Principal Patroller

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

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 December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee 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
•    Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary:

The Principal Patroller is a role designed to offer additional career and leadership opportunities within our Patrol function. In addition to their primary role of a frontline patroller, a successful Principal Patroller will use their technical expertise and leadership drive to enhance the effectiveness of Ski Patrol at their home resort and across the entire Vail Resorts network.

Applicants accept that this role is for the 2025-2026 Winter Season only - this role will not be available in future seasons.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $25.00/hr - $31.91/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2025/2026 
• Shift Type: Full Time
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities:

• Up to 25% of work time will be spent actively participating in enterprise-wide projects and initiatives designed to improve the effectiveness of Northstar Ski Patrol, providing balanced feedback and perspective. Principal Patrollers will also complete structured development programs.
• Promote the goal of an aligned enterprise patrol function while balancing the needs and insights of individual patrol departments.
• Explore varied perspectives and take them into account when looking for solutions to influence quality and executional excellence.
• Acts as a change agent among peers, working to have a deeper understanding of perspectives, experiences, and personalities; proactively guides others towards successful adoption of change, building team alignment and loyalty.
• Drive a positive patrol culture by holding self and others accountable to performance and behavioral standards of the Company.
• Positively support the enterprise patrol culture by championing new procedures that work towards this goal; work constructively to bring solutions to the table while vocally supporting agreed upon new changes with the patrol teams.
• Operate with a growth-mindset and have courage to accelerate change.
• Ability and enthusiasm around the opportunity to influence and impact to lead up, down and across the organization, including engagement with other resorts and functions.
• Drives a culture of guest service excellence at both their home resort and throughout the enterprise.
• Be willing to engage and support peers in an informal mentorship capacity, with future opportunity to lead in a formalized program.
• Lead by example by actively demonstrating and promoting the Vail Resort Company Values: Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe, Have Fun, Be Inclusive.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Previous Frontline Patrol experience
• Must meet all current frontline patroller qualifications
• Medical and state required certifications may be required, depending on Resort
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, email, and other administrative tools. Willing and able to learn new systems and processes as required.
• Be able to communicate at a conversational level of English in all forms (verbal &written)
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a high alpine environment (environment varies based on resort)
• Ski/Ride proficiency: Must pass Company Ski Patrol sponsored ski test
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be available to work holidays and weekends
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and strong guest service skills
• Strong decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to create effective working relationships inter/intra departmentally
• Must possess valid Driver’s License applicable to the specific resort.

The expected pay range is $25.00/hr - $31.91/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

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  512596
Reference Date: 11/15/2025 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol