Steamboat Pilot & Today

Locals 2007

Locals 2007 - a celebration of our favorite personalities.

Steamboat Springs — Michael Lomas has spent his life serving up fun.

Lomas, who now serves as vice president and general manager of the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, has been in the hospitality business since he moved here in 1978.

"I enjoy it," Lomas said. "Since Steamboat is such a great place to visit, it makes my job easy."

Lomas shoveled driveways and walkways for a property management company when he first moved to Steamboat.

Since then, he has moved his way up. He managed numerous hotels and motels in Steamboat, as well as managing and owning the Ptarmigan Inn Hotel for several years.

Still, Lomas said his job at the Grand, which he's had since 2004, has presented his most recent and demanding challenges.

With most of the ownership of the Grand going from American Skiing Co. to private owners, Lomas said he is constantly working with the new Home Owners Association as well as the ski area to make the transition smooth.

"That keeps a guy hopping," he said.

Although Lomas said the hotel business is more of a lifestyle than a job, he's able to balance his life with skiing and golf.

When the snow flies on the mountain, he encourages employees to take a break and carve some fresh trails.

"That's why we live in Steamboat," said Lomas, who tries to ski three times a week. "It's not unusual to see an accountant taking a mid-day break to go and ski."

Lomas said he has seen Steamboat change drastically in the past 20 years, but one thing has remained the same - the people.

"It's a pretty wonderful community to be a part of," he said.