Promotions and Additions Within the Mountain Group of Active Interest Media

Stephen Sebestyen has moved from Web Producer at the Outdoor Group into the role of Digital Director for the entire Outdoor Group, which contains both the Mountain Group properties of SKI and Warren Miller Entertainment, and oversees other brands like Backpacker, Climbing, SNEWS, and the Get Out More Tour. During his tenure at AIM, he’s developed proprietary apps that help run the annual SKI Magazine gear tests, reinvented the winter resort survey that is critical to the flagship issue of SKI Magazine, and established a summer survey with the SKI Magazine editorial team to help build out year-round content for the magazine. All Outdoor Group brands will benefit from his new role as he continues to innovate and move us forward in the digital space.

Longtime SKI Magazine Editor Samantha Berman has been promoted to Content Director of the Mountain Group. Sam has been with the SKI brand since 2003, and will continue brand development for SKI, SKImag.com, AIM Adventure U, and Warren Miller Entertainment. Her new role includes the responsibilities of the chief editorial position, but also the visionary leadership for the continued integration of online education through AIM Adventure U. She will also be charged with collaborating on custom content in partnership with Catapult, our in-house agency, as well as video-enhanced content through collaborations with Warren Miller. In addition, Sam will lead the content creation teams from SKI and Warren Miller through the production of Warren Miller’s SnoWorld for this year’s film tour. SKI’s creative, photo, and edit departments will now report directly to her.

Jennifer Wiegand was hired on as a full-time Content Producer for SKI Magazine. Jenny comes to us from Boulder-based marketing firm Pivot Communication and is excited to head up SKI’s Instruction coverage going forward. As a former ski instructor and ski racer, Jenny is well positioned to further focus and tighten this core component of the brand both in print, online, and in collaboration with AIM Adventure U. Jenny will also assist with gear and travel coverage across all platforms.

Jessi Hackett has been promoted to an expanded role of Marketing & Content Manager for Warren Miller, where the last four of her more than five years at AIM have been on the Warren Miller brand marketing team. Adding to her core film tour duties, Jessi will oversee and grow WME’s branded and sponsored content opportunities, social platforms, and web presence. Her contributions to content, including years of contributing to SKI magazine, will further strengthen the relationship between the two sister properties.

The Warren Miller team has also hired Peter Haggstrom as a full-time as Digital Marketing Specialist. Pete demonstrated an undeniable enthusiasm for the industry, initially starting on the Warren Miller team as the Digital & Grassroots Marketing Coordinator during the 2017 tour. He’s excelled at customer support while balancing the demands of our email and digital needs, and always providing a fresh perspective on the vision of the brand.

Renee Geary is transitioning her role as Operations & Partnerships Coordinator for Warren Miller to a larger role as the Account Manager to National Partnerships. Renee joined WME during the 2016 film tour in a seasonal operations role and made a name for herself within the Mountain Group through her commitment to learning about our business and frequently seeking new challenges. Her drive for success, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting makes Renee an ideal fit to support WME’s strategic partnerships.

With the increased push for expanded digital and custom content marketing opportunities across SKI and SKImag.com, the Mountain Group Marketing Department has brought back former intern Peter Heffelfinger for the new role of Marketing Coordinator, which will be shared between Mountain and Outdoor Group properties, Backpacker and Climbing. Peter proved himself to be a dedicated, enthusiastic coworker as our intern last fall, and displayed a great aptitude for learning and understanding the needs within the marketing department.

About AIM’s Mountain Group

AIM’s Mountain Group’s, a division of AIM’s Outdoor Group, is comprised of the ski world’s best and most-loved ski media brands: Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful adventure-film company in history, and SKI Magazine, established in 1936 and the go-to resource for gear, resort, and travel destination information. In addition to those marquee brands, the Mountain Group offers online courses as part of AIM’s Adventure University and partners with key snowsports industry clients to provide strategic marketing solutions through AIM’s own agency, Catapult Creative Labs, and AIM Studios, AIM’s in-house production company dedicated to digital video.

About Active Interest Media, Inc.

One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (www.aimmedia.com) produces magazines, consumer and trade events, websites, films and TV shows that reach 40 million readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. The company’s five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group, and Outdoor Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online education courses, and retail events. Brands include SKI Magazine, Yoga Journal, Backpacker, Climbing, Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Power & Motoryacht, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Horse & Rider, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Log Home Living, Woodsmith, and more. Active Interest Media’s customers are smart, engaged, and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.

Media Inquiries

Mountain Group  –  Lydia Tirpak – Ltirpak@aimmedia.com