By Karen D. Lorentz

Not everyone has the good luck to find their direction in life at age 11, but for Devon McCluskey, an introduction to snowboarding by a cousin proved a fortuitous event that set him on a ski-industry path that he is passionate about.

“My Christmas present that year was a ticket to Seven Springs, and my present would be the same every year after. It was when my obsession began. Even going home, where we didn’t have any snow, all I did was watch snowboard edits [videos]and try to convince my parents to take me back to the mountain,” McCluskey recalled.

Born in Pittsburgh, McCluskey grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina. After graduating from high school in 2015, he pursued a major in construction management and a minor in business at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

While working at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain during college, McCluskey said “fell in love with the industry.” He explained: “After graduation everyone typically moves away, but I stayed to continue chasing my dreams and gained experience and knowledge, which is what led me to Okemo. I wanted a new challenge and the opportunity to show what I am capable of at a large resort.”

Q&A with Devon McCluskey

Mountain Times: When did you join Okemo?

Devon McCluskey: I joined Okemo September 2021. I moved here because I was excited to work at a larger resort with parks and a halfpipe, one of the few in New England.

MT: What are your duties as assistant terrain park manager? 

DM: I am all over the place during the winter, from helping our day crew to building and maintaining our parks in a snow cat. It keeps me very busy all winter. I just want to provide the best possible product for the people here and will work however many hours and do whatever is necessary to achieve the product I am happy with.

MT: How often do you get to snowboard?

DM: I never get to snowboard as much as I would like, but I typically ride on my day off and when working get a lap through the parks daily to check on everything.

MT: What was the route to your bike park builder job?

DM: I spent five years at App Ski Mountain constantly learning and trying to progress in my career. I have years of experience building mountain bike trails all over North Carolina, and I recently completed Okemo’s Toyota Skills Park,…