By Karen D. Lorentz
Many people get “hooked” on skiing at various ages, but their educations often take them to jobs in other states causing them to become “weekend warriors.” That is, until a turn of events brings them to Vermont and work in the ski industry.
That’s the case with Diane DePalma Vullo.
She was born and grew up in Westport, Connecticut, graduating from Staples High School in 1986. While attending New Hampshire College, DiPalma Vullo learned to ski at age 19.
“My friends took me to the top of Crotched Mountain and sent me down. It was scary and exhilarating all at the same time, but I was hooked Ever since, I have been working on getting past being a blue skier,” she noted, adding, “I pretend not to panic on the steep stuff!”
After graduating from college in 1990 with a BS in marketing and AS in accounting, DePalma Vullo moved to Boston, where she worked for a large consumer products company. When the Boston office closed, she took her severance package and moved to Vermont.
“I had spent many years driving from Boston to Killington on weekends so when the opportunity to move arose, we opted for the more village-y feel of Ludlow. My husband Joe and I have lived in Cavendish since 2001,” she said.
“I love this area and the community,” DePalma Vullo said, noting they raised their children LilyMarie and Joey there. Both became recreational skiers are currently attending Bryant University.
Q&A with Diane DePalma Vullo
Why and when did you join Okemo?
I had always wanted to work in the ski industry because I love the environment and its energy. I started at Okemo in 2001, gaining experience in various departments from guest services and waiting tables to the accounting department. After the acquisition [by Vail Resorts in 2018], I transitioned into my current role as the executive assistant to the VP and general manager [Bruce Schmidt] and I also assist the senior director of mountain operations [Eb Kinney].
What are your job responsibilities?
My responsibilities range from traditional assistant duties like answering emails,
managing calendars, and setting up meeting agendas to managing the resorts contracts, overseeing the employee experience, and on busy days sometimes bussing tables and orchestrating lift lines. I see my role as one that adapts to the needs of the team and providing support wherever it’s most needed.
What do you like about your job? Best part?
The Okemo team is a great group. Working with them every day is the highlight for me —they’re a wealth of knowledge.
Rewards? Challenges?
Seeing happy people on the mountain is very rewarding. The challenges are making everyone happy!
Were there any people who were special influences or mentors to you?
My biggest influence is Bruce Schmidt. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge about the ski industry and is always eager to share and teach. Bruce has a way of helping me see all sides of a problem, allowing me to handle situations more gracefully versus my usual knee-jerk reactions.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy walking my Border Collie, Miles, riding my bike and skiing — both up and downhill.
We love to travel and sit on Caribbean beaches. I often daydream about becoming a great gardener and living off the land.
What’s your take on the mountain or ski town lifestyle? on winter? Vermont?
I can’t imagine living anywhere else — the feeling of seeing fresh snow on the ground when I get up in the morning is one I hope to have for years to come.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about getting a job at a ski area?
I would tell them to do it; the atmosphere and people are unmatched.
And Vermont’s a great place to raise a family!
