Each year, Colorado Ski Country USA announces the recipients of the coveted “Double Diamond” awards at an annual meeting. For 2024-25, Winter Park Resort took home two big ones, carving out honors for both patroller and snowmaker of the year.

The awards, which are meant to recognize and honor the “who make our ski and snowboard seasons safer and more enjoyable” were given out on June 5 to coincide with the end of the ski season.

The Patroller of the Year award was given to Mike Cravens.

“From a childhood spent skiing Winter Park to managing the very patrol he once admired, Mike — whose father was a Winter Park ski instructor — embodies giving back to his home mountain,” a news release from Colorado Ski Country USA states.

Cravens has worked as a summer lift operator and snowmaker, which gives him insight to every aspect of resort operations. Over the years, he’s become known for his steady leadership during high-stakes situations.

Pauly Borichevsky was selected for the Snowmaker of the Year award.

Winter Park Resort underwent a massive system upgrade to its snowmaking equipment this season and Borichevsky was a crucial component of completing these improvements.

“Pauly has been making snow for nearly a decade, and he knows that snow is the lifeblood of any ski resort, it’s what brings guests in and keeps them coming back, year after year,” the release states. “Although his work takes him to breathtakingly beautiful heights, for Pauly, the ultimate reward isn’t the spectacular views. It’s knowing that, thanks to him and his crew, the season started early and started strong.”