Tom Anderson Talks Andes Tower Hills History, Advertising

Anderson says he and the Hills staff shoot primarily from the hip, coming up with most of their ad / video ideas a few minutes before they begin filming.

KENSINGTON, MN (KVRR) – When his family founded Andes Tower Hills back in 1980, Tom Anderson had no idea it would last this long or grow this large – let alone that he would become something of a local celebrity.

“My dad, Paul, and my uncle, Vern, they wanted to have a ski hill for the community because they liked to play in the snow,” he said with a laugh.

In 2026, that humble ski hill has become a sprawling complex that draws outdoor enthusiasts from states away – many of whom seem to recognize the man with the mustache.

“People come out and say, ‘Hey Tom!’ and I don’t know who they are, but they say ‘I saw you in your TV ad,’ and I go, ‘Oh, cool!'” he said.

Of course, it’s tough not to be drawn in my Tom’s easygoing nature, which is always on display in Andes’ “What’s Up Wednesday” check-ins on Facebook.

What those people might not realize, though, is that these videos – and the television ads – are largely improvised.

“We have no idea, a lot of times, what we plan on doing,” he said.

And even after 40 years on the slopes – Tom says he and his imaginative mind have no plans on slowing down.

“I’m 65 years old, and I’m still a kid at heart. I don’t think I’ve grown up yet,” he laughed.

“I just think life is good. I thank God – he wakes me up every day, which means I’ve got a purpose and something to do!”