“Queen of Parks” The Blade Dive - Episode 21 we are joined by Isabelle Falardeau. Originally from Quebec City, Canada… Falardeau has been around some of the best operators, opportunities and resorts in the world. Contributing to companies like Aspen Ski Company, Snow Park, New Zealand, The Sochi Olympics and X Games. Currently Falardeau is not in the Snow Industry, but uses what she learned whilst pursuing a PhD in Tourism focused on  how to professionally combat  the mental health issues in the Snow Industry, specifically in mountain towns. 

• Participating in snowboarding within Quebec City, Canada, Isabelle Falardeau was shown more of the outdoors via her father, who she dubs as a pioneer or pursuer of adventures. Falardeau credits her father with instilling that life-long sense of adventure in her as well.

• With plans to finish University, Falardeau took time off to pursue Snowboarding in Whistler, Canada. Upon returning to Quebec City for the first class, she arrived to a very serendipitous note stating that class was cancelled,  Falardeau took that sign and returned to Whistler, thus cutting her teeth in one of the most well regarded programs,  by way of Yannick Rioux, Greg Boyd and the Whistler Park Crew. 

• Transitioning to a new country and a new opportunity…Aspen, Colorado became Falardeau’s new canvas. The chances to expand her knowledge of the Snow Industry and Terrain Park operations would come by way of opportunities like Cutters Camp and working at Snow Park, New Zealand. 

Episode 21 is a deep dive into the life and career of someone who is dearly missed within the Snow Industry, but is making her mark within her pursuit of earning a PhD in Tourism. So many harsh realities are also shared, some of which are those heavier topics that people shy away from or are reluctant or don't wish to discuss, such as the mountain town housing crisis, mental health of Snow Industry employees and suicidal rates within mountain towns.

Please note that in this episode of The Blade Dive, we do discuss some heavy topics and at no point do we intend to trigger any one individual. Please, check on your snow family and friends, be kind to one another, make sure we are all ok...

Enjoy...  and if you're in the machine, go ahead and TURN THE VOLUME UP!

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