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Avalanche Blasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Preparing and reassembling motor parts through tasks such as blasting, cleaning, filing, and ... Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Best of Lubbock ® - Best Employment Agency () When you work with ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-26

Avalanche Blasting information

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$12

$18

$24

How much do avalanche blasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,392 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

$23/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

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 December 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:

Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Ski Patrol team is no exception to ensuring this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are on alert and dependable professionals focused on prevention with the ability to remain calm in all situations when incidents arise.

Job Specifications:

  • Starting Wage: $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr 
  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available 
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
  • Housing Availability: Yes  
  • Required Certification Level: EMT
  • Required Ski Level: Expert
    • Expert Ski Level only
    • Snowboard applicants must also be Expert Level skiers with no exception
  • Other Specifics: Patrol members operate a variety of tasks in all terrain and in all weather conditions. Due to the nature of this position candidates must be able to pass an expert level ski patrol test upon hire.
  • Other Job Specifications to Resort: 
    • ​​​​​​​Must be able to work weekends and holidays
    • Must complete a four-week Pass/Fail ski patrol training program

Job Responsibilities:

  • Supervise and promote guest safety on varied terrain with varying winter weather conditions 
  • Assist injured/ill guests on the mountain and administering first aid 
  • Transporting injured guests off the mountain using a toboggan or supporting air lift operations 
  • Maintain trails, including hazard identification, setting up area closures as well as other resort environment management considerations
  • Transporting supplies and heavy equipment to areas of need on skis
  • Performing closing procedures at the end of the day to ensure that all guests are safely off the mountain 
  • Enforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort Policies 
  • Chairlift and guest evacuation 
  • Operate snowmobiles in various areas of the mountain as needed
  • Demonstrate a high level of understanding for companion and organized avalanche rescue
  • Contribute to avalanche mitigation efforts including safely transporting and placing explosives on mountain to stabilize snow pack conditions while on skis
  • Contribute as a training for less tenured/experienced staff in a variety of disciplines
  • Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of prior full time ski patrol experience 
  • EMT certification
  • Must be at least 21 years old​​​​​​​ to possess a required CA OSHA Blasters License
  • Pass resort Ski Patrol sponsored ski test
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English
  • Must have excellent guest service skills
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather in a mountain environment
  • Must be able to work as a contributing member of a team

The expected pay range is $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr. 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  516228
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol