2024 Cutter’s Camp Contest Winners

Cutter’s Camp is more than just a gathering—it's a melting pot of experience, innovation, and passion in the terrain park world. For Betsy Ganos and Kristin Lenart, two standout operators, attending Cutter’s Camp was a defining moment in their careers. Each operator won her registration to Cutter’s Camp, hosted by Ski Area Management (SAM) Magazine and sponsored by Prinoth. They had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this elite event, learning from the best in the industry. Here’s what each had to say about her journey.

Betsy: A Newcomer’s Bold Step

For Betsy Ganos, Terrain Park Manager at Little Switzerland, attending Cutter’s Camp was an entirely new experience. Having only started operating snowcats in the 2023-24 season, she took a leap of faith by entering the contest. “I thought it was a long shot, but I figured, why not? I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Without knowing what to expect, Betsy found herself blown away. “It was the coolest thing I’ve ever been lucky enough to experience. Just getting to Timberline was insane—driving up to a literal volcano! Everyone was welcoming, and the round tables, presentations, and on-hill training were packed with valuable insights. Any operator, no matter their experience level, should go to Cutter’s Camp.”

Meeting Industry Leaders and Finding Inspiration

Betsy was amazed by the networking opportunities at camp. “Every single person I met impacted me. From industry veterans who’ve been around since terrain parks became a thing to contract builders I didn’t even know existed, everyone had a story.”

One of her biggest surprises? The support system. “Seeing so many people in the industry who also have families and balanced lives was inspiring. I thought pursuing this career meant giving up that possibility, but I was wrong.”

Demoing Machines, Setting New Goals & Women in the Industry

For someone with just one season of operating experience, getting into a winch cat and a Leitwolf was a huge milestone. “Little Switzerland [Wisconsin] has two Tier 4 Bison Xs, so being able to try something newer, heavier, and more powerful was insane. The Leitwolf is an absolute beast—it cuts through anything!”

Betsy plans to take what she learned back to Little Switzerland, especially in managing her park crew and implementing best practices. Long-term, she dreams of moving to a bigger ski area or even stepping into contract building. “I’ve got big dreams, and I’m determined to get there.”

While recognizing that the ski industry is male-dominated, Betsy doesn’t see herself as just a “woman in the industry.” “I’m not in this as a woman—I’m in this because I love it. If you want it, go for it. This work is hard, but it’s worth it.”

Kristin Lenart: A Veteran Reignited

Kristin Lenart, Terrain Park Manager at Blue Mountain, Pennsylvania wasn’t new to Cutter’s Camp. Having attended multiple times over the years, she returned in 2024 after Blue Mountain won the SAM Terrain Park Contest Education Grant sponsored by Prinoth.

Even with years of experience, winning the contest was an unexpected honor for Kristin. “Once I'm in the season, I may not actually take in all that we are accomplishing because I'm so busy,” she said. “Winning made me step back and realize how much we achieve all season long.” Her advice for future entrants? Love what you do, document everything, and share your passion with the world.

Returning to Cutter’s Camp: A Reawakening, Lessons Learned and the Future of Grooming

Having previously attended Cutter’s Camp multiple times between 2005 and 2013, Kristin was unsure how it would feel to return after 11 years away. However, she quickly realized what she had been missing. “I was essentially living on my little desert island of the park-building world! Cutter’s Camp reinvigorated me. The collaboration, energy, and innovation were exactly what I needed.”

Kristin was eager to explore transition-based features, something she hadn’t previously felt proficient in. “I wanted to incorporate more funky shapes into my builds, and brainstorming with others helped me unlock new ways to create and maintain them. We’re going to get funky moving forward!”

Reflecting on how grooming has changed over the years, she emphasized the evolution of equipment. “It’s amazing what a current park cat can do. Learning on older machines taught me more about the fundamentals of building. But would I trade my new machine for my first park cat? Not a chance!”

The Growing Role of Women in the Industry

One of the biggest takeaways for Kristin was seeing how the role of women in the industry has evolved. “Gone are the days of one female infiltrating a male-dominated crowd. I’ve never been around so many rad women killing it on the hill and being recognized as professionals. I left Cutter’s Camp knowing exactly where I fit in.”

Kristin’s enthusiasm for grooming remains as strong as ever. “I don’t know if there’s another job where I can wake up this excited and take this much pride in my work. It’s in my blood.”

Final Thoughts: A Community of Passion and Innovation

Cutter’s Camp isn’t just a training ground—it’s a place where innovation thrives, where operators push each other to new levels, and where the future of terrain park building is shaped. For Kristin, it was a reminder of how much the industry has grown. For Betsy, it was the first step in a long and exciting journey.

Thanks to Prinoth and SAM for making these opportunities possible. The future of terrain park building is in good hands, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next!