If you want to meet Kurt Sanchez you’ll have to travel up 829 feet. Say what?! Sanchez is the jumpmaster for SkyJump Las Vegas, a controlled plummet from the top of The STRAT in which you leap 829 feet to the ground.
He joined the property earlier this year and he loves that he “gets to help curate the moment for people,” he says. “When I see people smiling, it makes me happy. And a lot of people tell me, ‘I’ve been here for a week and you’re the most fun I’ve had so far. You’re very kind and helpful and funny. You give good energy.’”
But besides being a huge people-person and getting jumpers excited for taking the leap off the tower, one of the most important parts of the job is safety, Sanchez says. “Above anything else is safety. … You need to make sure you’re mentally and physically capable of doing the job because you’re in charge of people’s lives.” Every morning he inspects harnesses and all equipment, wires and brakes. He double-checks everything and then a coworker checks it again.
And Sanchez wouldn’t send anyone down the tower if he hadn’t tried it himself—he’s jumped more than a dozen times. “It’s just a fun experience,” he says. “I love being adventurous, pushing the envelope, trying new things. And SkyJump is all those things. It’s what Vegas is about. I am showing the world Vegas, my city. And I love being a part of that.”
Libation: Jumpmaster
On the 108th floor where SkyJump is located, you’ll also find the bar 108 Drinks. A nice list of specialty cocktails are on the menu like the Jumpmaster, made with Cazadores blanco tequila, lime, orange juice and Red Bull Yellow Edition. Don’t miss the Sky High Happy Hour, 3-7 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., with 2-for-1 cocktails.
Benefit: Jump at night or during the day, and then do the opposite when you jump for a second time at 50% off.
The STRAT. thestrat.com
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