From Wakatipu High, to looking at the Whakatipu from on high.
Former school principal Steve Hall’s been appointed by NZSki as The Remarkables ski area manager, completing a full circle.
Hall, who led Queenstown’s only high school from 2012 to 2022, worked at The Remarks in the rental department in 1986.
He’ll be in charge of that department, and all others, from April 22.
After wrapping up his time at the high school, Hall had a 12-month break, ticking off an adventure bucket list, which included skiing in Japan, Canada and Colorado, watching the Tour de France, and mountain biking the length of New Zealand on the Te Araora trail.
Of the new gig, Hall says he’s feeling genuinely excited.
‘‘It’s a great role and it’s a really important role, because The Remarkables is so precious, not only to NZSki, but also to locals and Queenstown as the town and industry grows.
‘‘I know there are going to be challenges along the way, but being part of figuring things out is what I’m really looking forward to.’’
NZSki boss Paul Anderson’s stoked Hall accepted the job and believes given the breadth of experience he brings to the table he’s the ‘‘perfect fit’’ for The Remarks.
Regarding his first job on the hill, ‘‘it was only meant to be for a year’’.
But he immersed himself in the ski and outdoor industries, gaining invaluable experience as a ski instructor at both The Remarks and Coronet Peak, and led glacier tours, rafting excursions and heli-ski trips in a variety of tourism hotspots, and served as a field training leader in Antarctica.
He’s been Outward Bound school director and Halberg Trust CEO, while he’s also achieved a Master of Business Administration from Canterbury University, a Bachelor of Arts in economics and English, a teaching diploma, and has had stints at Harvard University, in
the United States, completing two short courses in leadership and non-profit management.
Along the way, he’s been presented with several prestigious awards, including a bravery citation from the US Navy, and the esteemed Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award.
Hall’s replacing outgoing ski area manager Ross Lawrence, who’s handing in his name badge on April 30 after 16 years in the role.
