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 Dan Sanderman, whose forward thinking leadership and commitment to team safety are making a lasting impact across our resort and beyond.
Dan Sanderman, Director of Alpine Food & Beverage
Palisades Tahoe
Years at Palisades: 11
This past spring, Dan attended the annual food service conference with the Food and Beverage leadership team and returned inspired with new ideas to elevate operations at Palisades Tahoe. One opportunity stood out: providing nonslip, all black shoes that meet both food service safety standards and Palisades Tahoe Food and Beverage uniform guidelines at a discounted rate for employees.
Recognizing the value for his team, Dan immediately began exploring how to make the program accessible and easy to use through the Palisades Tahoe branded portal. He partnered closely with Skechers to build a program that ensured every option met safety criteria, while also eliminating payroll deductions and reducing administrative lift for internal teams. After collaborating with AMC, the program was adopted enterprise wide and is now the standard footwear offering for kitchen and dining room teams across the United States.
Dan’s initiative and empowerment of his team demonstrate a deep commitment to safety, innovation, and collaboration. His thoughtful approach and dedication to improving the employee experience continue to make a real difference.
Fun Facts:
What is your favorite part of your job? What keeps you passionate about this mountain/working in the ski industry? “I’ve been a lifelong skier and started working at ski resorts at 14. This season marks my 47th year on skis, and as I’ve grown into a leadership role at Palisades, I’ve come to truly appreciate being part of our guests’ experiences. Our mountains are incredible, our guests come from all over the world, and being part of a team that gets to shape experiences and create lasting memories is incredibly rewarding.”
Of the four company values (Prioritizing Purpose, Honoring Authenticity, Cultivating Collaboration, Embracing Empowerment), which of these resonate most with you? “Our core values are rooted in our passion for the work, the sport, and the community we serve. For me, that means taking personal responsibility for both the guest and employee experience through empowerment, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports our shared vision and goals. Our operational success depends on strong collaboration with our teams, community partners, and guests. Collaboration is the engine, and empowerment is the creative force. Together, they drive everything we do.”
How do you feel you share the spirit of our legendary mountains? “Every season I get to meet hundreds of new employees, many of whom are working a ski resort job for the first time. Being able to help shape their experience, share our wins and send them into winter with a positive stoke is super rewarding.”
What’s your favorite run at Palisades Tahoe and why? “Scott’s Chute at Alpine. Direct fall line skiing, with a nice pitch, fun features and a loud and engaged audience on the chair lift!”
What’s something guests or your colleagues in other departments might not realize about your job? “I am socially awkward and would rather be in front of a group than part of the group.”
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you? “In 2023 I rode an inflatable hot dog across Lake Tahoe, possible world record?”
If you could trade jobs with anyone at the resort for a day, who would it be? “Can I please fire the Howitzer or throw some avy charges on a powder day?”
Share a favorite/funny memory from working here! “Watching new staff that have never seen snow before, experiencing their first snowstorm. Being part of that core memory experience is always a win!”
Any advice for someone new to working in the ski industry? “Be flexible, be patient and find your niche. Our resort is full of industry professionals who are ready to develop the next generation of resort operators/leaders. Send it…”
If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be? “No slicing my drives while golfing…please!”
