“Rosie - We can do it!” ....The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 8. Jess Richitelli joins us, and shares the untracked path she and many like her have and continue to pave, as successful and impactful leaders within the Snowsport industry! 

• A highly regarded industry leader, Jess Richitelli has overseen prominent Terrain Park Programs at both Cranmore Mountain Resort, New Hampshire, USA & Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California, USA, and has spent many years at the top in this sector of the business. Richitelli, however, was not always met with such admiration and respect and she knows first hand what it means to be a woman in the the Snow Industry, what the grind to climb looks like and all that comes with being a female in operations.

• Jess Richitelli has East Coast of the United States roots, spending her childhood in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Raised by a strong ‘biker type’ single mom, Richitelli was taught to be herself, believe in her dreams and never let anyone tell her that they weren’t achievable. It’s this strong foundation and idealistic mentality that was emphasized to Richitelli throughout her upbringing, that has propelled her throughout both her life and career endeavors and successes. 

• Exploring Snowboarding in her 20’s, Jess Richitelli quickly found herself moving to New Hampshire, hanging around local Snowboard shops and getting in on trips with friends to her ‘local’, Cranmore Mountain Resort. Taking an interest in Terrain Park operations, Richitelli joined the Hand/Day Crew at Cranmore and never looked back. 

• A male dominated sector of the industry; mountain operations, Jess Richitelli was met with resistance from individuals simply not understanding why a ‘woman’ held a Terrain Park Manager title. Eyes forward, Richitelli found inspiration from other female leaders, such as Isabelle Falardeau and forged forward. In an endeavor to be and continue to be the best, to break down the barriers, influence change and bring her talent to everything she does, Richitelli was and to this day, is not afraid to ask questions, seek help or guidance and is still a believer in what it means to give and honor ones word. 

• With thoughts of potentially leaving the industry after receiving her welding certification, a skill that she was once mocked for even considering throughout her operations career, Jess Richitelli was presented with an opportunity whereby she saw undeniable success, overseeing and leading the Terrain Park program at Squaw Valley, hosting big name Events and photoshoots like Women’s Superpark.  

In an industry that has often been described as a “boys club” Jess Richitelli has paved the way for women as both an admired leader and successful operations manager, proof that women should be hired based on their talent and not denied employment based on their gender... Richitelli is one of the queens, smashing the glass ceiling of the Snowsports industry for future female generations to come!

Jess Richitelli words to live by:

“Don’t talk, just act. Don’t say, just show. Don’t promise, just prove.

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

Follow us on:

https://www.instagram.com/thebladedive/

https://www.facebook.com/thebladedive