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, create an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. The Ski Patrol Manager leads all Ski Patrol operations across the Seven Springs Resort Complex—including Seven Springs, Hidden Valley (PA), and Laurel Mountain—and provides strategic operational leadership for guest and employee safety, emergency medical response, incident management, risk mitigation, training, staffing, compliance, and patrol culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead Ski Patrol operations across Seven Springs, Hidden Valley (PA), and Laurel Mountain, ensuring safe, efficient, and guest‑focused operations.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, and evaluate patrol leadership and front‑line team members while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Oversee staffing plans, daily operations, emergency medical response, lift‑evacuation readiness, incident management, and overall operational preparedness.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, National Ski Patrol standards, applicable regulations, medical protocols, and risk‑management practices.
• Lead patrol training, certification tracking, leadership development, and emergency‑preparedness programs to maintain a highly skilled and operationally ready workforce.
• Partner with Mountain Operations Leadership to coordinate safe and effective resort operations, support special events, and drive cross‑resort collaboration.
• Monitor safety performance, investigate incidents, identify trends, and implement continuous‑improvement initiatives aligned with the Patrol Center of Excellence.
• Develop and manage departmental operation and capital budgets, equipment inventories, vehicle and rescue assets, and other patrol resources.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with local emergency responders, healthcare providers, law‑enforcement agencies, and other external partners.
• Serve as a member of the Mountain Operations Leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and operational excellence across the resort complex.
• Work in line with the Patrol Center of Excellence to support and align with enterprise standards and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 8+ years of patrol experience.
• 3–4 years of patrol supervisory experience.
• Current OEC, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, or equivalent emergency‑medical certification.
• Advanced to expert skiing ability.
• Strong knowledge of ski‑area operations and mountain safety practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Previous department‑level budget oversight.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: EMT or higher medical certification; National Ski Patrol senior, alpine, or equivalent certification.
• Experience managing multiple locations or large operational teams.
• Experience managing budgets and labor resources.
• Experience with emergency‑management planning and incident command.
• Snowmobile and tracked UTV experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in emergency management, risk management, public safety, business, recreation management, or related fields.
• Previous Vail Resorts software experience (e.g., Gensuite, Coupa, Workday).

Benefits

• Free employee ski passes and discounted lift tickets for friends and family.
• Free ski and snowboard lessons for employees.
• 40% retail discount on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles.
• RSP options after 12 months or 2,000 cumulative hours of service.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Comprehensive training and professional development through Epic Service.
• Referral program.
• Health, medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible seasonal employees after 500 hours (full‑time roles receive these benefits automatically).
• Free ski passes for dependents.
• Critical illness and accident plans.
• Additional employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles.

Pay

Starting wage: $62,000 – $75,000 per year, plus an annual bonus.