Hammes announced as new Food & Beverage Director

News Release
September 26, 2005
Loryn Kasten 970-385-2131
lkasten@durangomountain.com

HAMMES ACCEPTS F&B DIRECTOR POSITION

Durango, CO - Durango Mountain Resort is pleased to announce that Michael Hammes has accepted the position of Food and Beverage Director.

Hammes is a veteran of the hospitality industry beginning his work in restaurants at the young age of 15. Through the years he has worked every imaginable position in restaurants reaching the General Manger position for the first time in 1990 at Bigg's in Chicago. His journey led him around overseas in the late 1980's as the General Manager and Corporate Training Consultant for Planet Hollywood. Upon his return to the states, Hammes worked at famed Coffeehouse Dean & Deluca in Kansas City and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café in Orlando.

He began his career in the ski industry as the Food & Beverage Director for Mount Snow Ski Resort in Vermont in 2002 and later transferred to The Canyon's in Park City Utah. During his tenure at Mount Snow and the Canyon's Hammes dramatically improved the food and beverage departments, service scores and overall profitability for the resorts.

"The addition of Michael to our management team will enable the resort to reach new levels in our Food & Beverage experience," said Hank Thiess, GM and COO of Durango Mountain Resort.

"Durango Mountain Resort is a legendary resort with immense potential and I am excited to join the team," said Hammes. "My family and I look forward to becoming a part of Durango's dynamic community and calling this area home."

Hammes responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of the Food & Beverage department including on-mountain and village restaurants, conference services, and banquets. He will begin full time September 27.

-www.durangomountainresort.com-