Official Operator Spotlight: Landon Taylor
25 years in a snowcat. Landon is a top park builder in the United States, now operating as an independent contractor.
Tell us about your career path.
At 13 years old, watching the first winter X Games at Snow Summit, my home mountain, I was intrigued by watching the build of the courses, which sparked my passion for operating. It led me down a path to chase my dream of building courses for the top athletes. 26 years and counting.
If you had to pick just one thing, what would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
I spent 15 years as a builder with Snow Park Technologies, a long-running partner of PistenBully. Following my passion has allowed me to travel around the world and meet amazing people along the way. (…and also proposing to my wife at the bottom of the half pipe at X Games under the lights - she said yes).
What feature or capability of PistenBully machines/products do you find most critical for your work?
A park pro 400 winch is the best tool for any job.
What is your best advice for mentoring/training?
Take your time, ask questions, know when to walk away, and as long as you’re learning you’re moving forward.
What do you hope to see PistenBully offer in the future?
I really hope to see an E+ Winch.
What's something you want others -- especially those who are not familiar with your line of work -- to know about snow grooming?
Even after 26 years of doing this, there is always something to learn. Because of the different snow conditions and weather, it can be a fun challenge to create something out of nothing.
What do you do in the summer?
Excavation - mostly, I own my own business TerraMtnX. I spend the majority of my time building motocross tracks for the Pro Motocross Series with a PistenBully and building private training tracks as well...and camping with my dog, Ted.
