of Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort in 2000, he has transformed New Mexico’s oldest ski area into one of its fastest-growing resort. His leadership extends to strategic acquisitions—such as Pajarito Mountain (2014) and Sandia Peak (2023)—and the expansion of Mountain Capital Partners to include 17 resorts globally, including the prestigious Chilean ski area Valle Nevado.
Lifetime and Distinguished Service Awards
In addition to Coleman’s well-deserved induction, two pivotal leaders in New Mexico’s ski legacy will be honored with special recognitions:
Lifetime Achievement Recognition – Doug DeCoursey
A cornerstone of the Taos Ski Valley community, Doug DeCoursey has dedicated decades to nurturing skiers and elevating the resort experience. His impactful teaching and unwavering passion have shaped generations of skiers, embodying the spirit of mentorship and devotion.
Distinguished Service Award – Christof Brownell
Christof Brownell played a crucial role in modernizing Taos Ski Valley by championing the decision to open the resort to snowboarders—a pioneering move that ended over half a century of skier-only policy. This shift, often referred to in the celebrated 'Free Taos' campaign, marked March 19, 2008, when snowboarders were welcomed on the slopes for the first time.
Special Recognition Awards
This year’s banquet will also include Special Recognition of the following industry supporters.
Joe Diaz, recognized for over 40 years of service as Chief Meteorologist at KOAT-TV, whose detailed forecasts and winter weather expertise became an indispensable guide for New Mexico skiers and mountain communities.
Brian Rowe, honored for 40+ years of voluntary CPA services to Ski New Mexico, providing essential financial guidance and integrity behind the scenes of the organization’s growth and success.
Best of the Best Awards — Recognizing Excellence in the New Mexico Ski Industry
Each year, Ski New Mexico proudly recognizes the Best of the Best — individuals who exemplify excellence, professionalism, and passion across all areas of the ski industry to elevate the guest experience.
The 2024–2025 Best of the Best Award recipients are:
• Customer Service: Kimberlee Kavasch – Sandia Peak Ski Area & Abby Souza – Ski Santa Fe
• Mountain Operations: Ed L’Heureux – Ski Santa Fe
• Rental Shop: Celia Martinez – Ski Santa Fe
• Ski & Snowboard Instructor: Ross Burns – Taos Ski Valley
• Ski Patroller: Nali Burke – Sipapu Ski & Summer Area
• Rising Star Award: Luis Rodriguez – Ski Santa Fe
• Leadership Excellence Award: Nicole Miller – Taos Ski Valley
About the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame
Located at the base of the Sandia Peak Tramway, the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame honors pioneering individuals whose passion, innovation, and dedication have shaped the ski and snowboarding community statewide. Established through the generosity of the Abruzzo family, the Hall stands as a tribute to New Mexico's rich winter sports heritage. The Annual Hall of Fame Banquet will take place in Albuquerque on November 15, 2025 at the GAAR Center. Event tickets are now on sale at https://skinewmexico.com/nm-ski-hall-of-fame.
