“Freedom to Ski” Innovator, James H. Coleman of MCP

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 - is the 2025 Ski New Mexico Hall of Fame Inductee.

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.