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 Garrett Kelly, whose positive energy, authenticity, and commitment to supporting his teammates make a lasting impact across the resort.
Garrett Kelly, Manager of Health and Safety
Palisades Tahoe
Years at Palisades: 1
Garrett Kelly consistently embodies authenticity through his dedication to both his role and the people around him. A familiar face at employee events, Garrett regularly volunteers his time to help create welcoming and engaging experiences, often arriving early, staying late, and bringing a positive presence that helps others feel comfortable and appreciated.
In his day to day work, Garrett approaches every interaction with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to learning and growth. He builds strong connections across teams and departments, always willing to step in, support others, and contribute wherever needed. Whether assisting at events, collaborating with coworkers, or helping create memorable moments for employees, Garrett’s steady positivity and team first mindset make him an invaluable part of the Palisades Tahoe community.
Fun Facts:
What is your favorite part of your job? What keeps you passionate about this mountain/working in the ski industry? “My favorite part of my job is getting to work with many amazing, passionate folks from so many different business lines. What keeps me passionate about living and working within the ski industry is to see where we’ve been and where we are headed. So much has changed in the last 2 decades and resorts are operating with a higher level of intention and purpose than ever before. To have our current generation of leaders help pave way for that change and show us how bright the future can be when we invest in it is inspiring.”
Of the four company values (Prioritizing Purpose, Honoring Authenticity, Cultivating Collaboration, Embracing Empowerment), which of these resonate most with you? “While all our values are awesome, I love the idea of embracing empowerment. Helping to cultivate our next generation of ski industry heroes and empowering folks to take on new challenges, trainings and directions is paramount to our ability to adapt and provide for all levels of team members and guests who we share our love of the mountains with.”
How do you feel you share the spirit of our legendary mountains? “I feel I share the spirit of our legendary mountains by seeking solutions from the teams and team members directly impacted by our processes daily and utilizing resources across the ski industry as a whole to help create insightful, sustainable solutions that benefit all parties. I also never shy away from a shovel or working at the front-line level to get to see the smiles of our team members and guests enjoying the place we get to call home.”
What’s your favorite run at Palisades Tahoe and why? “My favorite run is Promised Land at Alpine. It gives me an opportunity to enjoy terrain less traveled and work a little bit for it.”
What’s something guests or your colleagues in other departments might not realize about your job? “My job touches all departments and lines of business.”
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you? “There are less than 5 states that have ski areas in them that I haven’t skied.”
What’s something you’re currently obsessed with (TV show, book, movie, recipe, podcast, activity)? “Currently obsessed with getting out and enjoying all of our amazing spring/summer activities though I’m very happy winter keeps returning.”
If you could trade jobs with anyone at the resort for a day, who would it be? “Ticket Scanning. After visiting our friends in parking, Ticket Scanning is the next step in their mountain experience and they can really help set the tone for how people get to enjoy the mountain.”
Any advice for someone new to working in the ski industry? “Remain curious and always look for different perspectives. 3 different departments will look at the same challenge with 3 different perspectives all of which could be right. “
If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be? “Front or back flips.”
