Leavenworth, WA – July 14, 2025 – The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC) is proud to announce a milestone in its nearly century-long history: the appointment of its first-ever Executive Director.
Murray Bartholomew, a long-time resident and globally respected leader in outdoor recreation, will serve in the new role, created to strengthen the club’s operations, support its passionate staff, and deepen its mission of community through outdoor activities.
“After traveling the world to help develop and promote outdoor experiences in over 100 countries, I believe Leavenworth is truly something special,” Bartholomew said. “We have a rare mix of raw natural beauty, a deeply welcoming community, a vibrant downtown corridor, and a culture rooted in the outdoors. My role is to help us step confidently into that identity—positioning Leavenworth as a place where outdoor recreation builds connection, health, and lifelong memories.”
This new leadership position was created to support and strengthen LWSC’s experiences, partnerships, and outreach, while allowing long-time staff like James Munly—whose contributions to trail development and operations are legendary—to continue focusing on what they do best.
“Our team is the heartbeat of this club, and I’m here to support them fully. They have built something truly special, and it’s an honor to stand alongside them,” said Bartholomew.
Though the club is known for winter recreation and summer biking trails and programs, LWSC sees its purpose as larger than sports.
“As a local Nordic ski coach, I’ve seen how the outdoors bring people together—parents sharing stories on the sidelines, neighbors skiing by moonlight, kids learning to love the snow,” said Bartholomew. “These are more than recreational moments—they’re the ties that strengthen our community.”
The club’s goals include:
- Supporting the long-term sustainability of winter sports in the valley.
- Welcoming a broader cross-section of locals to discover human-powered outdoor recreation for the first time.
- Strengthening relationships with partner organizations, schools, and volunteers.
- Celebrating the unique culture of outdoor life that already defines the region.
“Murray brings the perfect mix of global experience and local love,” said Greg Peck, LWSC Board President. “He’s a connector, a thoughtful listener, and someone who shares our belief that the outdoors can help communities thrive.”
To learn more or connect with Murray, visit www.skileavenworth.com or email [email protected].
