Spclst - Skilled: Ski Patrol - Union

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world. With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career.

Benefits

• Free ski/snowboard passes for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• Free ski and snowboard lessons
• 40% discount on retail gear
• Discounts on lodging, food, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development through Epic Service
• Referral Program

About the Role

Assist the Snow Safety Team in providing maximum access to ski area property and facilities for ski area personnel and guests, while maintaining a high degree of safety from existing or developing avalanche hazards. This role leads with Vail Values: Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe, Have Fun, Be Inclusive.

Leads other patrollers by example in serving the team and guests. Drives a positive patrol culture by coaching and mentoring patrollers in alignment with company performance and behavioral standards. Supports a combined patrol culture by executing new procedures and fostering respect and inclusivity.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill basic patrol obligations and day-to-day responsibilities at a specialist level while assisting with snow safety duties
• Assist in conducting avalanche-related and snow-safety activities
• Assist with avalanche forecasting in and out of the ski area boundary
• Gather and record meteorological data on a daily basis
• Gather snowpack data
• Assist in gathering data for and reporting afternoon weather
• Assist with maintenance and data collection of all weather instrumentation
• Help with computer record keeping and data processing systems
• Close and open ski area boundaries due to suspected avalanche hazard
• Work with Snow Safety Team Lead in coordination of avalanche control work
• Be familiar with explosive use, storage, and record keeping under ATF regulations
• Assist in coordinating and educating Ski Patrol personnel in:
  • Explosive assembly, ignition, delivery, and dud procedures
  • Decision making and route finding
  • Ski cutting avalanche starting zones
  • Snowpack stability evaluation
  • Self and organized rescue procedures
  • Avalanche Dog handling and transportation
  • Avalanche transceiver use
  • Helicopter safety and rescue
  • Avalanche control radio dispatch
• Coordinate and supervise ski patrol personnel and operations under the Ski Patrol Director
• Zone and map avalanche terrain considered for expansion
• Maintain a state-of-the-art Avalanche Rescue Plan, Snow Safety Plan, and Avalanche Atlas
• Coordinate the training and development of the Avalanche Dog rescue program
• Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Meets all requirements of an Advanced Patroller
• Expert skiing ability
• Familiarity with ski area and avalanche-related activities
• Familiarity with avalanche control routes, both in and out of the ski area
• Familiarity with avalanche zoning in and out of the area
• Proficiency in the use of high explosives and ATF regulations
• Successful completion of ATF Background clearance
• Working knowledge of all aspects of relevant rescue procedures

Qualifications

Preferred formal education includes:

• National Avalanche School
• American Avalanche Institute, Level II, Professional Rescue, or equivalent
• International Snow Science Workshop
• Wasatch Ski Area’s Annual Blasters Clinic

Minimum 5 years as a route leader and/or minimum 10 years patrol experience at a resort with significant avalanche terrain.

Physical Requirements

• Able to withstand inclement weather conditions for extended periods
• Frequently lift 75 pounds and carry it 100 yards (with help as necessary)
• Frequently hike 300 yards uphill in deep snow, with a loaded pack and skis, at high alpine elevations
• Able to ski in all weather and snow surface conditions safely while bearing the weight of toboggans and injured guests
• Able to stand, walk, and ski in boots for an entire shift
• Frequently required to sit, ski, talk, hear, stand, and walk on steep slopes in ski boots
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally required to hike steep slopes, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Pay

The expected pay range is $24.64/hr - $35.20/hr. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Schedule

• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: 18+ or 21+ years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes