The Blade Dive || Episode 39 || Kurt Eppler

The Blade Dive

The Blade Dive Episode 39 - We are joined by Kurt Eppler, the Director of Mountain Operations at Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico. Born in Del Rio, Texas…Eppler would eventually move to New Mexico, where his father would contribute to the final stages of interstate twenty five construction. Kurt Eppler claims he developed a desire to see what was over the next hill from his fathers sense adventure. Eppler skied for the first time when he was 9 years old at Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico with the help of the school ski club. Fast forward and at 22 years old, Kurt Eppler is operating an LMC 3700 at Angel Fire. Eppler has travelled the world operating equipment, but knows that there is no other place like your home mountain.
Xgames, working for SPT, working for Prinoth, The Olympics, USASA Nationals….. Kurt Eppler has a long list of projects he’s been a part of, but realizes that lost time away from family is difficult to get back. Having just met Kurt Eppler for the first time while preparing to record this episode, I know we just scratched the surface of wisdom Eppler contributes to the Snow Industry. However Kurt Eppler realizes he can use his voice to make a difference for young operators so they don’t have to deal with the same struggle that he overcame.
Episode 39 is a conversation that I wish could’ve happened face to face, selfishly because I’d love to visit Angel Fire, but also because I did a lot of listening. We discuss some very cool industry history, the origin of how USASA nationals came to Angel Fire, how to motivate the youth and what department culture should really look like. We discuss making difficult family decisions while having a career in the Snow Industry, how resorts can retain great operators, operator/driver wages, Eppler’s time with SPT and more.
Enjoy! And if you’re in the machine… Turn up the volume!
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