Chairlift Chats: A Ride with Buck Hill Owner & CEO Dave Solner
An Inside Look at the Passion and Vision Behind Buck Hill
There’s something magical about a chairlift ride—the crisp winter air, the hum of the lift, and the perfect setting for great conversation. Buck Hill’s new video series, Chairlift Chats, brings viewers behind the scenes of the ski resort, giving them an inside look at the people who make it all happen. In this episode, we ride with Buck Hill’s Owner & CEO, Dave Solner, to hear his story, his passion for skiing, and his vision for the future.
A Legacy of Passion and Growth
Dave Solner, along with his wife Chip, took ownership of Buck Hill in 2018, continuing the legacy of the Stone family, who founded the resort in 1954. When asked how he found his way into ownership, Dave shared that it was his love for both skiing and architecture that led him to take the leap. “I stumbled across a development opportunity with the Stone family to come in and keep the history and legacy of this resort going. Those two things—skiing and development—inspired me to take the risk and make this place my next passion for years to come.”
It’s clear that Dave doesn’t see owning Buck Hill as just a business venture; it’s a labor of love. From maintaining the resort’s deep-rooted traditions to pushing forward with new innovations, he’s fully invested in making Buck Hill a premier skiing and snowboarding destination.
What Makes Buck Hill Special?
When asked about his favorite part of owning the resort, Dave didn’t hesitate: “It’s the culture in general. Whether it’s the ski racing team, the ski school, the families coming out for the first time, or the events we host—it’s all about the people and the experience.”
For Dave, Buck Hill is more than just a place to ski. It’s a community hub where lifelong memories are made. And that extends beyond winter. “We’re expanding into the summer months now, sharing the facility with families and people throughout the region. That’s really exciting.”
The Slopes and the Snow
With a world-class snowmaking system and a dedicated team, Buck Hill is known for its impeccable conditions. Dave gives full credit to his crew: “Our guys did a tremendous job this season cranking out a ton of snow in a short amount of time.”
And as for his favorite trail? “Fresh corduroy anywhere is my favorite run, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Milk Run. It’s got a great pitch, you can carve it up, and get a little speed.”
Ski Jumping Roots & Competitive Spirit
A fun fact about Dave? He’s a U.S. Ski Jumping Hall of Fame member. That competitive fire still burns strong and influences his vision for Buck Hill. “I grew up skiing and ski jumping, and I love the competitive nature of winter sports. We’ve carried that spirit into Buck Hill, from our race teams to our freestyle snowboard and ski programs.”
70 Years of Evolution and Innovation
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Buck Hill has come a long way since its founding in 1954. Under Dave’s leadership, the resort has undergone significant improvements, from investing in snowmaking infrastructure to installing new lifts. “A lot of it is behind-the-scenes—underground piping, snowmaking systems—but it makes all the difference in providing a top-notch experience.”
He’s particularly proud of how the resort has maintained its strong culture while continuing to grow. “The legacy is alive and thriving. The teamwork across departments, the community involvement—it’s amazing to see it all come together.”
Looking to the Future
As for what’s next, Dave has big plans. “We’ll always focus on growing the skiing and snowboarding community, but we’re also making Buck Hill a year-round destination. Whether it’s car shows, concerts, mountain biking, or disc golf, we want people to have fun here in every season.”
With his passion and dedication, it’s clear that Buck Hill’s future is as bright as a Bluebird day.
Watch the Full Interview
To experience the full Chairlift Chat with Dave Solner, check out the video above. You’ll get an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Buck Hill, its history, and its exciting future.