The Blade Dive

The Blade Dive Episode 23 - We are joined by Jeremy Carpenter. The Iowa local,  who grew up on a farm, took an interest in equipment early on and credits his time there as the catalyst for developing his strong work ethic.  Carpenter has been all over the world building Halfpipes for world class resorts and pro events such as Laax, Switzerland, Perisher, Australia, X Games, Cube Pipe and the The Stomping Grounds. 

• Halfpipes were originally not the focus for Jeremy Carpenter, who began his career hand shaping parks at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Carpenter Eventually landed a job at Mt. Hood, Oregon during the summer which presented opportunities to spend time around legendary halfpipe  builder Frank Wells. In time, Carpenter would trade in his rake for a chance to get into a snow cat, Carpenter left Copper for Breckenridge, Colorado. Jeremy Carpenter would later join Snow Park Technologies and travel the world building halfpipes for the Xgames. 

• Jeremy Carpenter is a big believer in innovation and we discuss equipment changes that could be a big step forward as well as concepts that have already been created.  We discuss the life of a snow cat operator as a contractor and what living that lifestyle looks like and the fact that it its not glamorous.  Carpenter has even visited the Amazon to experience Ayahuasca and lets us in on his spirituality journey.  Jeremy Carpenter is currently a seasonal employee at Laax, Switzerland and it contracted currently with The Stomping Grounds Project.

Episode 23 is a deep dive into the mind of one of the best snow cat operators in the world. Many claim that Jeremy Carpenter's Laax Halfpipe is the best in the world, and we talk about what that title really means. We speak to some of carpenters bad breaks as well as risks taken during his career. 

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



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“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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“Minnow” The Blade Dive - Episode 20 we are joined by Trollhaugen Mountain Manager,  Adam Mahler. Growing up in Osceola, Wisconsin….Mahler very quickly took an Interest in the construction of even the most basic project and describes Snowboarding in the Midwest as an awesome experience. Mahler soon found himself at Trollhaugen working in multiple departments in exchange for a Season Pass. You could say that he was boomeranged back to Troll after pursuing a successful welding career. 

• Ironically after being around tractors during his childhood, Adam Mahler would later take a job welding on farming combines after obtaining his certification.  Mahler approaches each operations situation with humility, but to do that he realizes that part of problem solving is accepting that you were wrong or don’t know the answer. 

• A contributor to the expansion of the Terrain Park program, Adam Mahler wears multiple hats and claims that working at a Midwest resort requires you to do so. Being a product of a Trade School, Mahler has come full circle from his days of working in the kitchen at Troll and now oversees all outside operations. 

• Adam Mahler and Trollhaugen have been part of some core industry events such as Trollybowly & Lord of the Ropes…..is Superpark next? There’s a lot to be said about Mahler being well respected. by so many at Trollhaugen. A testament to why that is, has to be how he treats his co-workers, with kindness. “Be kind, it goes a long way”.  

Episode 20 is a really cool conversation with an ambassador for the Midwest Snow Industry, Adam Mahler. We discuss pursuing a Trade Certification vs. a Bachelors Degree. How to be a pro when applying for a high level job at a resort you currently work for.  Mahler’s perspective on how to advocate for new park features.  Identifying  the difference between operational needs and wants as well as how we continue to share the stoke of this awesome industry and grow it, to get more people on snow. 

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

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“Mad Man” The Blade Dive - Episode 19 We are joined by Chris Meyer.  The builder of shapes, began his career in Terrain Parks at Bear Mountain in California.  However, Meyer found Snowboarding through a series of unfortunate events and life choices. You could say that Snowboarding saved a life.  Meyer would eventually spend time around operators like Mike Stephenson, Tex, Desi Hauer, and Clayton Shoemaker and move on to work around the world within Terrain Park construction. 

• Growing up in Southern California, Chris Meyer found himself navigating a somewhat troubled childhood by visiting Six Flags, Magic Mountain more than being attended to by a babysitter. Attempting to fit in however he could, Meyer eventually realized that the best thing he could do was leave, so Meyer moved to Big Bear Lake, California.  Unfortunately falling back into old habits Meyer eventually landed in an all boys home. 

• Getting a second chance, Chris Meyer immediately found work at Bear Mountain and also found Snowboarding. Meyer landed a job on the Terrain Park Crew and made the shovel an extension of his arms while developing a passion for shaping features. That same season Meyer spent time behind the sticks, earned time solo in the seat and would move on to Telluride, Colorado that same season.

• Chris Meyer would eventually get the opportunity to be the Park Manager at Telluride and would work towards expanding the mountain’s rail fleet and park offering. Mammoth would eventually call and offer and job which Meyer accepted. His new adventure would place him around some of the world’s best builders and what seemed to be an endless amount of projects.  

Chris Meyer has built Terrain Parks at Falls Creek, Australia and in Argentina. Meyer has a cult following, and is a hero to many but also judged by those who don’t understand him  or don't want to understand him. Episode 19 is a deep dive into Meyer’s obsession with building shapes from snow and how that can effect your life. We discuss having and expressing feelings in the Snow Industry. We discuss leaders who keep their word and leaders who are only good at talking. We talk about being misunderstood and incorrectly managed. 


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

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"The  Mechanic" The Blade Dive Episode 18 - We are joined by John Swartz.  A Cape Cod, Massachusetts native that moved to South Lake Tahoe with his family at a young age.  Skiing was a passion, but his interest in cars, motorbikes and heavy equipment quickly took over. Swartz has spent decades in the Snow Industry.  Successfully establishing Bombardier's shop in Reno, Nevada, Swartz would eventually be influential in developing equipment for Prinoth and the evolution of the Terrain Park Snowcat, while working with brands like Snow Park Technologies. 

• Skiing for $1 was a time to be alive, but John Swartz earned that cheap priced ticket by contributing to work needed around home, specifically shoveling snow.  In time, Swartz would take a job at a Chevy dealership, working whenever, for whatever they would pay, in order to advance his mechanical knowledge.  Still interested in Snow Sports, Swartz began to realize that flat rate work didn't pay and fortunately was offered a job at  Heavenly's shop, working on their machines, specifically Snowcats.....the rest is history.

• Swartz would go on to write 'the book' on how to 'demo' a Snowcat, and work with people  such as Mike Binnell, Eric Rosenwald,  Chris Gunnarson, Jeremy Cooper, instrumental in developing and pushing Terrain Park Snowcat design to where it is today.  Swartz would spend time with other operators in an effort to realize best practices, shop management, pre and post check out and assess the process, if any, as to how material was moved.  Thus, leading to his definition of the heavy handed and the light handed operator. 

• Swartz's mechanical background has him really advocating for communication between the operator and the machine as well as the operator and the mechanic.  Swartz is a big believer in reading the operators manual in an effort to familiarize yourself with terminology to ensure that next layer of operational expertise and finesse.  

Episode 18 is an in depth mechanical conversation that hasn't happened on The Blade Dive until now, with John Swartz.  The 'Special Guest' and 'Push Road 'questions, are true measures of just how interested people are in John Swartz's mechanical perspective. Swartz is one of the nicest people you'll meet in the Snow Industry and he knows his shit. We discuss what it's like to have successes and failures while providing a service as a vendor. We highlight that the ability to walk away from attempting to diagnose a problem is key and realizing that a fresh perspective may lead to no call backs.

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

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“Harmony” The Blade Dive Episode 17- We are joined by Mammoth Unbound operator, Harmonee Johnson.  Passionate about Snow sports at a young age, Whitefish in Montana was the catalyst for further interest. Eventually, switching to Snowboarding, Harmonee was destined for great things and would land jobs within park programs at Bear Mountain and Mammoth Mountain. 

• Growing up in Montana, Harmonee Johnson took an interest in sports outside of school and immediately latched onto her grandmothers passion for skiing.  Taking advantage of life lessons and how to control a ski edge, Johnson saw value in investing her time on snow with family. 

• Eventually adding Snowboarding to her skill set, Johnson was influenced by incredible Snowboarding content coming from Bear Mountain.  Johnson’s mother, who learned to ski at Bear Mountain, knew it was meant to be. Road trip! Johnson moved to Big Bear to pursue a job opportunity on the Terrain Park’s day crew.

• As a dedicated employee, Johnson quickly found herself in front of multiple opportunities, one of which was a Snowcat. Surrounding herself with people like Tex McCullar, Dan Neilsen, TJ Dawoud…Johnson realized that a sustainable career may be possible behind the sticks. 

Episode 17 is a heavy realization that there are very few woman operating Snowcats. We discuss Johnson’s move from Montana to Big Bear and her eventual transition to Mammoth. We deep dive into treating people with respect and how operators can be setup for success. Johnson is no stranger to a challenge and stands tall in an effort to advocate for woman in the male dominated industry, that is equipment operations. 

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

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"Tex" The Blade Dive Episode 16, we are joined by Brian "Tex" McCullar.  Originally from Borger, Texas, McCullar is a transplant to California.  The long time Bear Mountain & Snow Summit resort operations hero, McCullar has contributed to Superpark, Hot Dogs & Hand Rails and Xgames.  McCullar has also established himself as a certified welder, installing Snowmaking at several different resorts. Currently holding the Grooming Manager title at Bear Mountain,  Brian "Tex" McCullar's skill set speaks for itself through the final product thats on snow to shred 

• Moving to California with his dad, McCullar took an interest in Snowsports and during the 1989 Winter season Brian took a job with Snow Summit teaching ski school lessons. Witnessing legends like Tom Sims shred down the hill past lessons he was teaching.  Brian knew immediately that snowboarding was what he wanted to pursue.  

