Avalanche Forecaster

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 March 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

Responsible for the safe and effective implementation of avalanche mitigation.  Oversees avalanche control activities, including proper training and adherence to protocols.   Monitors and documents snow science information.  Acts as advisor and subject matter expert to management.  Assists with the inventory, use and storage of all explosive material.   Supervises, assigns and tracks records for those involved with avalanche control activities.  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Level 2 Avalanche course certification.
• 5 Years of patrol experience at Stevens Pass or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge, experience, and history of avalanche path terrain around the resort, particularly within the operational boundaries; Stevens Pass route leader preferred.

• Washington State Blasters License.
• Proficient skiing ability.
• Demonstrated success in training, logistics and supervising crews.
• Ability to be insured to operate company vehicles or machinery.
• Must be comfortable with the changing dynamics of a seasonal business.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Avalanche Forecasting, Control, and Procedures:

• Monitor avalanche potential around the resort; determine when avalanche control work is necessary and implement avalanche control process.
• Assess and determine closure of resort terrain when necessary due to avalanche potential.
• Monitor and record weather and snowpack conditions through accepted best practices
• Maintain all weather monitoring equipment including telemetry.
• Update website; communicate with assigned staff regarding changes throughout the day.
• Interact with other agencies such as Forecast Center, WSP etc.  Coordinate with WSDOT regarding avalanche control of Hwy 2 around the resort boundaries.
• Assist with all aspects related to the use and storage of explosives.

• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations regarding explosive purchase, storage, transportation, and use.
• Complete all necessary documentation regarding avalanche activities (e.g., patroller route history, control route sheets, inventory, etc).
• Produce daily avalanche hazard forecast for Stevens Pass using InfoEx.
• Ability to operate and maintain avalauncher.

Personnel, Training, and Supervision:

• Provide proper training and coordination for all employees involved with avalanche work; including peripheral and support departments

• Be a model for performing avalanche control in a safe manner.
• Assist with the professional development of patrollers including performance reviews and disciplinary actions.
• Perform all other Patroller job duties; maintain skills and certifications required to do so.
• Advocate safe mountain behavior by upholding the Skiers Responsibility Code and Guest Safety Guidelines.
• Perform additional tasks as requested by the Patrol Director, Director of Mountain Operations and General Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to ski, walk, stand, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, sit, balance, and climb in skis and/or ski boots, both inside and outside.  The employee will reach with hands and arms to manipulate small items with gloved hands; operate a manual snow shovel; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or greater with assistance, in skis and/or ski boots.  The employee will be able to safely operate a snowmobile during winter storms to transport avalanche control personnel and explosives.  The employee is regularly required to ski with awkward loads in hand or toboggan in all types of snow and weather conditions. The employee will be exposed to: working near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; hazardous explosives material; graphic trauma; and outdoor winter weather conditions in a mountain environment.

The expected pay range is $27.00 - $45.87. 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. 

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  506531
Reference Date: 12/30/2024 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol