You have probably seen the effervescent Beverly Amer around the mountain. You can find her most weekends underneath the base area’s “scoreboard” or trail map with stickers, glitter, or snacks as she answers your questions. Maybe you already know that Beverly works as a Mountain Host in the winter, or perhaps you’ve taken one of her guided hikes at High Camp in the summer. What may surprise you is that she is also a former university business professor, an avid traveler (67 countries and counting), and regularly brings treats to work for her peers. Her love for the mountains originally brought her to Tahoe, and her community in the Masters Ski Program made her stay. Read on to learn more about Beverly Amer and her passion for Palisades.
When/Why did you move to Tahoe?
I moved to Tahoe in 2004 after my husband and I spent a season here on sabbatical in 2000 from our lives as university professors in Flagstaff, Arizona. I have been skiing here since the late 80s. I grew up in California and went to college at Chico State, which was where I met my husband. He had always wanted to live in the mountains, so we took time off and came to Tahoe to see if mountain life was really for us. We joined the Masters program here at Palisades and were hooked! We found land in Alpine Meadows in 2004, completed building our house in 2009, and have made a home there ever since.
Can you tell me more about your time in the Masters Ski Program?
Yes! I have been involved in the program for about 25 years now. There is a freeskiing and a racing component; you can choose one or do both! I chose freeskiing. Our coaches are seasoned instructors who decide what drills each group will work on and coach our skiing throughout the day. The program is meant to give people the opportunity to level up their skiing and make the most of the mountain with proper technique. I trust them when they take us on challenging terrain. I know how to pick my line down The Kitchen Wall, The Funnel, Oregon Trail, and Granite Chief Peak because of their coaching and encouragement. Even though my days of hiking to ski are mostly behind me, I can confidently say I can ski 90% of this mountain because of how this program encouraged me to explore the entirety of Palisades Tahoe.
Off the hill, the Masters Program is a huge part of my community in Tahoe. My husband and I are the unofficial party and social planners for the group. We love hosting potlucks, arranging award ceremonies, and getting our friends together throughout the year. We often see each other in the summer. It is so nice to connect with people who share that love of the mountains.
How did you move into this job?
After COVID, I began teaching online for Washington State. It was the beginning of a slow transition to retirement. I had my eye on the Mountain Host position and was looking for some part-time work that gave me a connection to the mountain. I began to make some inquiries, but realized that current employees liked the job so much they were not giving it up! It truly is a great gig.
In 2023, I was writing case studies for a business operations textbook, and I thought Palisades Tahoe would be a fantastic fit. I spoke to Dee Byrne and explained that the study would give Palisades some great exposure, as the mountain would be featured in the textbook and have a video made about it. We made it happen and during that time I spoke with Dee about my interest in becoming a Mountain Host. She thought I would be a great fit and put me in touch with Karey Todd, who hired me. That was three years ago now, and I am in it for the long haul. It’s fun to have a part time activity – I don’t even think about it as work!
Can you describe your role as a Mountain Host? What are your favorite parts of the job?
We do a lot of things as Mountain Hosts. We try to guide people to the best terrain for their ability, we help with lift line control, and overall, we work to improve the guest experience. However, my primary job is safety. When I’m skiing, I’m looking for trouble. I could be the one to help someone who has fallen to get back up or call Base Operations to dispatch Ski Patrol for someone hurt. It’s great to be paid to ski, but when I’m working my focus is on helping people have their best day and that means keeping people safe.
One of my favorite parts of the job is that every day is different. I always get asked a new question that I need to find the answer to. It feels like constant problem solving, learning, and helping people get on their way. I love guiding people on the mountain and giving them tips. For example, on a powder day I will tell people, “Hey don’t worry, I saved you some!” and send them to Red Dog to get the goods over there.
I love being able to be creative and have fun at my job. Earlier this season I made a “line control magic wand” out of a little kid’s ski pole. I was granting wishes, giving out face glitter, making people laugh, and spreading some cheer as folks waited to get on the lift. Those little surprise and delight moments make a big difference.
You could’ve picked any mountain to live and work at, why Palisades Tahoe?
It’s world class. When my husband and I decide to do something, we are all in. We want to be with the best of the best. That’s why we came here and that’s why we stayed. We know we’ll never get bored on this mountain. There are great challenges while skiing, passionate people, and a history like no other. We wanted a place that felt like we had a purpose. A place where we could make a difference- we can do that here. At Palisades it feels like we are a part of a history bigger than ourselves. This mountain has made legends, just look at that Forged monument! We are constantly reminded of the amazing athletes and people who have made this mountain what it is, and that sculpture is a part of us all. Helping people is in my DNA. So guiding people at this mountain, with this history, makes me feel like I have made a difference in a positive way.
What do you do in the Summer?
In the summer, I guide gentle hikes in the meadow at High Camp. My tour is called The Five Senses, it encourages guests to use their senses to appreciate the beauty of the mountains in the summertime. I share the history of the mountain, tell stories of the 1960s Olympics, point out the surrounding peaks, teach about the lake, and talk about the Washoe people here. As a former professor, I resonate with education and love helping people be open to learning. I want them to experience the awe and wonder in front of them. I am currently planning on taking a Naturalist course this summer through the UC extension program to further my knowledge of the Sierra Nevada, so I can contribute even more to the enjoyment of our guests.
