Manager: Ski Patrol

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 Ski Patrol Manager, Grade 26, oversees all aspects of the Professional and Volunteer Ski Patrol. This includes staffing, training, budgeting, scheduling, interdepartmental relations, and guest service. The Ski Patrol Director is responsible for ensuring the safety of our on-mountain guests and employees, overseeing medical aid, terrain mitigation work, rope rescue, lift evacuation and mountain rescue. In addition, the job requires overseeing summertime operations, capital projects, and a variety of summer maintenance projects. The job requires strong leadership qualities, and creative problem-solving.

Job Specifications:  

• Starting Wage: $56,669.98- $79,241.37+ annual bonus  
• Employment Type: Year Round  
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available.
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities:  

• Lead overall financial management of the Ski Patrol department, including labor and operating budgets
• Oversee day‑to‑day Ski Patrol operations in partnership with Patrol leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent mountain operations
• Actively manage and shape the culture of the Ski Patrol team, reinforcing accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and alignment with company values
• Champion a strong culture of guest service, safety, and professionalism across the department
• Ensure effective daily staff meetings, reinforce safety standards, and participate in Vail‑wide Ski Patrol COE initiatives
• Strengthen intra‑ and interdepartmental collaboration; support relationships with external agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and/or applicable State entities.
• Manage winter mountain setup and spring teardown; oversee daily condition monitoring, trail openings/closures, signage, ropes, and padding
• Oversee departmental training programs, including schedules, content, and training safety standards
• Lead the candidate/apprentice program, including staffing levels, budgets, testing, and forecasting future patrol staffing needs
• Collaborate with Snow Surfaces and Grooming leadership to establish daily grooming priorities
• Actively participate in Resort Leadership Team meetings and daily operational calls
• Provide direct oversight of the Accident Investigation team, including hiring, training, and coordination with Health & Safety
• Engage in company‑wide leadership development programs
• Coordination and direction of search and rescue and lift evacuation. Coordination of Mass Causality Incident.
   

Job Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University or equivalent combination of training and experience to compensate for a degree program.
• 5 years ski patrol experience, preferably in a Supervisory capacity
• Strong guest service attitude
• ICS Training
• EMT-B, CPR, OEC or equivalent
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.        
• English

The expected pay range is $56,669.98- $79,241.37+ annual bonus. 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  514926
Reference Date: 05/19/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol