Our Team

At Breck, it isn’t just about our incredible Five Peaks and historic town (though we think those are pretty darn cool)! It’s also about the people you meet along the way – a welcoming community stoked on life in the mountains. Get to know some of the leaders here at the resort who call Breck home.
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

JON COPELAND

Jon Copeland Personnel Photo

Jon Copeland is the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Appointed to the role in Oct. 2023, he leads all mountain and base area operations, food and beverage, the resort's ski and snowboard school, summer activities and operations, and other important areas of the business, while also leading partnership and engagement with the Town of Breckenridge and broader community.

Prior to taking the reigns at the resort, Copeland served as the Vice President of Mountain Operations, overseeing ski patrol, grooming, snowmaking, lift operations, lift maintenance, comp services, terrain parks and building maintenance for the resort. Copeland first came to Breck in 2019 as Senior Director of Skier Services and he moved over to mountain operations in 2020. He and his team have been instrumental in driving major on-mountain projects and capital investments across the resort, including the new Freedom SuperChair that opened in 2021 on Peak 7, the upgrade to Rip’s Ride on Peak 8 in 2022, and most recently, the Peak 8 base area transformation and upgraded Five SuperChair in 2023. Copeland has also been instrumental in developing strong leaders at Breck and leads the resort Mentor Program for young leaders. 

Prior to Breck, Copeland spent more than 20 years at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe where he created and implemented the Expedition Kirkwood program, providing backcountry-like experiences to explore the lesser known and more extreme side of the mountain. In Jon’s more than 30 years of ski industry experience, he has held nearly every position that exists within ski school operations, and has also overseen retail and rental, cross country skiing, product sales and services, and guest services.

Jon is passionate about skiing, biking, camping and fly fishing, and he even ran a fly-fishing guide service for 12 years in Lake Tahoe. He lives in Summit County and is an active leader and volunteer in the local community, serving on the board of directors for Building Hope, which offers mental and emotional health support within Summit County, and serving on the board of directors for The One Ski Hill Place Homeowners Association..

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on the central coast of California, spending a lot of my time with family and friends in the Lake Tahoe area.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an outlaw – I love the old westerns.

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

Skiing between my uncle's legs at Sugar Bowl where he was a ski patroller.

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

On a river fly fishing. Next to the big rock and across from the tree.

What is your favorite run or Peak at Breck and why?

Anywhere up in Serenity Bowl or the Sixth Senses. I love the feeling of isolation that the hike provides, and just being at the top of the mountain looking down on the resort and town is a special feeling. It doesn’t hurt that there is some really fun and challenging terrain up there.

What’s your favorite spot in town?

Tacos Y Burritos. Pretty much anywhere that has Mexican food.

I love Breck because...

The mountain and the people. It’s a very dedicated group of individuals who really want to be part of a great mountain experience. The people I work with are super passionate and you can’t help but feel privileged to be a part of that.

Favorite time of year at Breck?

Fall. Nothing better than fall in a mountain community. The coming winter’s light, crisp mornings and evenings really start the excitement for what’s to come.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MOUNTAIN DINING

MARISSA FRUTCHEY

Marissa Frutchey Personnel Photo

Marissa is the Senior Director of Mountain Dining at Breckenridge Ski Resort. She started in her current role in 2021, and oversees eight on-mountain restaurants, as well as the resort’s on-mountain wedding and events business. She works to drive the business in service standards, training, innovation and culinary execution.

Growing up in Northern California, Marissa has fond memories of family ski vacations at Mt. Shasta and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, where her love of snow sports and the mountains flourished from a young age. Marissa began her career in the hospitality industry working multiple supervisory roles at The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in La Jolla, Calif., while pursuing her college degree at San Diego State University.

Following college graduation, she went on to pursue her passion of snowboarding and moved to Colorado to work at Breckenridge Ski Resort, where she started as a seasonal Supervisor of Mountain Dining at TenMile Station in 2013. Marissa has held many positions within Breck Mountain Dining during her tenure, including serving as General Manager of TenMile Station and most recently as Senior Manager of Mountain Dining.

Marissa is passionate about supporting the resort, employees and the local community. She currently leads the resort’s Employee Experience team and served as the co-captain of our local Commitment to Zero sustainability efforts at Breck for many years. She is also on the board of the Dwight Brill Foundation, a non-profit that supports Breck Ski Resort employees who are in financial distress due to medical circumstances.

In her personal time, Marissa enjoys traveling (to the beach!), dining out, dancing, and adventuring outdoors with her husband, daughter and dog.

Where did you grow up?

Arcata, California

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I loved playing “Travel Agent” as a kid and always thought that would be a fun profession – my urge to explore and travel the world developed at a young age.

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

I have memories of being in ski school Mt. Shasta, the mountain I grew up skiing at. And fearlessly racing my big brother down the mountain!

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

In the dance studio!

What is your favorite run or peak at Breckenridge and why?

I love hiking the Six Senses on Peak 6. It’s so magical up there on that ridgeline with an incredible 360-degree view!

What’s your favorite spot in town?

I love to wine and dine! I enjoy any restaurant in town where I can sit on a patio, enjoy incredible food, wine, service & a view of the mountain.

Favorite time of year at Breckenridge?

During the winter, Ullr Fest is one of my favorite times of year. This event brings so much fun and energy to town! I equally love the summertime in Summit County. It’s a beautiful time to get outside, hike the trails, go camping, get out on the lake and dine al fresco.

Something others may not know about you?

I grew up dancing competitively since I was 5 years old, and still love to dance today. Hip-hop is my favorite style because I love the music!

 

 

SENIOR MANAGER OF PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES

EMILY LUTKE

Emily Lutke Personnel Photo

Emily Lutke is the Senior Manager of Product Sales and Services at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Emily has been in the position since March 2020, and in her role, she is responsible for overseeing Breck Ski & Snowboard School sales, lift ticket and pass sales locations and the resort call center.

Emily first moved to Breck and began her career at the resort in 2006, starting as a ticket seller on Peak 9 and taking on a variety of leadership roles within the product sales and services department. Emily is an active member of the resort’s Epic Promise Foundation, which helps to support Breck employees and their dependents with emergency financial assistance and educational grants in times of need.

Emily’s favorite part of every season is that she loves all the familiar faces, her mountain family and welcoming new team members to the resort for the first time. Each season the team brings a revitalizing energy, passion and a contagious excitement that sends a flood of memories from each year in Breck.

Originally from Michigan, Emily studied and practiced as a dental assistant for several years before her then finance convinced her to do one season in Breck. The rest is history and Emily has now lived in Breck since 2006. She enjoys travelling, camping, following her daughter around to hockey games, and spending time with her husband, daughter and son.

Where did you grow up?

Hudsonville, Michigan

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut. I vividly remember a trip when I was 11 to the Kennedy Space Center and how cool it was to see a shuttle launch.

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

I wasn’t raised in a skiing family, so when I was in middle school, we took a field trip to a local hill and I lapped the rope tow all day.

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

In our converted bus, Lupita. We love to camp both in the winter and summer.

What is your favorite run or Peak at Breck and why?

Peak 7 – Angels Rest. My favorite is a spring, bluebird day with fresh groomers, and going to Peak 7 and just disconnecting. It’s the place I most enjoy on the mountain

What’s your favorite spot in town?

The Crown. It’s a great place for food, beverages and dessert. I’m an ice cream fanatic so anywhere I can combine those three things makes me happy!

I love Breck because...

I love the community feel and how we get the benefit of having our beautiful resort and town closely intertwined with each other.

Favorite time of year at Breck?

September, I love the change in seasons. The cool mornings and warm days are wonderful.

Something others may not know about you?

I LOVE cows! At one point in my childhood, around 9 years old, I recall having two cows named Zeke and Joey. I find the simplicity of their daily life very appealing and their features to be so welcoming to want to sit in the pasture with them.

DIRECTOR OF BASE AREA OPERATIONS

RYAN TAYLOR

Ryan Taylor Personnel Photo

Ryan Taylor is the Director of Base Area Operations at Breckenridge Ski Resort, overseeing a variety of areas that are integral to resort operations including parking arrivals and departures, transportation, uniform services, warehouse operations, roads, and building maintenance.

Ryan started his career journey with Vail Resorts in 2009 as a rental tech at Breeze in Frisco. A job that seemed temporary quickly turned into a passion for helping guests prepare for the slopes. During his time with Vail Resorts Rentals (VRR), Ryan developed lasting relationships, bought way too much gear, and held several leadership positions in Breck including Store Manager in 2010, Rental Operations Manager in 2012, and Sr. Manager of Retail & Rental in 2015. In 2021 Ryan made the decision to change divisions and leave VRR in order to chart a new path forward at Keystone Resort as the Sr. Specialist of Health & Safety, overseeing employee safety and supporting with guest safety. 

Ryan is a husband, dog dad, outdoor enthusiast, music lover, and a devoted Oregon Ducks fan. On his days off you can find him skiing, mountain biking, climbing, or seeing a concert with his wife Jessica. Together with their lab Sunny, they love calling Summit County home!

Where did you grow up? 

The suburbs of Portland, Oregon

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A pro baseball player, obviously.

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

I just remember how exhausting it was carrying all my ski gear across the parking lot at Mt. Hood Meadows. 

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

Exploring the mountains some other way. I love backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and hiking with Jessica and Sunny. 

What is your favorite run or peak at Breck and why? 

Twin Chutes is my favorite place in Breck. I enjoy the walk back there and it holds snow like no place else. The south side of Peak 10 is a close second. It’s really hard to pick just one. 

What’s your favorite spot in town?

Blue River Bistro! 

I love Breck because...

Of the skiing and that ski town vibe. 

Favorite time of year at Breck?

There’s nothing like mountain biking in the fall. 

Something others may not know about you?

