Growth Elevated Announces 2026 Ski + Tech Summit

Park City, Utah — November 24, 2025

The Ski + Tech Summit returns in January for its eighth year. Hosted by Growth Elevated (Park City, UT), the event brings together founders and C-level executives from growth-stage companies—typically $5M–$50M in ARR—for two days of peer discussion, practical problem-solving, and outdoor time that creates space for candid conversations.

Growth Elevated is a peer‑community for tech founders and C‑level execs to learn, connect, and scale together — combining curated events (like its Ski + Tech Summit), coaching, and advisory resources.

Format and Focus

• Peer Exchange: Participants agree to confidentiality and are expected to “give before they get.” Much of the value comes from small-group discussions about real operational challenges.
• Keynotes and Panels: Sessions feature operators, investors, and subject-matter experts. Previous contributors have included venture firms, private equity partners, and operators such as Aaron Ross, a sales-growth expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author—best known for his book Predictable Revenue, which laid out the “Cold Calling 2.0” inside‑sales process he built at Salesforce that generated $100 million in recurring revenue.

• Chairlift Conversations: A defining feature since the event’s inception. Small groups ski together, using lift rides and breaks to continue discussions sparked in the sessions.
• Networking: Attendees can expect high-quality, carefully curated meals throughout the Summit, including breakfast, lunch, and happy hours designed not just for nourishment but for conversation and networking. The founder, Julian Castelli, personally values food as part of the experience, often preparing or selecting menus from his Italian heritage that enhance the communal and relaxed atmosphere, making dining another opportunity for meaningful connections.

Location and Logistics

• Dates: January 14–16, 2026
• Venue: Grand Summit Hotel, Canyons Village (ski-in/ski-out)
• Attendance: Capped at roughly 80–100 participants to maintain a high-trust environment. Invitation-only.
• Cost: $1,200 user-pay, partially offset by sponsors. Early-bird pricing has been offered in past years.
• Registration Deadline: Mid-December, prior to the holidays.

Speakers

Victor Cheng – The SaaS AI Playbook

Victor Cheng, founder of SaaSCEO.com and author of The SaaS AI Playbook, advises SaaS founders on navigating AI-driven disruption. A former McKinsey consultant, he helps CEOs boost productivity and use intelligent automation to enhance core product experiences. Cheng will show leaders how to turn AI opportunities into measurable business outcomes.

Ashley John Heather – Longevity for the Busy Executive

Ashley John Heather, Co-Founder and COO of Lumati Wellness, applies a science-backed approach to sustaining focus, performance, and health for executives. He will share practical strategies for maintaining energy, clarity, and balance while leading high-demand organizations.

VC Panel

Getting Strategic Value From Your Board explores how growth-stage CEOs can turn their boards into strategic assets. Leaders from Pelion, Next Coast Ventures, and Kickstart will share candid insights, frameworks, and lessons from years of boardroom experience.

Activities

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Access to Park City Mountain Resort; additional options at nearby Alta and Snowbird.
• Non-Ski Options: Spa, pool, sauna, fitness facilities, and quiet work/meeting spaces for those who prefer not to ski.

Origins
The Summit began informally when founder Julian Castelli invited a small group of executives to ski and share challenges. The model proved valuable—especially during the pandemic, when attendees insisted on keeping the gathering alive. It has since grown into an organized, application-based community modeled on the peer-support structures Julian found valuable as a founder and advisor.

"I started this event because I wanted a peer community for founders and executives—a place to share challenges and solutions openly," shared Castelli with TechBuzz."Skiing together created the environment for real conversations, where people could exchange ideas, get advice, and support each other in ways that don’t happen at typical conferences."

"Everyone has that feeling of imposter syndrome," said Castelli, "When they realize others feel the same way, it becomes a supportive community. People can talk about what’s hard, share solutions, and help each other through the ups and downs of running a business."

Even before the group hit the slopes, the value of the event was clear to participants. One CEO from California took part in a conversation early in one of the gatherings and said, “Hang on. This conversation I’m having right here is worth my entire plane ticket. I can’t stop doing this. I’ve just raised my Series A, and talking through this challenge with peers who’ve faced the same issues is exactly what I needed. I’m getting insights I couldn’t get anywhere else—this isn’t just networking, it’s practical, actionable advice that will impact my business immediately.”

The moment illustrates the core aim of the Summit: creating space for meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and real problem-solving among founders and executives in a high-trust environment.

How to Join
Interested executives can apply through Growth Elevated. Applicants provide company information and confirm willingness to participate in the peer-support format.

Learn more at The Ski + Tech Summit. And check out Julian Castelli's LinkedIn post and video below: