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Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Taos Ski Valley

Ski Patroller

Taos Ski Valley, NM · On-site

... Guide. Essential Job Responsibilities: * Respond quickly and professionally to all reported ... needed * Assist with mountain operations tasks such as lift evacuation, explosives handling, and ...

Stampede Excursions

$11.50/hr

We operate a backcountry adventure tour of the Stampede Trail, a historic mining road made infamous ... hotel and resort staff. * Assist in maintaing trail, vehicles, facilities, and equpiment.

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Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide information

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How much do assistant backcountry ski guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant backcountry ski guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant backcountry ski guide?

Assistant Backcountry Ski Guides are trained professionals who support lead guides in planning and conducting ski tours in remote, ungroomed terrain. They help ensure the safety of the group by assisting with route selection, avalanche risk assessment, and emergency response. These guides often work under the supervision of a certified lead guide and are typically responsible for helping manage group dynamics, equipment logistics, and providing instruction to clients. Their role is essential in providing a safe, educational, and enjoyable backcountry skiing experience.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant backcountry ski guides during a typical season?

Assistant Backcountry Ski Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group dynamics with clients of varying skill levels, and ensuring everyone's safety in remote environments. Maintaining strong communication with lead guides, staying updated on avalanche risks, and adapting plans on the fly are essential parts of the role. Additionally, balancing the physical demands of backcountry travel with the responsibility of providing an enjoyable and educational experience can be both rewarding and demanding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant backcountry ski guide?

To thrive as an Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide, you need strong skiing ability, avalanche safety knowledge, wilderness first aid certification, and familiarity with navigation and rescue techniques. Experience with avalanche transceivers, GPS navigation tools, and radios is typically required, along with certifications such as AIARE Level 1 or Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Excellent communication, teamwork, and client management skills help ensure group cohesion and safety in remote environments. These skills are vital to lead safely, respond effectively to emergencies, and provide a positive, educational experience for clients in challenging backcountry conditions.

What is the difference between Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide vs Ski Instructor?

AspectAssistant Backcountry Ski GuideSki Instructor
CertificationsRescue certifications, guiding certifications, avalanche trainingCPR, First Aid, Level 1 or 2 Ski Instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentBackcountry terrain, remote mountain areas, snow-covered wildernessResort slopes, ski schools, groomed trails
Employer & IndustryOutdoor guiding companies, adventure tourismSki resorts, ski schools, recreation centers
Search & Comparison IntentBackcountry skiing, wilderness guiding, avalanche safetySki lessons, ski training, resort skiing

The Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide and Ski Instructor roles differ mainly in work environment and certifications. The Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide focuses on guiding in remote, wilderness terrains with avalanche safety training, while the Ski Instructor teaches skiing skills on groomed resort slopes. Both roles require specific certifications but serve different skiing experiences and settings.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backcountry Ski Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide jobs include:
Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Backcountry Ski Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 80% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Ski Patroller

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley, NM • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Taos Ski Valley Inc. rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Manages all the medical and safety aspects for the guests and employees of Taos Ski Valley in a constantly changing mountain environment. This includes but is not limited to, hands-on patient care, transportation, avalanche mitigation, intensive customer service, and interdepartmental cooperation. This job description is intended to be a broad description of duties. You will be asked to carry out all responsibilities according to the organization's policies and applicable laws. Specific information on duties and policies can be found with your supervisor or in the Employee Reference Guide.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Respond quickly and professionally to all reported incidents and injuries on the mountain
  • Provide emergency first aid treatment, including patient assessment, stabilization, and transport as needed
  • Assist with mountain operations tasks such as lift evacuation, explosives handling, and avalanche mitigation
  • Perform technical rescue of guests in icy, steep, and often vertical alpine environments
  • Maintain detailed records of all incidents, patient care, and resort operations
  • Communicate effectively with guests to provide information and assistance as needed
    Adhere to al all resort safety policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Assist with ski patrol training and mountain operations as requested
  • Reliable attendance on all scheduled workdays
  • Other duties as assigned

Personal Skills:

  • Ability to work within a team in an austere alpine environment
  • Ability to think creatively, remain calm and problem-solve in dynamic, emergency situations.
  • Strong personal character and commitment to Taos Ski Valley, Inc.'s Vision, Purpose, and Values.
  • Provides a guest experience that exceeds the guest's expectations.
  • Ability to gracefully and humbly accept criticism and opportunities for growth.
  • Ability to stay positive, focused, and constructive when faced with setbacks and challenges and while working in an ever-changing environment.
  • Ability to handle physical and emotionally challenging situations in a high-stress environment.

Qualifications/Knowledge:

  • Must be an expert skier and comfortable in double black terrain in all snow and weather conditions
  • EMT-B or higher level of medical training and license.
  • Must be able and willing to receive a NM state licensure
  • Excellent physical condition
  • Able to pass a background check to receive an explosive handler license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • Experience as a Professional Ski Patroller at a class A avalanche preferred
  • Avalanche Pro Level 1 or 2 certification preferred
  • Experience with a professional emergency medical service preferred
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Work Environment:

Taos Ski Valley, Inc. is often a fast-paced work environment, especially during holidays and Peak days. TSVI is located in a high-altitude alpine environment. Position may require travel on uneven, snow-packed, or icy terrain and may be exposed to wet, cold, and humid conditions. Must be able to work in close quarters and with other staff.

Physical Demands of Position Include:

  • Skiing and carrying 50 lbs of materials
  • Carrying 20 + lbs of explosives uphill in extreme weather conditions
  • Throwing 2lbs of hand chares for long distances, repeatedly
  • Operating a snowmobile in adverse conditions
  • Skiing, side slipping, snowplowing with 200 lb + toboggans with guests in steep, expert terrain
  • Spending 90% of the day skiing, hiking, standing, and climbing.
  • Ability to learn computer software systems specifically created for Ski Patrol operations.

Background Check:

Positions dealing with children, of safety-sensitive and/or confidential nature, require driving or positions that handle cash may require a background check and MVR check. Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check and MVR check.

  • Is a Background Check required for this position? Yes
  • Is an MVR required for this position? Yes

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