Official Operator Spotlight: Erika Roy
A mentor and friend who has made it possible for more women to enter the industry.
Tell us about your career path.
I started as a park crew member in 2015 and loved the ability to work and snowboard. After that, I chased the dream out west at Beaver Creek and Eldora for 5 seasons, teaching snowboarding and moving there with my now husband and other PB Operator, Andrew. Once COVID hit, we moved back east, where I used my past PT work and became the Event Manager at Saddleback in Maine. Concepting and executing on hill events, alongside Andrew (rail jams, banked slaloms etc.) at our job kept me curious about what was next. I learned to operate from him 4 years ago where I was able to help him in park builds and pipe building. It always seemed like I was chasing to get a rake back in my hand and in the operator's seat more on an FT basis, and seeing the TPM job opening, I knew it was a chance I couldn't pass up. My motivation for constant growth and all of the industry friends around me have helped push me to where I am today.
If you had to pick just one thing, what would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
Landing my newer role as TPM has ultimately been the highlight. I would also say developing events from concept to production on the day alongside Andrew, and being able to fully trust his work and execution is absolutely incredible. It’s really fun to spitball ideas off each other and being able to jump into a machine and help too.
What feature or capability of PistenBully machines/products do you find most critical for your work?
Overall, the versatility of each machine and the array of products. I haven’t used KFX personally, but what an incredible game-changer. We have a new 600parkpro here at SR, which is crucial in all of our builds and nightly maintenance.
What is your best advice for mentoring/training?
Patience and trust - I retain the most knowledge by being able to explain or walk someone through the process of what’s being asked of me before execution, too. Continue asking questions, share your knowledge with others, and support those who want to grow and take the next steps.
When you leave a pass and build a shape, you strive for perfection, but you know it isn't always going to be a straight path to get there. We're all constantly learning, new technology is evolving, and there are so many factors. Continue to show up and push yourself on the path to where you want to go.
What do you hope to see PistenBully offer in the future?
Let’s get some groomer games going, Olympic style. I also would love to see a more female-friendly joystick and heard that may be coming....
What's something you want others -- especially those who are not familiar with your line of work -- to know about snow grooming?
Grooming, to me, is similar to the hospitality industry: just serving guests in a different way, but always needing the absolute best. I’m a big believer that everyone needs to work at a restaurant once in their life, and I feel the same for going in a car for a ride for a few hours. Learn the process, the details, and you’ll have a better appreciation for what those teams lay down.
What do you do in the summer?
Fix and maintain park features! I also plan weddings!
