Senior Director, Strategic Mountain Planning

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

The Senior Director of Strategic Mountain Planning is responsible for leading long-range, multi-disciplinary planning efforts to optimize the use, development, and sustainability of mountain resort assets. This role develops and oversees strategic plans related to terrain expansion, lift infrastructure, skier circulation, capacity management, and guest experience. Working cross-functionally with operations, finance, environmental, and capital development teams, the Senior Director ensures that all mountain planning aligns with company goals, regulatory frameworks, and community priorities. The role requires a deep understanding of ski area operations, land use permitting, and capital project planning.

Job Specifications:

• Outlet: Corporate

• The budgeted range starts at $150,676.10 - $192,747.19 + annual bonus + equity. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience

• Shift & Schedule Availability: Full Time, Year Round

• Other Specifics: Hybrid / Remote

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct the overall strategic planning, development and updating of resort master development plans to enhance the guest experience
• Develop, maintain, and guide project permitting jurisdictions, timelines, budget proposals and risk profile for resorts locations around the globe
• Develop strategic plans for resort infrastructure upgrades in alignment with resort MDP
• Develop and track complex project approvals with a high level of process controls – including but not limited to contract compliance, change order processes, construction implementation plans, safety and environmental compliance
• Oversee studies that help analyses resort growth and needs
• Coordinate evaluations, studies and present information regarding development projects
• Assess parking, traffic and transportation needs to help develop solutions for improving the departure and arrival guest experience
• Lead a team of professionals through all phases of project development, planning and permitting
• Lead feasibility studies, physical assessments, and market assessments for strategic resort planning and project prioritization
• Prepare executive level presentations and reports illustrating background, conclusions, recommendations, and risks/benefits
• Demonstrate proactive resolutions through root cause analysis, solution development, evaluation of options and alternatives and recommendation of the best course of action for projects, processes and overall program operations
• Ability to direct the development of planning proposals, site assessments for efficiencies, utilization metrics and supply & demand studies
• Collaborate with resorts, mountain leadership, project implementation team and operational insights leadership for alignment and day to day operations. Recommends adjustments to processes to maintain alignment
• Maintain high qualitative and quantitative standards of work performance across the globe through regional leaders

Job Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, construction management, engineering or related field
• 10+ Years of ski resort planning
• Experience with development on USFS lands
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in a complex, multi-functional business environment supporting a variety of initiatives
• Ability to manage large programs and processes in an expedited manner utilizing technology and corporate reporting tools
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills, team building and coaching
• Review and guide engineering, specs, and scope of projects 

Preferred:

• Strong organization, administrative & communication skills
• Ability to lead a large multi-faceted organization
• A passion for the outdoor industry
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified planners
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $150,676.10 - $192,747.19 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• 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

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• 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

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  508973
Reference Date: 06/03/2025 
Job Code Function: Mountain Planning