Assistant Patrol Director - Aspen Mountain

Aspen Skiing Company, a division of Aspen One, owns and operates four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. With 5,680 acres of skiable terrain, more than 40 lifts, and over 410 trails, Aspen Snowmass is renowned for its award-winning Ski & Snowboard School, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and sustainably sourced on-mountain food and beverage outlets. The company values living fully, honoring people and place, taking the long view, and pursuing excellence.

About the role

The Assistant Patrol Director for Aspen Mountain supports the Patrol Director in managing and assigning all patrol operations to maintain an efficient, well-organized, and enjoyable ski area while consistently engaging guests and promoting a welcoming atmosphere. This role also supports daily operations, covers for the Director on days off as needed, and builds proficiency across all patrol duties to support succession planning. This position reports to the Ski Patrol Director.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Patrol Director in overseeing daily mountain operations in coordination with department supervisors and leads, ensuring patrollers understand and fulfill their responsibilities.
• Identify and act on opportunities to enhance the guest experience, proactively initiating guest contact on the mountain.
• Inspect and ensure that all open terrain meets safety standards before and during operating hours.
• Provide care and coordinate transportation for injured skiers and riders as needed, in accordance with company risk-management protocols.
• Support snow safety activities and avalanche control operations as needed, and conduct routine trail maintenance, including trail openings and closures.
• Evaluate patroller performance throughout the season, support staffing decisions including hiring and termination, and ensure accurate payroll processing, completion of ASC training, and scheduling support.
• Participate in lift evacuations and emergency response procedures as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments on issues and events affecting mountain operations, and liaise with government agencies as required.
• Lead or delegate staff training and evaluations, provide performance coaching as needed, and ensure timely completion of related documentation.
• Deliver clear, timely operational communication to all patrol staff.
• Collaborate with the Patrol Director to plan and manage the department budget, track spending, and update job descriptions annually.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) or EMT certification required, along with current American Heart Association CPR certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a ski patroller.
• Minimum of 5 years of expert-level skiing experience across all terrain and weather conditions.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience setting up and maintaining remote weather stations.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in the technical aspects of the role.
• Complete knowledge of the Ski Safety Act regarding marking of ski area boundaries and trail closures.
• Current knowledge of tramway board regulations and state-of-the-art evacuation techniques and equipment.
• Proficient knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in collaboration with others to achieve team goals.
• Ability to follow all safety policies and procedures and exercise caution while working.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to notice and address minor discrepancies in work or customer feedback.
• Ability to engage with customers in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, completing work at a high standard.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, smell, taste, stand, walk or be on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Regularly work in wet, hot, and humid conditions for extended periods of time and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to stand, type, and sit at a desk/computer for most of the work shift executing repetitive movements.
• Must be able to frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.

Pay

The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000–$90,000. Actual pay will be dependent on budget and experience. All salaried roles are eligible for bonus.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off Programs.
• Paid Leave Programs.
• Employee Ski Pass and Dependent Ski Passes.
• Other company perks.

Enrollment dates differ across the various programs. This position is classified as a seasonal full-time role.