Before moving to Colorado, I lived in Boston. I was a substitute teacher for Boston Public Schools, among other side jobs, and met my wife there.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SKIER SERVICES

KYLE MURPHY

Kyle Murphy Personnel Photo

Kyle Murphy is the Senior Director of Skier Services at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Kyle started in this role in 2021, where he is tasked with overseeing all operations within the resort’s Ski & Snowboard School, in addition to scanning operations, guest services, childcare and summer activity operations at Epic Discovery.

Kyle has been with Vail Resorts since 2010, beginning his career with the company as a snowboard instructor at Keystone and working his way up to hold a variety of leadership roles within resort ski and snowboard schools. Prior to his current role, Kyle served as the Children’s Location General Manager at Breck from 2017-2019 before heading east to New England to take on the role of Director of Skier Services at Okemo Ski Resort in Vermont from 2019-2021. In December of 2021, Kyle returned home to Summit County and Breck.

Kyle graduated from the University of New Hampshire and has lived in Summit County for 10 years. Skiing & Riding have become a true family pastime for him, starting with his mother who first encouraged him to move to Keystone after his college graduation.

Where did you grow up?

Westborough, Massachusetts

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Not a clue!

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

Luckily, I had parents who were really passionate about skiing and snowboarding. They put me on skis at 2 years old. My first memory is actually riding the rope tow (real rope) at Bousquet’s in the Berkshires when I was 6 or 7.

My first memory snowboarding is much more vivid. I remember taking a snowboard lesson at Waterville Valley when I was 11 or 12. I was so frustrated about how hard it was I unstrapped my board and sent it down the learning area. It crashed into the base lodge. I got kicked out of the lesson!

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

Hanging out at home with my two kids or playing golf at The River and Ranch Courses in Keystone.

What is your favorite run or peak at Breck and why?

It’s not exciting, but my favorite run is Volunteer to Shock on Peak 9. In my job, I spend a lot of time going back and forth between Peak 8 and Peak 9. I love the pitch on those two runs, the sometimes-variable conditions and the ability to play in the bumps.

What’s your favorite spot in town?

My favorite spot is the Base 9 Bar in the Beaver Run Conference Center. When I was new to Breckenridge, it was a great spot to grab drinks with friends after work, while always being pretty low key and mellow. My favorite food spot right now is Sancho’s. They have the best tacos for a great price.

I love Breck because...

Ultimately, I love the people I work with. Breck attracts and keeps a certain type of individual, and I’m proud to be a part of both the resort and community.

Favorite time of year in Breck?

April, end of ski season. I love the transition from winter to spring, the bluebird days with mid-winter snow conditions. As a resort, it’s also when we’re able to put on a lot of outdoor social activities which are always a good time.

Something others may not know about you?

I’m a history buff! I love reading and watching documentaries about any and all history. It was one of my majors in college and I love geeking out watching the History Channel for hours!

SENIOR MANAGER OF HEALTH & SAFETY

JON ROBERSON

Jon Roberson Personnel Photo

Jon Roberson became the Senior Manager of Health and Safety at Breckenridge Ski Resort in 2022. Jon manages both employee and guest safety at the resort, including safety programs, regulatory compliance, safety strategy, and OSHA compliance. He collaborates closely with the Mountain Safety Team and ski patrollers to monitor and enforce safety on the mountain, educate guests about the Skier Responsibility Code, and increase guest and employee awareness of safety initiatives.

Jon moved to Breckenridge in 1996 when he started teaching skiing at Peak 8. Since then, Jon has worked at each base area of Breckenridge Ski Resort and has also spent time at Keystone, working in ski school, ski patrol, hospitality and health & safety.

Jon’s career in the ski industry began right after school when he moved to Germany while working for the Armed Forces Recreation Centers in Garmisch – a Bavarian ski town, and Chiemsee – an alpine lake community outside of Munich. For the next 5 years, Jon taught skiing all over Europe, from Obertauern and Kitzbuehl in the Austrian Alps to the glaciers of Solden and Stubai to the sunny slopes of Italy and the staggering heights of the Trois Valles and Chamonix in France.

Born in Harrogate, England, to U.S. government employees, Jon grew up Columbia, Md. He still travels and especially enjoys trekking in the great mountains of the world with multiple trips to Nepal under his belt. Jon is married to longtime Summit County resident Kathryn Weldon and has two stepdaughters, Margaret and Lily. And he still skis on his days off!

Where did you grow up?

Columbia, Maryland

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Either a spy or a forest ranger.

What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?

Skiing down the hill in our front yard.

When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?

Out west in the red, dusty lands, exploring.

What is your favorite run or Peak at Breckenridge and why?

South side of Peak 10. You have your own private resort out there.

What’s your favorite spot in town?

Hanging out at home on the patio with my wife, Kathryn.

Favorite time of year at Breckenridge?

Fall

Why do you love Breckenridge?

The access to recreation, the city, the Denver Airport and to what is still at its heart, a small town.

Something others may not know about you?

I was the 5th grade Hustle champion. If you know, you know.