Herwig Demschar, new general manager of SilverStar Mountain Resort. (Photo credit: Linked In)

By Pete McIntyre

Austria native

New general manager for SilverStar

Apr 20, 2022 | 11:30 AM

A new person will soon be in charge of operations at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

The Vernon area resort, which is owned by the U.S. company POWDR, has announced that ski industry veteran Herwig Demschar will assume the role of general manager, following the retirement of longtime GM Ken Derpak.

“Demschar is well known in the ski industry as a former ski coach, employee of multiple Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committees, as well as the former chief operating officer of POWDR,” a news release from SilverStar stated.

Demschar, a former head coach of the U.S. women’s alpine ski team, is looking forward to his new role, calling SilverStar a “multi-faceted jewel of a resort.”

“It’s a magical place that inspires me to get out there and play, and if a mountain can still do that to me after all of the years I have spent in the ski industry, it must be special!,” Demschar remarked. “I am excited to have the opportunity to further build relationships with the communities of winter and summer sports’ enthusiasts and to expand our involvement in their pursuit of creating memorable experiences.”

June 2021 Incident

Two Vernon RCMP officers cleared of use of force charges

15h ago

Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture

Local MLA ready to take personal experience into new Parliamentary Secretary role

Dec 19, 2024

Body Found June 21

No-criminality in death of woman in Kelowna

Dec 18, 2024

Demschar is currently senior vice president of international business development at POWDR. He started with the Park City, Utah-based company in 2007 as chief operating officer, working closely with the general managers of the resorts.

The native of Austria has a masters degree in physical education and geography from the University of Graz, his home town.

Demschar and his wife will reside in the SilverStar area.

Justin Sibley, POWDR’s CEO, said Demschar knows his way around a mountain.

“From its construction, to its day-to-day management, but he also understands what it takes to be a destination for adventure seekers whether they are professionals or taking their first lesson. I am confident that under Herwig’s leadership, SilverStar will continue to grow and enhance guests’ experiences.”

Sibley also extended the company’s thanks to Derpak for his dedication and commitment to SilverStar and the community.

Prior to joining POWDR, Demschar worked in a variety of senior management positions for the organizing committees of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games: 2010 Vancouver; 2006 Turin; 2002 Salt Lake City.

Demschar was also a successful alpine ski coach leading the Austrian National Alpine Ski Team, both men and women, for nine years before coming to the United States where he was head coach of the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team.