Lift Mechanic, Snow Groomer, and Revegetation Technician Kristen Loftis

Meet Kristen Loftis. She wears many hats, and each one gets us a step closer to the perfect ski run. She’s a Lift Mechanic, Snow Groomer, and Revegetation Technician at Homewood Mountain Resort in Tahoe.

“There are so many things I love about my work, I can’t choose a best part! I love where I work. The mountain inspires me in so many ways, and I am so grateful that I have found a way to channel my passion back into the mountain. I love being a part of what makes it all work, and getting to be outside all day is awesome! When I’m operating a snow cat, the happiness I feel seeing people enjoy the terrain I build and groom is indescribable. Watching the chair lifts shuttle thousands of people to the top of the mountain, and knowing they are safe because we are inspecting and maintaining the lifts constantly, is extremely gratifying. My favorite smell is the smell of bar oil, two stroke and tree sap on my clothes after a full summer day of hiking and cutting the vegetation on the ski runs. I help take care of the forest our ski hill runs through, and it has taught me so much about power of nature. I love being alone on the mountain at night in a machine. I love watching the snow fall, how it mutes everything around you. I love the blistering heat of the sun when I’m working outside. I love out thunderstorms and double rainbows over the lake.” -Kristen Loftis

Grooming, lift maintenance and revegetation are all somewhat over looked for the most part. We’re the grungy, behind-the-scenes part of the whole operation. But we do so much, year round, to make everything perfect for the Winter.” -Kristen Loftis

“Slope maintenance is a full shift of operating heavy equipment. I spend all night in a snow cat reshaping and grooming out the snow on ski runs. It can be so much fun, but also dangerous. I’m operating usually with only one other person working on the mountain. Snow conditions are extremely variable, from hard packed ice to wet slushy snow to blizzards and feet of super soft powder, they all have their own specific way they need to be worked out. Sliding down a steep run faster than your tracks can move and even avalanches are real dangers every night, so I have to be constantly aware of the working conditions and how I’m using my machine. The sunrise over Lake Tahoe every morning is a wonderful perk of the job.” -Kristen Loftis

“Lake Tahoe offers so many opportunities to live a magical, adventurous life. I spend all of my free time outdoors, hiking through the forests to different peaks with my dogs, kayaking and swimming in all of the numerous lakes and rivers in the area, rock climbing and camping and stargazing and playing in the snow. It’s a wondrous place and moving here is the best thing I have ever done for myself.” -Kristen Loftis

Union Plumber Judaline Cassidy

New York Union Plumber, Judaline Cassidy, is a big proponent of bringing women into the trades. She first acquired her skills in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Judaline found great pride and freedom in her profession. After living and working in the states, she wanted to share the benefits of a Union job with other young people, in particular young girls. Women make up only 3% of the trade force.

Judaline started Tools and Tiaras, a nonprofit that focuses on educating and exposing girls to the trades. She offers workshops and summer programs, all taught by women currently working in the field.

“Plumbing wasn’t always my first choice. I wanted to be a lawyer. I love watching Perry Mason, LA Law, and any crime solving shows. When I was going to University it wasn’t a possible due to the passing of my great grandmother. She was my caregiver and support. I had to look for other means to lift myself out of poverty. Learning a Trade In Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Island I’m from, was free and I could mostly definitely afford that.
Then came the task of choosing what craft I should apply for next. So many women were applying for Dressmaking, Tailoring, Culinary, and other similar classes. I decided to improve my odds of being accepted by choosing a male dominated craft. My method of deduction then was: Plumbing you get wet, Electrical you get shock. Plumbing it is. The journey to become an awesome Plumber wasn’t a one way journey. I was a housekeeper, babysitter and nanny on my destination to becoming a Union Plumber.” –Judaline Cassidy of @tools_n_tiaras

“What fuels my passion is the heart, pride, and love of Trades. I want people to respect Trade workers and the structures we have been building for centuries. We need more skilled craft workers because there’s a shortage, and I want people to know it is a great option without any college debt, and you get paid while you learn.” -Union Plumber Judaline Cassidy of @tools_n_tiaras

“I wasn’t always confident, and I must admit I struggle with it sometimes. My confidence comes from the fact that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have a super power: Plumbing. Everyone needs a Plumber. Choosing to be a Tradeswomen is in itself a confident and daring action, so why not own it?” –Judaline Cassidy

Check out Tools and Tiaras to see how you can get involved: http://www.toolsandtiaras.org.