In Memoriam: Allen R. Kryger (1938–2026)
The Greek Peak family mourns the passing of Allen R. "Al" Kryger, founder, longtime president, visionary leader, and one of the true pioneers of the New York ski industry. Al passed away peacefully on Monday (July 20) at the age of 87.
For more than six decades, Al devoted his life to building not only Greek Peak Mountain Resort, but also the sport of skiing throughout New York State and the Northeast. His passion, ingenuity, and unwavering belief that skiing should be accessible to everyone helped shape generations of skiers and transformed a small Central New York ski area into one of the region's premier four-season resorts.
Beginning in the early 1960s, Al led the construction of Central New York's first chairlift after traveling to Vermont simply to learn how one was built. From there, his vision never stopped growing. He championed snowmaking, night skiing, innovative learn-to-ski programs, adaptive skiing, destination marketing, and eventually the evolution of Greek Peak into a true year-round resort with lodging, conference facilities, and family attractions.
Throughout his career, Al became one of the most respected voices in the ski industry. He believed every first-time skier deserved an exceptional experience, every guest should be treated like family, and every improvement made to the mountain should create lasting memories for future generations.
"Few people have left a legacy as meaningful as my father's," said Wes Kryger, President of Greek Peak Mountain Resort. "He believed skiing had the power to bring families together, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships. Everything he did, from building lifts to teaching children to ski to dreaming about what Greek Peak could become, was rooted in making the mountain a place where everyone felt welcome. His vision continues to guide us every day, and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward."
Al's influence reached far beyond Greek Peak. He mentored countless ski area operators, worked alongside industry leaders through organizations including the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and Ski Areas of New York (SANY), and was always willing to share ideas that strengthened skiing throughout the region. His leadership helped establish Greek Peak as one of the East's premier learn-to-ski destinations and a model for family-focused recreation. Perhaps Al's greatest legacy is measured not in chairlifts, trails, or buildings, but in the millions of memories created on the mountain he helped build. For generations of guests, employees, instructors, and industry colleagues, Greek Peak has never simply been a ski resort—it has been a home mountain.
The entire Greek Peak family extends its heartfelt sympathy to the countless friends, colleagues, guests, and members of the ski industry whose lives were touched by Al. His passion for skiing, his generosity, his vision, and his unwavering commitment to the sport will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A mountain of memories. A lifetime of leadership. A legacy that will endure for generations.
A celebration of Al’s life will be held at Greek Peak’s Acropolis Room on Saturday, August 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life so well lived.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort