If you want to experience some of the most diverse ski conditions in North America, Vail Resorts, which includes Northstar, Kirkwood and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, is your powder salvation. This season, which will close in mid-to-late April, also marks the 50th anniversary of operations at both Kirkwood and Northstar which has opened a new high-speed six-person chair lift. This mountain region in northeastern California also holds one of the top ski schools in the country.
We decided to find out from one of the most dedicated employees on the mountain, Samantha Malz, who is an Adult Ski School Supervisor at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. While Samantha is highly certified, with a degree in Sports Management, she is also someone who is working hard to get as many PSIA certifications as she can to make a long career out of instructing. So this is not just a winter job for her.
Samantha Malz has this industry in her blood. She grew up in Big Bear, California where her father was a ski instructor. After skiing and snowboarding every chance she could, at 14 she started working at the resort and fell in love with the mountain life. While Samantha now works at Kirkwood, if a private client requests an instructor at any of the other resorts, that is a service that is offered. Instructors also often train and or take PSIA/AASI exams (Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors) at any of the three resorts.
How did you land this dream job in the Ski Industry/at Kirkwood?
From a young age, I had a passion for the sport and knew I wanted to be on the mountain every day I could. I have worked at a few different resorts and landed at Kirkwood by chance, but realized quickly what a breathtaking place it is. Every day I pull into Kirkwood it is unbelievable the views you see in every direction you look.
What sets this area apart from others in North America for ski vacations?
Kirkwood is a special place for so many reasons. Whether it is your first time or you have skied there for years, the camaraderie of guests and employees is unlike anywhere else. If that isn’t enough to set it apart from other resorts the runs sure do. Kirkwood offers anything from the best teaching and beginner terrain to some of the most challenging and exciting off-piste runs.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day at work is getting there early to set up for the day and then when the lifts start to spin taking some early laps with the staff before lessons. After that I head to our morning team briefing, to set the day up for success. Then I meet all our guests and get to share my passion with them, as they start to join their lesson groups for the day. Watching the smiles and cheers when students achieve their goals is priceless.
Do you teach all levels of experience on the slopes?
I have taught everything from never skied before to training instructors for their PSIA/AASI exams. Being able to share my love for skiing with someone who has never done it and showing them all the possibilities or taking an advanced skier to the top to jump off one of the cornices for the first time both have their rewards. Watching people grow and love the sport more with each lap is what keeps me coming back season after season.
Can you share a few safety tips or hacks for winter skiing?
One of the most important things to remember for ski season is the snow is always changing. The same run you skied yesterday that had perfect snow in the afternoon may not be the same conditions tomorrow in the morning. Always be aware of changing temperatures to the snow. Take it easy and be honest with your abilities, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes, different equipment is needed to best enjoy different conditions. Do not be afraid to ask the experts what they recommend, whether it be layers of clothing or types of skis, instructors are always happy to share their knowledge.
What are your “off-season” plans this year?
I’m planning to go down to New Zealand and continue to teach for their winter. This is a fairly common practice amongst dedicated full-time instructors.
