Strategic Resort Planner

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:

Vail Resorts is seeking a strategic, motivated and organized Resort Planner to support real estate and mountain planning efforts across our resort portfolio. This role will coordinate planning, development, and permitting processes, while collaborating with teams across the Company. The successful candidate will bring strong planning, project management, and stakeholder coordination experience, ideally within resort, real estate, or community development settings.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $93,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time
• Housing Availability: No
  
  

Job Responsibilities:

• Support real estate and mountain planning initiatives by coordinating across internal teams to align on design, operational needs, and long-term goals.
• Assist in the development of planning documents, feasibility studies, and master plans that guide the future growth and guest experience at the resort.
• Track and help manage project timelines, milestones, and permitting schedules to keep initiatives moving forward on time and within scope.
• Conduct research on zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes to support planning decisions and prepare entitlement applications.
• Help prepare materials for internal and external stakeholders, including presentation decks, reports, and visual aids for executive briefings and community meetings.
• Coordinate with consultants, architects, engineers, and municipal contacts to support the entitlement process and ensure alignment with local regulations and Company goals.
• Attend and participate in public hearings, planning commission meetings, and community workshops, supporting project leads in engagement with external stakeholders.
• Maintain clear project documentation including meeting notes, permitting logs, design files, and internal alignment updates.
• Assist with data collection and site analysis, including guest flow, circulation, parking, and access to inform planning recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for improvements to the guest and employee experience, including infrastructure upgrades, better public spaces, and enhanced resort navigation.

Job Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate development, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • AICP or other professional certification in planning, real estate, or development is a plus.
• Professional Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex development projects, ideally with a mix of public and private sector experience.
  • Familiarity with resort communities and ski area operations strongly preferred.
  • Direct experience with master planning, entitlements, and early-stage real estate development.
• Skills & Capabilities

• Strong understanding of resort and mountain planning processes, including environmental impact assessments, sustainability considerations, and public agency coordination.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $93,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus. 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

Employees 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. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

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  509902
Reference Date: 07/13/2025 
Job Code Function: Development