JACKIE DELAURA - BIG SNOW & MOUNTAIN CREEK - NEW JERSEY
“You will find your crew”
WOMEN OF SKI PATROL
Hi! I’m Jackie DeLaura. I’m part of the Big SNOW - American Dream and Mountain Creek ski patrol family. Raised in Jersey.
(Grandma) How many years have you been patrolling?
(Jackie DeLaura) I’m pretty new at it; this is my first year. Last season I did 18 weeks of medical training, and one full season of sled training to become a patroller. Before joining Ski Patrol I was a Snowboard Instructor for 3 years. My last year instructing I received my AASI Level 1 Certification.
Teaching At Creek?
Two years at Mountain Creek, and then a season at Sugarbush, VT on the main hill. (Lincoln Peak)
(Sugarbush was one of the first resorts to host Elevated Locals for a snow story. Shoutout to tha Bush!)
Sooooo - Patrolling at Big SNOW AKA THE FRIDGE -
INTROOODUCINNGGG -
North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard facility!
(wrestling announcer voice)
Like - Whoa. 🤯 Tell us the deal...
I would say the biggest difference is, obviously - it’s indoors. The adjustment from the mountain environment to a more artificial environment is wild. I get to ski patrol year round, and I have no complaints for that reason.
Let’s say a new animal species evolves to live in The Fridge. What would it be?
a Park Rat addicted to Red Bull
Imagine being a human park rat addicted to redbull and seeing a tiny snowboarding rat drinking Redbull.
Trippy 😂
How do you feel about working during Covid-19?
I feel Covid’s presence every day. It’s very visual, you can see everyone wearing masks and there’s a ton of nonstop cleaning. To keep Big SNOW safe for everyone, we have introduced increased focused cleaning and sanitation measures using CDC and State Health guidelines/best practices. We have limited face to face interactions.
However, I don’t feel that our practice of what we do has changed that much ‘cause we’ve always worn basic BSI (Body Substance Isolation.) Gloves and stuff. Now we’ve added masks. The social distancing can be a challenge to enforce, but you gotta do it.
This is how we have nice things people!
I missed Big SNOW so much! If they said you have to wear a hazmat suit - I would!
I feel you. Reopening day - I was like, Whatever you want me to do! You want me to wear a bubble? I is bubble.” 😉
Jackie & her super mama @ Sugarbush (VT)
Let’s start with your beginning. What brought you into snowboarding?
Actually, funny enough I didn’t start as a kid. My parents got divorced when I was 14 years old, and then my mom got back into skiing. She didn’t want me to be alone all winter, so she kinda dragged me to the mountain.
I didn’t like it at first. I was like, “Why do people do this?” Snowboarding was very difficult, but the whole year was very difficult. In a way, snowboarding gave me a new outlook.
Then, my mom met a guy who was a lover of skiing, John. He has four kids who all snowboard. They motivated and pushed me to get better. I had to keep up! This is when I fell in love, and could not give it up.
A good crew is everything.
Yes! When I was in high school, I had a really hard time finding people who wanted to ride. I was a little shy, and doing my own thing. When I graduated at 18 I became a snowboard instructor at Mountain Creek and my life just changed. All my coworkers were so inclusive & so fun. That’s when everything amped up - because SNOWBOARDING!
Jackie & Andy
Ahh - the Creek Crew.
That’s how we found you, from Mr. Andy A
Andy is a legendary snowboard instructor at Mountain Creek Ski School and he also works at Big SNOW. His knowledge of technique and ability to teach is incredible. Recently, I reached out to Andy for some intel on a snowboard for my old manager, and he just gave him a board…True story!
(airhorn for Andy)
Why did you decide to be a patroller instead of an instructor?
I switched over to patrol because I wanted to expand my skills, and learn new ways to assist people on the hill. I also dream of getting into backcountry snowboarding/splitboarding and patrol has helped me become a more complete rider. I continue to learn mountain safety techniques and first aid with others who share this passion. I have met some skilled backcountry riders through Mountain Creek's Ski Patrol. Tommy, an Outdoor Emergency Transportation Instructor, teaches Avalanche Certification classes. Recently, I was able to round up some of my friends from Big SNOW to take the class with me. I cannot wait to continue to build my knowledge of backcountry safety!