• McCullar at one point pursued a pro Snowboarding career and was riding and representing brands like Joyride, SMP and claims that the biggest highlight was receiving  his first paycheck for Snowboarding professionally. McCullar's trip to Tokyo, Japan was an experience he'll never forget, but regrets not enjoying the local cuisine. 

• Brian has definitely been around his fair share of equipment, but his welding skill is second to none. McCullar has installed miles of Snowmaking pipe and has built and maintained some incredible terrain park features. 

Episode 16 is truly a deep dive into the career of a legend in not only the Terrain Park world but overall resort operations. We discuss what its like navigating a career in the Snow Industry and the choices that can make or break you. We talk about being a listener and that broadening your skillset is vital to growth. There are lots of laughs while Tex revisits memories from Superpark as well as fields questions from other operators. 


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

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"The Big Dipper" The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 15 - we are joined by Steve Petrie.  A Terrain Park legend from Ottawa, Canada. Steve Petrie developed a passion for Snowboarding at a young age, later landing an opportunity at Whistler Blackcomb and eventually going on to establish Arena Snow Parks.

• Petrie's interest in catching air "took off", while building wooden ramps as a kid. Petrie's dad encouraged that interest in Skiing and Snowboarding, by driving south from Ottawa, Canada  and stopping at as many resorts as possible along the journey west, across the country. Petrie’s family supported the Terrain Park pioneer’s primary interest in Action Sports; BMX, Skateboarding and Snowboarding. 

• Petrie ultimately drove  his Toyota Tercel towards Vancouver, British Columbia in 1994.  landing a job working for Whistler Blackcomb in the Vehicle Maintenance shop, Petrie furthered his skillset and the then Grooming Manager, Stan Kelly, Offered Petrie a job within the Grooming Department.

• Petrie went on to build Superpark features and in 2005, founded Arena Snow Parks. The highly successful rider owned and operated Terrain Park consulting and contracting business has gone on to design and construct not only Snowpark accessories and tools but leading industry projects such as Holy Bowly, and has traveled the globe contributing to Olympic venues such as Halfpipes and Slopestyle courses in Canada, Russia and China. 

Episode 15 is a deep dive into the life of an innovator for the Snow Industry – the OG of Canada. We discuss what its like to balance a Terrain Park Consulting business and a family. We revisit some historic moments in park building, such as Cutters Cup. We also evaluate the future and how cultivating new interest may be possible through smaller Halfpipes.

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

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“Destoy it!” The Blade Dive - Episode 14 we are joined by Caleb Hamilton, a journeyman in the Snow Industry. Originally from Maine,  specifically Sunday River Resort, Hamilton was around the industry, from a very young age. Hamilton eventually went on to make a full-time career for himself as well as building his own brand which he leveraged and elevated, designing and constructing Terrain Parks for resorts across North America. Not only did Hamilton leave an impact on resort programs,  he would ultimately end up designing a GPS unit and travel the globe.


An operators kiddo, it was only a matter of time before Caleb Hamilton got behind the sticks. Scott Hamilton, Caleb's father, would take his kids for ride alongs on nights that it was possible to do so. Hamilton recalls using jackets to curl up on the floor of the passenger seat to get comfortable, as he'd stare up through the cab at the night sky, in awe! Developing a passion for resort operations, Hamilton would eventually create "Destoy",  a Terrain Park Consulting company, that would place Hamilton at resorts like Blue Mountain, PA and Sugarbush Resort, VT that welcomed his consulting efforts and expertise.


Hamilton is no stranger to challenges and pursued opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, where learning how to manage the science behind the snow, surfaces and people within the Freestyle Grooming department at Mt. Hood, taught Hamilton the art of patience. Hamilton would eventually manage the ‘digger crew’ at Windells Snowboard Camp, OR and attempted to instill within that team a vision of building a superior product in the most professional way possible. 


Caleb Hamilton shares his work experience in Alaska, recounts the animals encountered as well as the methodology that came with the job and operating in a pretty remote and operationally challenging environment. We discuss what it was like developing the Raven Cruiser,  a GPS system that was, but is no longer, mounted in the cab of machines. 


Caleb Hamilton is an all round rad human,  all about the smiles per minute and during his time within the Snow Industry, attempted to help others understand that the process of how you go about your business, is pivotal to success. Being a perfectionist, taking great pride in how he presents himself and produces his work, Hamilton saw his fair share of mistakes but as a result, grew and learned from them. This episode is a deep blade dive into Hamilton’s life and career. We discuss what its like to transition out of a Snow Industry, toxic positivity, the highs and lows of Terrain Park management and that knowing your customer/consumer/audience, will not only help you personally and professionally thrive,  but will elevate the overall product offering, within programs and operations. 

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

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