Lead Ski Patrol – Avalanche Safety & Mountain Rescue

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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. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until June 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

Assist Snow Safety Team in providing maximum access to ski area property and facilities for ski area personnel and guests, while maintaining a necessary high degree of safety from existing or developing avalanche hazard.

Leads first and foremost with the 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 our guests. Drives a positive patrol culture by coaching and mentoring patrollers in alignment with the performance and behavioral standards of the Company. Positively supports the combined patrol culture by supporting and executing new procedures that work towards this goal.

Actively supports behaviors that show respect and inclusivity for others on the team.

• Starting Wage: $24.64/hr - $35.20/hr
• Employment Type:
  
  Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type:
  Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: 18+ or 21+ years of age
• Housing Availability:
  Yes

• While assisting with snow safety duties, the expectations are to fulfill basic patrol obligations and day to day responsibilities at a specialist level
• Assist in conducting avalanche related and snow-safety activities.
• Assist with avalanche forecasting in and out of the ski area boundary.
• Gathering and recording meteorological data on a daily basis.
• Gathering snowpack data.
• Assist in gathering data for and reporting afternoon weather.
• Assist with maintenance and data collecting of all weather instrumentation.
• Help with computer record keeping and data processing system.
• Closing and opening of any and all ski area boundaries to skiing or other activities 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 with the 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.
• Helicopter safety and rescue.
• Coordinating and supervising ski patrol personnel and operations under the Ski Patrol Director.
• Zoning and mapping of avalanche terrain considered for expansion.
• Maintaining a state of the art Avalanche Rescue Plan, Snow Safety Plan, and Avalanche Atlas.
• Coordinate the training and development of Avalanche Dog rescue program.
• Other duties, projects and responsibilities as assigned

• Meets all requirements of Advanced patroller.
• Familiar with ski area and avalanche related activities.
• Familiar with avalanche control routes, both in area and in surrounding areas.
• Familiar with avalanche zoning in and out of area.
• Must be proficient in use of high explosives and ATF regulations.
• Successful completion of ATF Background clearance.
• Must have working knowledge of all aspects of relevant rescue procedures.
• Formal
  
  Education:
  
  (the following are preferred)
• National Avalanche School
• American Avalanche Institute, Level II , Professional Rescue, or equivalent
• International Snow Science Workshop
• Minimum 5 years as route leader and/or minimum 10 years patrol experience at a resort with significant avalanche terrain

• Able to withstand inclement weather conditions for extended periods.
• Frequently be able to lift 75 pounds and carry it 100 yards, with help as necessary
• Frequently be able to hike 300 yards uphill in deep snow, with loaded pack and skis at elevations up to working in a high alpine environment
• Able to ski in all weather and snow surface conditions safely, while bearing weight of toboggans and injured guests safely behind patroller, down the mountain.
• Must be able to stand, walk and ski in…