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Avalanche Blasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recognizes avalanche terrain and understands all safety procedures on low-hazard routes while working under Blaster in Charge. * Responsible for promptly and accurately completing all incident forms ...

Experienced Ski Patrol

Dillon, CO · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Recognizes avalanche terrain and understands all safety procedures on low-hazard routes while working under Blaster in Charge. * Responsible for promptly and accurately completing all incident forms ...

Avalanche Blasting information

See salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do avalanche blasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche blasting in the United States is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Avalanche Blasting vs Blasting Technician?

AspectAvalanche BlastingBlasting Technician
Required CertificationsBlasting Certification, Avalanche Safety TrainingBlasting Certification, General Safety Training
Work EnvironmentMountainous, snow-covered terrains, remote locationsConstruction sites, mining, demolition
Industry UsageSnow avalanche control, mountain safetyMining, construction, quarrying

While both roles involve controlled explosive use, Avalanche Blasting focuses on preventing avalanches in mountainous regions using specialized safety protocols. Blasting Technicians work across various industries like mining and construction, handling different types of blasting projects. The key differences lie in the environment and specific safety procedures, but both require blasting certifications and safety training.

How much do avalanche forecasters get paid?

Avalanche forecasters typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires specialized training, certifications, and working in outdoor or remote environments, which can influence salary levels.

How much does an avalanche technician make?

An avalanche technician typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. The role often requires knowledge of snow conditions, safety protocols, and the use of specialized tools and equipment. Salaries can vary based on the employer and the complexity of the terrain worked on.

What are some common challenges faced by avalanche blasters during a typical season?

Avalanche blasters often work in extreme weather conditions, which can make both travel and communication challenging. The job requires careful planning and coordination with ski patrols, mountain operations, and weather teams to ensure safety and effectiveness. Another challenge is the need to remain highly vigilant while handling explosives and working in high-risk avalanche terrain. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as blasters frequently collaborate with colleagues to assess snowpack stability and execute controlled detonations. Adapting quickly to changing weather and snow conditions is a core part of the job.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Avalanche blasting jobs can pay around $4,000 per week for experienced blasters, especially those with specialized skills, certifications, and safety training. These roles often involve working in remote or hazardous environments and may require licensing or extensive on-the-job experience. High-paying positions are typically found in the mining, construction, or quarrying industries.

How much does a licensed blaster make?

A licensed blaster typically earns between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Experienced blasters with specialized certifications can earn higher wages, especially in remote or high-risk environments. Salaries may also include benefits such as overtime pay and safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Avalanche Blaster, and why are they important?

To excel as an Avalanche Blaster, you need expertise in snow science, risk assessment, and explosives handling, often supported by certifications in avalanche control and relevant safety training. Familiarity with tools such as remote avalanche control systems, GPS devices, and specialized blasting equipment is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills for operating safely in hazardous, high-pressure environments. These abilities are essential for minimizing avalanche risks, ensuring personal and team safety, and protecting public infrastructure in mountainous regions.

What does an Avalanche Blaster do?

An Avalanche Blaster is responsible for triggering controlled avalanches using explosives to prevent dangerous, unplanned snow slides in mountainous areas. Their work ensures the safety of ski resorts, highways, and communities located in avalanche-prone regions. Avalanche Blasters assess snowpack conditions, plan blasting operations, and use specialized equipment to safely detonate charges. This proactive approach helps to stabilize snow on slopes and reduces the risk of natural avalanches.
More about Avalanche Blasting jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Avalanche Blasting jobs? The most popular types of Avalanche Blasting jobs are:
What states have the most Avalanche Blasting jobs? States with the most job openings for Avalanche Blasting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Avalanche Blasting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Avalanche Blasting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Avalanche Blasting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,392 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Ski Patrol Manager - Training

TSG Ski & Golf, LLC

Telluride, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Summary: Assist the Ski Patrol Director and Assistant Director in all aspects of management and daily operation of the Ski Patrol.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

  • Assist the Ski Patrol Director and Assistant Director in planning, budget, policy and administrative duties.

  • Coordinate daily patrol operations with Ski Patrol Director and Assistant Director.

  • Creates and disseminates daily work plans for the entire patrol staff.

  • Coordinate snow safety operations with technicians and other departments as needed.

  • Assist in daily staffing, scheduling.

  • Daily reporting including: Trail Report, Labor Report, etc.

  • Oversees all aspects of Patrol training.

  • Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

  • Patrols assigned areas on skis or snowmobile.

  • Rescues injured skiers and renders first aid or transfers them to waiting transportation with toboggan.

  • Ensures that no skiers remain on slopes or trails at end of day or during inclement weather.

  • Visually inspects chair lifts to report safety hazards and evidence of damage or wear.

  • Ski and boot pack, especially early season.

  • Assists guests downhill when necessary.

  • Assists demolition crew to blast for avalanche control.

  • Provide a guest experience that exceeds the guest's expectations.

  • Supports TSG Ski & Golf sustainability initiatives.

  • Adheres to TSG Ski & Golf policies and procedures.

  • Adheres to and enforces the Skier Responsibility Code and Colorado Skier Safety Act.

Training & Compliance Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

  • Develop and maintain a centralized system for tracking training, certifications, and compliance for all Ski Patrol team members.

  • Ensure all training programs align with National Ski Patrol standards, including OEC and annual refresher requirements.

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and scheduling of the annual Ski Patrol Refresher Course in accordance with National Ski Patrol guidelines.

  • Support delivery of OEC refreshers, skills assessments, and scenario-based training.

  • Monitor certification status and proactively communicate upcoming expirations to ensure compliance.

  • Maintain accurate training records to support risk management and audit readiness.

  • Assist with onboarding and initial training for new Ski Patrol team members.

  • Support ongoing continuing education and skills development (e.g. avalanche, lift evacuation, rope rescue).

  • Partner with internal teams to ensure consistent training practices and operational readiness.

  • Assist in development and support of patrol instructors and training staff.

Managerial Responsibilities:                                                    

Directly supervises 30-60 Patrollers in the Ski Patrol. Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, assisting in hiring, training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience:                                                

One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:                                               

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills:                                                     

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:                                            

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:                                               

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet Explorer, Outlook Internet software, Excel Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

       EMT or OEC Certification required.

Other Qualifications:

  • Must be an expert skier.

  • Must have at least 7 years prior Ski Patrol experience and prior supervisory experience.

  • Must be willing and able to be registered with the State of Colorado in the matter of explosive handling and storage.

  • Must be able to function effectively at elevations of 10,000 feet or higher.

  • Must be able to function effectively in inclement weather conditions.

  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime as job requires.

  • Must have a valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; explosives and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $75,000-$80,000/yr depending on experience and other factors.

FTYR Benefits include Group Health (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D), 401(K) Match, Flexible Spending, Paid Time Off, Mix of Vacation/Sick Time

Benefits include ski pass, dependent passes (for full-time commitment), discounted lift tickets, lift tickets at other CO resorts, discounted employee shuttles and discounted meals and lodging and ski school discounts