About Lone Rider Operations Consulting

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At Lone Rider Operations Consulting, we believe in the power of hard work, kindness, and planning for success. What started as a passion for the ski industry and a commitment to helping resorts thrive has grown into a consulting firm dedicated to creating positive change in ski resort operations, while supporting a network of trusted professionals and small businesses.

Our journey began in 2003, when Katie, the founder of Lone Rider Consulting, first entered the ski industry. After earning a diploma in Audio Engineering & Production (graduating summa cum laude with a 96% average), Katie worked in corporate administration in Toronto, honing a keen eye for process improvement and strategic planning. Her experience in the corporate world prepared her for the challenges of managing complex operations, but it was her passion for snowboarding, snowmobiling, and outdoor environments that led her to make the leap into the ski industry.

Katie found a true passion for the Resort Operations side of the industry as Slope Maintenance Supervisor at Blue Mountain Resort, where she was responsible for implementing a number of key operational improvements, from optimizing snowmaking and grooming processes to enhancing slope maintenance strategies. She also earned her Chainsaw Operator Certification and gained hands-on experience operating a variety of machinery and vehicles, including snowcats, snowmobiles, and heavy equipment. These experiences allowed her to bring both technical expertise and a safety-first mindset to the job, ensuring the resort’s equipment and machinery were always operating at peak efficiency.

Katie’s impact at Blue Mountain was felt across the organization. Her leadership led to several important operational changes that improved team efficiency, reduced costs, and helped set new standards for ski resort maintenance. But what truly stood out was her ability to build strong, collaborative relationships—with both the on-the-ground teams and senior resort leadership—creating an environment of mutual respect and growth. 

These positive changes laid the groundwork for the vision that would eventually evolve into Lone Rider Operations Consulting.

In addition to her operational expertise, Katie also brings a strong background in marketing and business strategy. With a keen understanding of how ski resorts need to position themselves in an increasingly competitive market, Katie went on to complete a Continuing Education course in Landscape Design through the University of Guelph, earning a final grade of 95%. This added knowledge of design principles, along with her marketing expertise, gives Lone Rider Consulting a unique edge in understanding not only how to run a successful resort operation, but also how to design and communicate that success to the public.

With years of experience in both the corporate world and the ski industry, as well as a diverse skill set ranging from landscape design to audio engineering, Katie founded Lone Rider Consulting to offer ski resorts the expertise they need to run better, safer, and more efficient operations while helping them plan for long-term success. Today, the company is growing rapidly, and the vision is clear: to build a network of freelance consultants, create opportunities for small businesses in the ski industry, and provide mentorship and coaching to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

While we’re just getting started, we’re dedicated to expanding our reach and impact. Our goal is to not only support ski resorts in operational consulting but to create a thriving community of professionals—from consultants to small businesses—who share our values of hard work, integrity, and collaboration.

As we grow, we continue to put people first. Whether it’s through building long-term relationships with our clients, offering free coaching for underrepresented entrepreneurs, or creating a network that supports small businesses in the ski industry, Lone Rider Consulting is about creating a space where everyone can succeed—together.

Lone Rider Consulting is driven by a clear mission: to make the ski industry stronger, safer, and more efficient for both guests and operators. We know that the best way to accomplish this is through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to planning for success. As we expand our services, our network of consultants, and our partnerships with small businesses in the industry, we look forward to continuing our work and helping ski resorts and professionals elevate their success.

As we continue to build Lone Rider Consulting, we invite you to be part of our story. Whether you’re looking for consulting services, want to join our network of freelance consultants, or need a trusted referral for your small business, we’re here to support you.