As always happens after a take-over, there's first a quiet time for evaluating the new acquisition's performance, before making any change in leadership.

It was no different after Deer Valley's purchase by Alterra last year. A few days ago, Bob Wheaton, following almost four decades of employment at Deer Valley and its general manager for 30 years, stepped out and will be replaced by Todd Shallan, a hospitality professional, with previous experience with KSL Capital Partners one of the founding partners of Alterra.

In the right spot at the right time, Wheaton became general manager in 1988, executing Edgar Stern's vision for a ski resort with improved food and skier services, but disallowing snowboarding or any terrain park.

A formula targeted to please the early baby-boomer generation that recently began to become a dying breed. A lift-operator at heart, Bob Wheaton always made sure that all his ski lifts didn't squeak and were kept in pristine conditions.

After Edgar Stern's passing 10 years ago, Deer Valley while keeping to its founder's business model, made the surprising acquisition of Solitude Mountain Resort, and today, Alterra stands ready to update the resort's 40 years-old way of doing things.

At the same time, Wheaton will enjoy a well-deserved retirement, harvesting hay and brushing his horses at his nearby Woodland ranch!