Staff Leadership Bob Founder and Owner // bob@utemountaineer.com Bob, the illustrious owner of The Ute Mountaineer, can be found tele skiing, climbing, surfing, or reading. He loves his hooded sweatshirt, quick afternoon runs up Hunter Creek, and footwear (“call me Imelda”). Bob is looking forward to connecting some of the 10th Mountain Huts in a way he hasn’t done before. Ruth Ruth was born and raised in Aspen. She loves cross-country skiing (classic technique), road biking, and hiking, and has most recently learned how to surf. Ruth was chosen for the part of “Little Blue Angel” in her second grade Christmas play, loves Fat Tire, and is setting her goal of getting to her 50th wedding anniversary. Maile Owner and Technical Hardgoods Buyer // maile@utemountaineer.com Growing up in Aspen, Maile had her own personal guide (her dad Bob) to teach her to ski, climb, bike, hike, and appreciate the mountains. She received her BS from UVM where she competed on the Division I Nordic Ski Team. After college, Maile worked as a mountain guide for RMI in Washington, Alaska, and South America in the summers. Her winters were spent ski patrolling in Aspen. She eventually landed full time at the Ute Mountaineer in 2010 after spending much of her childhood in and out of the family business. While learning all she can about the world of retail, Maile still gets out to “product test” with her dad. Although they sit about 5 feet apart all day, they still like each other enough to get into the mountains together. She is currently the climbing and ski hardgoods buyer and works closely with Paul, our GM, to manage the store. Paul General Manager // paul@utemountaineer.com Paul moved here in 1985 from New Jersey. Most of his time is spent these days enjoying outdoor sports, like mountain biking, hiking, rafting, nordic & downhill skiing, with his family – Jenifer, Spencer & Andrew. Paul still telemark skis even though most of his friends have given it up. Helen Floor Manager // helen@utemountaineer.com Originally from Maryland, Helen followed powder days and a desire for a 12-month ski season out to Colorado in 2018. Not picky on how she plays in the mountains, she (finally) learned to ski after being a lifelong snowboarder. In the summer you can find her hunting for lingering snow patches and running to alpine lakes to stay cool. Nico Zazzaretti Floor Manager // nico@utemountaineer.com Nico was raised in the Roaring Fork Valley and has sampled life in other mountain towns, but has always returned home. This Summer you’ll find him out hiking with his dogs or rebuilding his old Jeep Wrangler for further backcountry exploration. When the snow begins to Fall Nico’s lifelong love for skiing will keep him playing in the resort or traveling the backcountry as often as possible. Joel Marketing Manager // joel@utemountaineer.com A native of Austin, Texas, Joel moved to Aspen after having an epiphany during a powder day at Aspen Highlands. With a background and passion for film and photography, you can find Joel bugging his friends to get in front of his camera while running around the mountains. Sam Buyer - Footwear, Men’s Casual Clothing, and Accessories Buyer // sam@utemountaineer.com Sam hails from Arkansas and has a extensive background in buying from Dillards. He enjoys running, hiking, and competing in most of the local uphill challenges either on foot or on his skis. Barb Buyer - Technical Apparel and Women’s Casual // barbara@utemountaineer.com Barb grew up in the Midwest and moved to Colorado with her family after high school. Right after college she moved to Aspen where a friend of hers was living (she didn’t even ski). Like many others, she had no intentions on staying but still absolutely loves living here 40 years later. She has over 35 years experience in retail buying, and she’s been lucky enough to do that all in Aspen. Barb loves to ski, hike and garden in her spare time. Sales and Operations Chris Hopkins Assistant Manager Originally from Manhattan Beach, California, Chris has grown up in Aspen from a young age. He has been skiing pretty much since he was able to walk. When away from work Chris enjoys getting outside for any activity up in the mountains like skiing, climbing, scrambling up peaks and ridges, surfing and photography. Evan Assistant Manager - Evan is currently thru hiking the 3,100mi Continental Divide Trail, we look forward to his return in the Fall! Born and raised on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Evan moved to Aspen Colorado in 2014. An active outdoorsman and wilderness advocate; he spends his summers exploring trailheads and refining his backpacking skills. During the winter he searches for powder on his snowboard. Stop in and have a conversation with Evan about current summer trail conditions or secret winter trails down Highlands. Kristin Shipping and Receiving // receiving@utemountaineer.com Kristin grew up in New England before heading to Colorado for college. After school she moved to Aspen to start teaching. These days you can find her chasing after her two little ones, skiing with her husband Matt, or baking some delicious treats to spoil the Ute staff with. Charlie Sales Associate One of Charlie’s favorite moments was skiing Castle Peak in the summer of 2005 with his girlfriend. Dubbed Charlie “Gearlord” by his friends he’s a gear-aholic who just loves his shades. Zipping off on a hike to Willow Lake or riding his bike outdoors is where you can find him when he is not helping customers at the Ute. UTE MOUNTAINEER, 210 SOUTH GALENA STREET, ASPEN, CO, 81611, UNITED STATES970.925.2849MOUNTAINEXPERT@UTEMOUNTAINEER.COM Subscribe Hear about Ute Mountaineer events, promotions, and local area news. SIGN UP We respect your privacy.