Official Operator Spotlight: Jake Slaminski
Manager of Unbound Terrain Parks at Mammoth Mountain, Jake has been operating for 18 seasons.
Tell us about your career path.
I started out on the day crew for Unbound, and every chance I got, I would ask former Manager and my boss at the time Oren Tanzer if I could get in a cat and if they had a position available. A year and a half later, they did, and I jumped at the opportunity! I learned a lot from Pete Coloumbo, Doug Mercer, and TJ Dawoud. What helped me to get to this point was always taking the time to learn a new skill, whether it was winching, zauggs, leadership training, or taking advice from fellow operators and mentors.
If you had to pick just one thing, what would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
It's hard to pick just one. I love doing the Red Bull events, Recharged, and spring training camps. These events were turning points for my career growth, along with managing Chair 5 spring camps. On a personal level, I take a lot of pride in being someone people can trust and turn to with problems or questions.
What feature or capability of PistenBully machines/products do you find most critical for your work?
Versatility across all conditions is key, so for that reason, I'd have to say the 400 ParkPro and 600 Winches. We couldn't do what we do without them.
What is your best advice for mentoring/training?
My best advice is to keep learning and asking questions. There’s always more to learn from those around you. You can always learn something new that will benefit you now or down the road. I'd also say: Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is often your best teacher.
What do you hope to see PistenBully offer in the future?
I would love to see a 400 ParkPro with 4.6 ton winch.
What's something you want others -- especially those who are not familiar with your line of work -- to know about snow grooming?
It can be an actual career path, and it's not only for men. Women can become successful operators just as easily as men. It would be great to see more women want to join the industry. We have two women on our team at Mammoth, and they are badass to work with.
What do you do in the summer?
I manage and run the bike park here at Mammoth. I also help with summer construction projects, such as lifts and snowmaking. I spend a lot of my time biking in the summer. It is another huge passion of mine.
