Page 9 - Winter 2018 Journal

meeting, if you take the time up front, you’ll get more Vermont for the next several months. Once she arrives,
out of each and every situation. things will really start to feel like home.

NJ: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? NJ: Where did you learn to ski and who taught you?
KP: Again, I’ve been given such good advice, but I KP: Pats Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire. I went to
think I used this bit from Warren Cooke [of the for- an after-school program and their instructors taught
mer American Skiing Company] the most. People do me how to ski. Interestingly enough, my brother-in-law,
what you measure: In other words, you have to have John, is now teaching at Pats Peak.
clear goals—for yourself and for others. As you all
know, in the ski industry you have to get it done, now. NJ: Where’s your favorite place to ski?
Measurement (and appreciation) is powerful. KP: No fair! You know I can’t pick just one and remain
PC. However, I will share that my ideal ski area is not nec-
NJ: What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do in all essarily steep and deep. Yes, that is fun, but I love small
your years working in the ski industry? areas just as much. I really enjoy seeing how other areas are
KP: The hardest part is not the weather, it’s the peo- run, what’s unique, and, yes, I do check the bathrooms!
ple. From guests to staff, the best part of the job always
had to do with the people—and that is the hardest part, NJ: What is one activity you would never do?
too. Anyone reading this can fill in the blanks as they all KP: Sky dive. I’m afraid of heights, so if we ski
have experienced what I’m talking about. together… bar down!

NJ: How has being a woman in a male-dominated NJ: What do you want the NSAA membership to know
industry affected your perspective and overall profes- about you?
sional experience? KP: I will give this position 100 percent-plus, but I can-
KP: I have always felt that I have been treated fairly. I not do it without you. Your feedback is important, so
was probably my own worst enemy, developing a thick please share it.
shell and thinking I had to work harder because I never
wanted to look weak. My advice for others: Be yourself. NJ: What would you be doing if you weren’t in the
Learn from your mistakes, and don’t think you have to ski industry?
overcompensate for your gender or whatever you may KP: Hmmm… IDK. I’m pretty happy I found the
think your “weakness” is. ski industry so many years ago. Maybe a small busi-
ness owner.
NJ: Now that you’ve made the move to association man-
agement, what will you miss—and not miss—about
running a ski area? NSAA Journals Online
KP: What I will miss is also what I am relieved to leave
behind. Watching Mount Snow open for the season was Did you know that you and others on your
bittersweet. I missed the thrill and the sense of accomplish- staff can access the NSAA Journal online?
ment, but I did not miss the anxious pit in my stomach. I Just visit www.nsaa.org, log in with your
look forward to visiting ski areas instead of running one. username and password, open the Press/
Publications tab at the top of the page, and click
NJ: How did your family feel about making the move on the link called Full NSAA Journal Issues.
to Colorado? This will take you to all the issues NSAA
KP: I have a very supportive family and they made my has published since 2010.
decision a little easier, especially my husband, Dan, and Online access is a great way to share the
my two kids, Marley, who is 25, and Tanner, who is 21. Journal with employees who may not receive
Everyone is looking forward to living out West and ski- their own copy of the publication but want to
ing at all the great resorts in this part of the country. stay up to date on important developments in
And, I’m hoping the transition will also be relatively the industry.
smooth for our yellow lab, Bella, who is 13 and still in

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