What is your ski patrol family like - are there a lot of 1st years like you?
I’m one of the youngest; I’m the rookie. We have a crew of 13 people. The only other new patroller on the Big SNOW team is my good friend Miguel. We passed our Outdoor Emergency Transportation (sled training) together. Miguel has over ten years of professional EMT experience. All the other patrollers on our team have been doing this for 3+ seasons.
Is that scary? Do you feel you have something to prove, being the only rookie?
I wouldn't say scary... but it is most definitely intimidating at times and maybe a little overwhelming. But, everyone on patrol is so encouraging and collaborative. I know I am never alone when I am patrolling. Being at Big SNOW year-round has given me the phenomenal opportunity to gain exposure to different types of injuries and continue to learn.
Lola - Jackie’s home slice
Our more experienced patrollers also show me different perspectives.
One of our patrollers used to teach adaptive skiing out West, here’s a story he told me when I was having a tough day: During training an adaptive skier accidentally hit a garbage can, fell over, and immediately started screaming, "MY LEGS, I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS".
Our patroller was MORTIFIED.
The adaptive skier started hysterically laughing and said,"I am totally kidding man! I pull that stunt on everyone!"
Ahahaahah - it’s all about how you see things!
Right! As a woman patroller at Big SNOW, I feel respected and encouraged. When I joined Ski Patrol at Mountain Creek, I felt like I gained a whole bunch of new dads (Haha!). I feel so welcomed at Big SNOW and Mountain Creek. Seasoned patrollers are preparing us as we are the next generation. We are ready for the torch.
Indeed. How else will you further your training?
KG, the OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care) Program head instructor and coordinator asked me to become an instructor in training.
I am excited to have the chance to get to know the new patrollers, and help them ease into patrolling the same way my instructors did for me. Support is key.
As Ski Patrol you can go all over….
Just for that fact alone, I’d love to get people in the Ski Patrol. It’s a commitment, but the benefits are never ending. The network you have, the types of people you meet...
Like have you ever heard of Mount Bohemia?
Yeah - Michigan’s POW capital…
Some of their patrollers came to Big SNOW and introduced themselves. I learned there was snowboarding in Michigan! This dude was showing us videos of taking the sled down a double black powder tree run!
I thought I was watching someone do rocket science - it was so crazy!
Yeah - that place is a must see for sure.
So, where would you go if you could ski patrol anywhere? What mountain calls to you?
Chamonix.
My mom grew up in France and skied Chamonix and the rest of the French Alps her whole life. Her uncle was part of the "Chasseur Alpins" - an elite mountain infantry force (ski-combat trained soldiers!). I lived in northern France (Roncq) for eight weeks, learning the culture and language. I didn’t get a chance to ride there, but I learned a lot about my family history.
What ski generation are you?
3rd generation. I have photos of my grandma and great aunt skiing in the Alps. It’s pretty crazy.
Crazy awesome.
What’s in your kit that you can’t live without?
I absolutely cannot live without my Ororo Heated Jacket. It’s everything on cold to the bone nights. Now all I need is heated gloves...
Another essential item I carry is the Burton EST Tool. I have a screwdriver (and bottle opener!) on me at all times.
Ah, that super-clutch rider who has a screwdriver at the top of the hill 🙌
AND - Zip ties. I know this isn't a very glamorous answer, but we use zip ties to fix fences (and many other things). We have this sign in the EMS Room at Big SNOW that says "Certified Zip Tie Technician"
So many zip ties…
Dude - zip ties are life.
Walk me through a day at work.
It’s so weird that I show up to a mall parking lot! I put my snow gear on and put my mask on. At the door they take my temperature. Ask me all the questions; “How are you feeling?” ect. Then, they give me a wristband that shows I got my health checked.
I clock in and go to the EMS room, turn on all the radios, and check our equipment. I go through the trauma bag, check the oxygen tanks, and resanitize the beds. Next, I go out to help set up the fences and signs.
