Manager: Ski Patrol

About the role

At Vail Resorts, our mission is to create an Experience of a Lifetime for our employees so they can, in turn, provide an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. As the Ski Patrol Manager at Hunter Mountain, you will provide strategic leadership for all ski patrol operations, ensuring top-tier safety for both guests and employees. This dynamic role oversees all aspects of the Professional and Volunteer Ski Patrol, including staffing, training, budgeting, scheduling, interdepartmental relations, guest service, emergency medical response, incident management, risk mitigation, rope rescue, lift evacuation, and mountain rescue. In addition, the job requires overseeing summertime first aid operations, capital projects, and a variety of summer maintenance projects. You will lead and inspire a professional team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and leadership development. The job requires strong leadership qualities, and creative problem-solving. In this position, you will collaborate closely with Mountain Operations, risk management, Environmental Health & Safety, and external emergency agencies to maintain operational excellence. Your success will be measured by strong safety performance, high employee engagement, regulatory compliance, and exceptional guest service.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall financial management of the Ski Patrol department, including labor and operating budgets
• Oversee day to day Ski Patrol operations in partnership with Patrol leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent mountain operations
• Actively manage and shape the culture of the Ski Patrol team, reinforcing accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and alignment with company values
• Champion a strong culture of guest service, safety, and professionalism across the department
• Ensure effective daily staff meetings, reinforce safety standards, and participate in Vail wide Ski Patrol COE initiatives
• Strengthen intra and interdepartmental collaboration; support relationships with external agencies, including the DEC and/or applicable State entities
• Manage winter mountain setup and spring teardown; oversee daily condition monitoring, trail openings/closures, signage, ropes, and padding
• Oversee departmental training programs, including schedules, content, and training safety standards
• Lead the candidate/apprentice program, including staffing levels, budgets, testing, and forecasting future patrol staffing needs
• Collaborate with Snow Surfaces and Grooming leadership to establish daily grooming priorities
• Actively participate in Resort Leadership Team meetings and daily operational calls
• Provide direct oversight of the Accident Investigation team, including hiring, training, and coordination with Health & Safety
• Engage in company wide leadership development programs

Requirements

• 5+ years of Patrol experience
• Current OEC certification
• Expert skiing or riding ability
• Strong knowledge of ski area operations and mountain safety practices
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Minimum ICS-100 certification
• Valid Driver's License
• Microsoft Office and Teams proficiency
• Must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
• High School diploma or equivalent

Qualifications

• EMT or higher medical certification (preferred)
• National Ski Patrol senior or certified alpine certification (preferred)
• 3-4 years of Patrol supervisory experience (preferred)
• Experience managing large operational teams (preferred)
• Experience managing budgets and labor resources (preferred)
• Experience with emergency management planning and incident command (preferred)
• Snowmobile, UTV experience (preferred)
• Associate or bachelor's degree in emergency management, risk management, public safety, business, recreation management or related fields (preferred)

Benefits

• Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• Employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program
• Full Time Roles are eligible for Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Pay

Starting wage: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 + annual bonus. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Schedule

Year Round, Full Time hours available.