Patrol Director - Aspen Highlands

About the role

Lead One of North America's Most Respected Ski Patrols
Aspen Highlands is more than an iconic mountain. It is home to a ski patrol with a long-standing reputation for professionalism, mountain expertise, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day to day Ski Patrol operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and exceptional mountain operations
• Direct mountain response to operational issues, incidents, emergencies, and changing conditions while maintaining clear communication with resort leadership and operational partners
• Partner with local, state, and federal agencies as needed to coordinate responses to on mountain incidents
• Oversee daily snow safety operations, avalanche mitigation, trail maintenance, and hazard management in coordination with internal departments
• Lead lift evacuation planning, training, and execution, ensuring compliance with established procedures and serving as an operational leader during evacuations
• Provide leadership for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, employee development, and disciplinary actions while maintaining timely and accurate documentation
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional guest service through visible leadership and consistent communication
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the Ski Patrol collective bargaining agreement and ensure compliance with all applicable provisions
• Ensure accurate payroll administration and partner with resort leadership to develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets
• Understand medical, legal, and risk management considerations related to mountain operations, including the care and transportation of injured guests
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification with current American Heart Association CPR certification required
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in ski patrol, mountain operations, emergency services, or a related field required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead clear, timely communication in high-pressure operational environments
• Demonstrated technical expertise in ski patrol operations, mountain safety systems, and emergency response protocols
• Deep understanding of the Ski Area Skier Safety Act, including boundary marking, trail closures, and associated regulatory requirements
• Working knowledge of tramway regulations, lift evacuation procedures, and current best practices in rescue techniques and equipment
• Thorough understanding of Ski Patrol collective bargaining agreements and ability to apply contract language in daily operational decision making
• Strong knowledge of resort policies, procedures, and operational standards, with the ability to ensure consistent application across teams
• Prowess in building strong working relationships across departments, agencies, and external partners to achieve shared operational goals
• Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership, with the ability to identify risk, enforce standards, and model safe operating practices
• Strong guest service orientation with the ability to engage positively and professionally with guests in a mountain environment
• Ability to work effectively in adverse weather conditions and physically demanding environments for extended periods of time

Job Benefits

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

Additional Information

• Work Environment and Physical Demands
• Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, stand, bend or be on your feet for extended periods of time
• Regularly work in wet, cold, hot conditions requiring the use of protective apparel/equipment to prevent exposure to the elements and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces
• Must be able to frequently lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance

Job Benefits

• This position is classified as a seasonal full-time position eligible for the following benefits:
• Enrollment dates differ across the various programs.
• Paid Time Off Programs
• Paid Leave Programs
• Employee Ski Pass and Dependent Ski Passes
• Other company perks

Reasons to Apply

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Inclusive Workplace
• Benefits Overview