Then my main job in the morning is to take first chair.
1st CHAIR! (followed by first chair dance)
Yeah! I make sure the lift doesn’t look or sound abnormal.
On my ride down, I look for anything dangerous.
Then we put up cones, and set up a racecourse. During the day I continue to maintain the hill. Whenever people get hurt or need assistance, they call for patrol and we figure out what they need.
Most common accidents?
The most common injuries for snowboarders are shoulder, wrist and knee injuries. For skiers it's knee injuries for sure!
Would you rather rock a snowflake face tattoo or a diamond grill that says snow?
Snowflake face tattoo all the way.
Speaking of teeth. Are they grooming every night at the Fridge?
Yes. Every night they groom and they blow snow over 180,000 square feet. 1,000 ft slope. It’s pretty crazy. Big SNOW is running 24/7. Every morning, we have first tracks!
MMMMMM, corduroy
I try to never take advantage of what I have been given. The accessibility of such an amazing sport is incredible! The resorts of New Jersey aren’t massive hills, but - how many people have learned how to snowboard and ski because of them!
I feel obligated to pay it forward. I throw all my old gear at my friends to help them get on snow and help them with passes.
Yessssss.
Talk to me about school.
Right now I go to Rutgers Business School. I’m a junior and have two semesters left.
Everyone in my school is very much city folk - I say in my introductions, “I’m training to become a ski patroller.” and they are like, “What? What do you mean? Where are you ski patrolling? We live in New Jersey.” Many people don’t know that Big SNOW and Mountain Creek are so close to Newark!
I’m studying management and would like to continue to work in the snowboard industry.
When I was 17, I entered a K2 Pretty and Pink Rail Jam that really changed my perspective. I think I came in 4th out of 3rd place (dead last), but I didn’t care. The comRADery between the contestants really inspired me to push myself to take on some features, I normally would have not hit. The feeling was empowering and the inclusivity of the event inspired me to someday make others feel as encouraged as I did. I want everyone to get out of their comfort zones and feel the same momentous accomplishment that I did.
Yessssss.
PC George Ryan
Snowtastic memories?
Teaching an 80-year-old woman how to snowboard was a snowtastic moment for me. She was timid, but at the same time, so determined. “My son is in the Marines, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could conquer my fears.”
I also taught for the Burton Chill Program, the kids come from the inner city and a different world. We show them the mountain and the feeling. That’s another favorite time.
Ah- I knew I recognized you. I remember you from Chill! Shout out to the marvelous Chill Program.
Another one of my favorite moments: At Big SNOW right before we opened, a five year old little girl with stage four cancer had a wish to see snow.
She came to Big SNOW and she played in the snow, sat on a tube, and made snow angels. Oh my god - I cried. My managers were like - this is why we do what we do.
I’m crying. That’s the sweetest thing.
I love being there to help. I’m not the snow police. I’m here to help you do this!
You got a message for the world Jackie D?
Working at Big SNOW and Mountain Creek has allowed me to meet so many cool and outgoing people. The friends I have made through snowboarding truly understand me and why I do what I do. They are the people that I know I can go to for anything. They are my tribe.
I want to say - If you’re having a hard time, believe in yourself.
You will find your crew.
Thanks for taking us to your world Jackie.
Crews Unite!
I also want to say, although we are called ski patrol, you can do the job on a snowboard.
*Interview edited for length and clarity.
Thank you to Jim, Red, Blackbeard, & Russel of the Big SNOW Ski Patrol! Thank you Lift op.s, Snow op.s, & the In house crew for taking such good care of us - y’all are the raddest!
Editor : Liz “Grandma” Toft
Creative Director: Yuri Czmola
Video: Thomas Buildmore & Douglas Huntley
PA: HDEE
As part of an ongoing series highlighting snowsports diversity in the broadest sense, Elevated Locals, profiles athletes and professionals who are making an impact within the community. As part of this larger project, we are proud to continue to shine a light on women who work in traditionally male roles within the workforce. Interview pitches are accepted year-round and should be sent directly to our team at ltoft@elevatedlocals.com