Meet the people who make our mountain culture thrive. Our Employee Spotlights highlight the passionate individuals who bring energy, expertise, and heart to Palisades Tahoe. This week, we’re featuring Carina Cutler, whose compassion, leadership, and commitment to guest care exemplify the very best of our mountain community.
Carina Cutler, Masters Ski Team Coach
Palisades Tahoe
Years at Palisades: 18
Carina Cutler has long been a trusted and inspiring instructor in the Adult Mountain Sports School, leading Women of Winter camps with passion and expertise. During a recent camp, Carina went above and beyond when a guest in her group was injured at the end of the day and required medical attention.
After ensuring the rest of her group was safely accounted for, Carina went to the hospital to be with her guest, offering support and reassurance during a difficult moment. She stayed until the guest was cleared to leave, then personally drove her home to Olympic Valley and made sure she was settled in for the evening. Carina’s compassion, sense of responsibility, and dedication to her guests reflect the true spirit of Palisades Tahoe and leave a lasting impact on those she supports.
Fun Facts:
What is your favorite part of your job? What keeps you passionate about this mountain/working in the ski industry? “When athletes get “aha/lightbulb” moments, getting to work on skis, and being part of a team of fabulous coaches.”
Of the four company values (Prioritizing Purpose, Honoring Authenticity, Cultivating Collaboration, Embracing Empowerment), which of these resonate most with you? “Cultivating collaboration: the most effective coaching comes from within the athlete. I start by asking the athletes what they are working on. Then we devise experiments (customized exercises) that increase technical knowledge and movement awareness. When you work with experienced athletes, it’s fun to tap into the group’s knowledge and incorporate some of their thoughts into a learning progression. Once the athletes take ownership of their learning, the real fun begins.”
How do you feel you share the spirit of our legendary mountains? “Cultivating respect of the mountains and and a love of skiing is my job. Finding the best snow on the mountain and sharing awesome natural nooks and crannies that might otherwise go unseen are great ways to connect our guests with the mountain and the team.”
What’s your favorite run at Palisades Tahoe and why? “Gentian Gully. I like to start by saying hello to a very very old friend: Broccoli Tree. The gladed forest below often holds great snow, and no two people carve the same path between the trees. About halfway down, the pitch gets serious and a colossal rock splits the run into two chutes. The runout brings you past an abandoned rope tow and the laid back Subway Base Area with it’s adaptive athletes, tailgate parties, and happy dogs. “
What’s something guests or your colleagues in other departments might not realize about your job? “It might look like we’re just goofing around having fun, but behind every Masters Coach are decades of experience and ridiculous amounts of technical knowledge. I take my learning seriously and train/clinic most weeks to continue to refine my skiing and coaching.”
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you? “English is not my first language.”
If you could trade jobs with anyone at the resort for a day, who would it be? “No thanks. No trading. I have the best job on the hill.”
Share a favorite/funny memory from working here! “My first couple of days working on the mountain were supposed to be shadowing an experienced instructor. I started mid-season, so there were no clinics. 20 minutes in, the wheels came off the bus at ski school, and I got pulled into another lesson, thus concluding my training for the season. I went from zero to “ski pro” in the time it took to do a lap on the old Weasel Chair.”
What’s something you’re currently obsessed with (TV show, book, movie, recipe, podcast, activity)? Cruising the forest with my two enormous fluffy fur farmers (Alaskan Malamutes).
Any advice for someone new to working in the ski industry? “If you want to make a million bucks in skiing, you got to start with two.”
If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be? “Freestyle/park: those athletes have phenomenal body and spatial awareness. They’re like physics professors in action.”
