The Legacy of Jimmy King

After an incredible 50 years of unwavering dedication to Palisades Tahoe, and over three decades shaping its slopes as Mountain Manager, Jimmy King has passed the torch to the next fearless leader. In a legacy-building move, Kyle Crezee now steps in as Mountain Manager, with Chris Woo as Assistant Mountain Manager. Yet even with this change, Jimmy’s journey with Palisades Tahoe is far from over. Taking on the role of Senior Advisor, he will continue to guide the mountain with the same passion and expertise that has made him a legend here. His lifetime of invaluable knowledge, deeply woven into every peak and trail, will ensure Palisades Tahoe remains in the best possible hands. This isn’t just a transition; it’s a continuation of Jimmy’s enduring love for this mountain, its community, and its future.

“How do you simmer down 50 years of gratitude into [words]; I’m not sure, but here we go. There are quite a bit of feelings and emotions encompassing this transition. First of all, a tremendous thank you to Hans [Burkhart] & Ron [Cohen] for helping to propel my career in the correct trajectory. Throughout the decades, I have been beyond fortunate to work alongside & interact with a wide variety of personalities, schools of thought, attitudes, dimensions, and demeanors; yet never finding a person or agency I couldn’t work with. Through these experiences a wealth of priceless knowledge was imparted by all. These teachers have been peers, co-workers, employees of every level, friends, and even a few customers. It is through this knowledge base of collective knowledge, experiences, education & training, and trial by fire that I have gained the skill set to do this job at this magnitude. There is a library of knowledge that must now be passed down to the next in line. The opportunity to be able to remain until I feel this institutional knowledge has been passed on and demonstrated, is one that I am forever grateful for. To use past experiences good & bad and to alchemize them into the teachable moments that each experience provides; for this mountain to function at an optimal level for all to enjoy for generations to come. An immense thank you to Michael Gross and Dee Byrne for giving me this opportunity to close out this beautiful chapter in a way that works for us all. This mountain is a part of me and I a part of it; it is my desire that the legacy of these mountains lives on, for them to be experienced and loved by all.” – Jimmy King

A Lifetime of Dedication

Jimmy and his daughter Danielle in the early 80s

Jimmy at the top of Headwall in the early 80s

First ride on the Funitel with Hans Burkhart, Nancy Cushing, Jimmy King, and Alex Cushing

One of the best lift builders in the industry (Jimmy King on the right)

Jimmy King (far right)

Jimmy being flown off the top of Lakeview at Alpine. He was there assisting with the drive terminal.

Jimmy leading the team building Shirley Lake Express

Jimmy building the access road in to Silverado

Jimmy at Gold Coast Lodge by Hank DeVre

On November 13, 1973, Jimmy King began his career in Olympic Valley, joining the lift maintenance department. Starting in lift operations and maintenance, he quickly earned a reputation as one of the top lift builders in the industry. Notably, Jimmy mastered the rare and specialized skill of splicing cables—a technique that few could execute then and even fewer can today. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in constructing most of the lifts at Palisades Tahoe and contributed to building lifts across California. This expertise has made him an indispensable resource for new construction, emergency repairs, and upgrades, both at Palisades and at other resorts.

While he started in lift maintenance, his wisdom of these mountains exceeds those bounds, as according to industry veterans he has managed one of the most challenging and difficult mountains to operate for over 40 years. Jimmy’s a mountain man in the true sense of the word, showing up everyday before anyone else gets in, and has led by example working side-by-side with the team while dealing with hurricane-force winds, 4-foot storms, power outages, floods, and whatever else Mother Nature concocts, with enthusiasm, confidence and love. His love for the mountain, the team, and the challenge is evident in every decision he makes.

“Summarizing Jimmy King’s career in a few words is as impossible as so many of the things he accomplished across the past five decades. Whether he was in the middle of building every kind of lift imaginable (and sometimes building it for the second time), or leading the mountain operations team of one of the most complicated, exposed, and challenging ski areas in the world, Jimmy’s presence is known through his dedication, his optimism, and his unsurpassable work ethic. In my short time at Palisades, I quickly grew to appreciate the depth of Jimmy’s love for the mountain and its people, and his keen understanding of the landscape. Where the snow piles and where it strips. How the wind sculpts the terrain into a playground, and where it crosses the lift line just a bit too much for comfort. How a team moves around in a storm, and when they need to come in. Having a cup of coffee at 5am on a storm morning and hearing Jimmy come across the radio as he drives in from a short break away from the resort – the excitement at what the day will bring is palpable, and our quick catch up in the Village a few hours later is a precious chance to learn something. Several years ago, Jimmy received the Dave McCoy Lifetime Achievement Award from Ski California, an award named after a man who cut a world class ski area from the granite, given to a man who over so many years did the same. Thank you Jimmy for everything you’ve done for all of us – your colleagues, your guests, your company, your community. Your story will forever be inscribed on the legendary mountain you call home.” -Ron Cohen, Alterra Executive VP of Regional Operations, Former COO of Palisades Tahoe

A Leader with Heart and Wisdom

Jimmy King and the Dave McCoy Lifetime Achievement Award

To be a manager is one thing, but to be a leader is entirely another. Jimmy is a giver, generous with his wisdom, time, and materials. He has been known to literally give someone the shirt off his back. He is known around the Lake Tahoe region as someone who can be called on for help at any time and for any need and has assisted local authorities and other resorts in emergency situations and more. For example, when the Caldor Fire swept through Sierra-at-Tahoe and destroyed infrastructure, Jimmy immediately got a crew, vehicles, and tools and spent two weeks with Sierra-at-Tahoe helping to rebuild a lift. It was Jimmy’s idea, he wasn’t asked or instructed. He just has the biggest heart around.

“Over my 40+ years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many remarkable individuals—people who make every effort feel worthwhile, who brighten the day for everyone around them, and whose hearts are larger than their egos. Jimmy King is one of those exceptional people. One of the highlights of my presidency at Palisades Tahoe was the early morning conversations with Jimmy. After making his rounds on the mountain, he would stop by, and we would simply chat. Often, those discussions would evolve into profound topics that felt as though we were solving world peace. At other times, they would lead to laughter, lightness, and pure joy. Regardless of the direction, we often shared moments of vulnerability and even tears. Connecting on such a deep level with one of the most experienced mountain operations leaders in the world was truly a gift. I will be forever grateful to Jimmy for offering me that gift and for his contribution to my growth as a leader.” – Dee Byrne, Former COO of Palisades Tahoe

The Next Chapter

Jimmy on top of the Aerial Tram

“Fifty years at the resort and forty years as our leader, forty years of being first on the mountain, and forty years of being first on the scene—Jimmy has truly seen it all. His sixth sense, infinite experience, and ultimate wisdom have guided us through countless highs and lows. He has influenced hundreds of employees, industry professionals, suppliers, vendors, and community partners, setting a tremendous example for the new generation on how to lead with heart and intelligence. His high operational standards foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, driving Palisades Tahoe towards future achievements. Thank you, Jimmy!!!” – Michael Gross, Vice President of Mountain Operations

As Jimmy steps into his new role as Senior Advisor, his wisdom and experience will continue to guide the resort. His legacy of excellence, leadership, and love for the mountain will remain an enduring part of Palisades Tahoe.

Thank you, Jimmy, for over 50 years of service, heart, and vision. Palisades Tahoe is forever shaped by your incredible contributions.

Celebrating 50 Years of Jimmy King