”My position is the "Head Snow Monster" at Snow Monsters, the national kids ski and snowboard program. The objective of our company is to grow and promote youth snowsports. We also make DVDs and are working on a current film called "Cheap Ski Movie" featuring several famous skiers and snowboarders.

Tasks include being the primary resort contact person for over 100 ski areas, assistance with our film project, creating fun cartoons, and managing our websites. I got this job after meeting my boss when I won the Ski Area Management Magazine (SAM) 2008 "Recruit of the Year." My boss, Jack Turner, is a former US Olympic team coach and founded Snow Monsters. So, I'm 2nd in command."

Article adapted from feature in Manchester Union Leader, Kris Blomback: He made Pats Peak bigger by REBECCA T. DICKSON, Union Leader Correspondent, (Monday, Jan. 30, 2006)

Kris Blomback has spent the better part of the last six years overseeing a $5 million renovation and expansion at Pats Peak Ski Area. As general manager, Blomback gets the credit for a job well done, but he insists the organization has made its own success.

“There are a thousand micro-decisions made on a daily basis that make outcomes what they are,” he said. “I guess the key is to put people in the right places. We do empower our workforce.”

Blomback’s leadership has brought the ski resort to full power. New and better lifts (and more of them), updated buildings, more trails and aggressive snow-making have all come under his direction, as has invigorating the staff of 600 seasonal employees.

Much of the resort’s success has come by balancing growth sustainably, he said. “I’m most proud of managing to grow a facility and keeping it a first-class operation,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we put out there on a daily basis. We’re very meticulous about growth and we make sure it’s done in the right frame of mind.”

Blomback also led the development of an after-school program, which has so far provided ski lessons for more than 10,000 kids from 100 schools. He was also instrumental in making skiing the official sport of New Hampshire.

Away from work, he is president of the Henniker Business Association and serves on the town’s zoning board. The latter, he said, poses a particular challenge.

“With zoning, it’s balancing the rights of personal property versus the zoning ordinances . . . I have always struggled with growth because it’s a necessary component to creating economic opportunity here in Henniker.”

Pats Peak used to have five to 10 year-round, well-paying positions, he said; today, they have 20 to 25.

“It keeps the money local and helps Henniker’s tax base, but you’ve got to strike a balance,” he said.

“When it’s done haphazardly, shoddily, it’s just growth for the sake of growth."

Black Tie changed the ski and snowboard rental process five years ago, and now boasts 10 locations serving 21 winter destination markets with the largest delivery rental network in the U.S. and Canada. Black Tie Skis continues to grow due to its personalized service, exceptional equipment, and a convenience level that traditional rental facilities can’t match.

He received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2008. This award was designed by the alumni council to recognize young alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and have accomplished great things early in their careers.