Director, Mountain Operations

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 Epic 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.

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 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
   

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

Job Summary:

The Director of Mountain Operations provides oversight and leadership for all on-mountain operations departments at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain including: Ski Patrol, Lift Maintenance, Lift Experience, Grooming and Trail Maintenance, Snowmaking, Terrain Parks, and Fleet Maintenance. As a member of the resorts' Senior Leadership Team, the position also assists in the development, communication and implementation of resort goals and initiatives. 

The Director of Mountain Operations will play an important role in developing and maintaining a safe, inclusive work environment, with key aspects of this position including strategic planning, budgeting, training, and leading change.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $95,000 - $120,000 + Annual Bonus + Equity 
• Employment Type: Year Round  
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available 
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
• Housing Availability: No  

Job Responsibilities:

• Accountable for all mountain operations goals while contributing to overall resort and company goals and initiatives. 
• Create and oversee departmental budgets and workforce planning while tracking performance metrics and expectations. 
• Develop leaders within the mountain operations organization to improve leadership within current roles, and to prepare for increased responsibility and succession. 
• Directly lead the establishment of goals and development plans, and the evaluation of performance for direct reports, as well as oversee these processes for all mountain operations departments. 
• Lead the mountain operations efforts to improve employee safety and reduce employee incidents, including first aid and lost time incidents.
• Build strong, positive relationships with key internal stakeholders including resort operations, skier services, food and beverage, lodging, marketing, communications, finance, environmental, etc. 
• Build strong, positive relationships with key external stakeholders including the PA DCNR and other local, state and federal regulatory agencies. 
• Maintain subject matter expert status of mountain operations functions, proactive industry trends and potential impacts on and opportunities for the resort. 
• Partner with Health and Safety Senior Manager to maintain the Emergency Response Plan. Train to the plan and act as Incident Commander for emergency situations. 
• Create a positive work culture that has an unwavering commitment to providing an Experience of a Lifetime for each and every guest, with constant improvement, and where every employee is proud to work for Vail Resorts.
• Ensure company records are updated and necessary permits are in place for continued operation. 
• Actively participate in mountain operations leadership team meetings. 
• Act as Vail Resorts representative with the local community stakeholders as necessary. 

Job Requirements: 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• 5 years demonstrated leadership experience in mountain operations, or related technical field
• Leadership experience with process-oriented teams, and the ability to manage complex systems.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, written/verbal communication, and effective public speaking 
• Positive, solutions oriented leadership

Preferred: 

• Intermediate-Advanced skiing/riding ability preferred
• College degree or equivalent military experience 

This role requires further background check clearances by the State of Pennsylvania, which will need to be completed before you can begin work. For more information on the clearances, click here. 

The expected pay range is $95,000 - $120,000 + Annual Bonus + Equity. 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  518146
Reference Date: 10/07/2026 
Job Code Function: Leadership - Mtn Ops