Manager: Avalanche Programs - Ski Patrol Center of Excellence (COE)

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:

We’re building something new for the world’s largest and best professional ski patrol, a center of excellence to support the continued success of our teams. The Manager: Avalanche Programs, Ski Patrol Center of Excellence (COE) is responsible for supporting the execution, consistency, and development of avalanche program standards across assigned regions. This role focuses on field-level program oversight, RACS maintenance support, avalanche assessments, and driving compliance to enterprise standards. The Manager: Avalanche plays a critical role in partnering with resort teams to strengthen technical skills, support cultural evolution, and elevate operational excellence.

This position is ideal for a technically skilled avalanche practitioner with strong mechanical aptitude, emotional intelligence, and the ability to coach and facilitate learning across diverse patrol environments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Regional Avalanche Program Execution: Oversees regional programs using advanced technical avalanche skills and strong foundational technical understanding to ensure consistent, high‑quality operations.
• Training: Oversees training for each resort across a broad range of patrol disciplines, ensuring consistent skill development, technical proficiency, and alignment with enterprise standards.
• Program Assessments: Conducts comprehensive assessments grounded in high‑level technical skills, mechanical awareness, and strong observational analysis.
• Compliance & Operational Discipline: Drives local compliance through technical understanding, emotional intelligence, and clear communication that reinforces enterprise standards and safe practices.
• RACS Maintenance & Reliability: Oversees RACS maintenance leveraging mechanical skills and technical problem‑solving to ensure systems remain reliable, documented, and operationally ready.
• Technical Rescue Support: Assists with technical rescue programs by applying deep technical knowledge, facilitation skills, and the ability to translate complex concepts into safe, effective practice.
• Culture & Change Leadership: Leads culture change efforts using emotional intelligence and expert facilitation to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and advance a more modern, professional ski patrol culture.

Job Requirements:

Agility & Skills

• Deep experience in, and appreciation for, patrolling, the ski industry, and mountain culture.
• Enthusiasm and passion for driving culture and innovative capabilities that maintain Vail Resorts ski patrols as the largest and best collective professional ski patrol in the world.
• Strong communicator and leader, able to connect with everyone from frontline team members to senior leaders both in the field and centrally.
• Proven ability to lead, align teams, and build energy and trust across a large organization.
• Deep understanding of how resorts operate and how to lead and implement programs across multiple locations.
• A leader who can both drive results and inspire people.
• Strong business storytelling skills and complex stakeholder management capabilities.

Qualifications

Required

• AAA Pro 2/CAA Ops Level 2 or higher.
• 7+ years of professional avalanche operations and patrol experience.
• Wilderness First Responder or higher
• Demonstrated ability in snowpack assessment, mitigation operations, explosives handling, and route execution.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build trust across diverse patrol cultures.
• Ability to travel regionally and work in severe alpine environments.

Preferred

• Experience with RACS operation or maintenance.
• Prior leadership experience.
• Technical rescue familiarity (rope rescue, lift evac, SAR, ICS, medical, etc.).

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $79,531 - $127,500 + 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

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. 

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  513725
Reference Date: 02/27/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol