Avalanche Control Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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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 Patrol Snow Safety Manager will be responsible for overseeing the avalanche hazard mitigation program for Crested Butte Mountain Resort and supporting management of the Ski Patrol as a whole. 
They are responsible for delegating and carrying out the necessary avalanche control procedures to ensure the safety of our employees and guests in avalanche terrain. They ensure complete compliance with federal and state agencies regarding explosives licensing, permitting, purchase, storage, handling, documentation, and training. They will stay current with industry standards/updates and guide the future growth of the Snow Safety program at Crested Butte. They can make major operational decisions as needed in the absence of the Ski Patrol Director.

 
Job Specifications: 

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee avalanche hazard mitigation program to include operations, assignments, training, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist in management functions for the patrol team as a whole; including hiring, performance management, operational planning and execution.
• Develop leaders within the scope of this position’s responsibility to improve leadership within current roles and prepare leaders for growth.
• Oversee initial and continued avalanche mitigation and avalanche rescue training for the patrol team
• Assist with maintaining a positive work culture that has an unwavering commitment to employee safety.
• Be a leader in the effort to improve safety within Ski Patrol and the resort.
• Manage the avalanche department budget in coordination with the Sr Manager of Patrol
• Maintain supplies for avalanche route and rescue programs – Packs, Shovels, beacons, probes, RECCO’s, etc.
• Ensure complete compliance with federal and state explosives regulations.
• Track and maintain adequate explosives inventory.
• Hold a current Type 1 explosive permit.
• Be able to be a “Responsible Person” with the ATF
• Oversee daily weather and avalanche hazard forecasting, reporting, and documentation program
• Oversee weather stations at the resort.
• Work with the Sr Manager of Patrol and other mountain operation departments to coordinate mountain Set-up, tear down, and the daily opening and closing of terrain in alignment with changing conditions.
• Interact with outside agencies and industry partners in a professional manner.
• Actively engage with peers at other Vail Resorts and across the region.
• Function as a skiing patroller when needed 
• Other duties as assigned

 Job Requirements:

• High school or equivalent
• Expert Level Alpine Skier
• EMT
• Colorado Explosive Permit,
• Advanced Level Snowmobile Operator
• Professional Level 2 Avalanche School or equivalent
• Advanced Computer Skill
• English
• 21 years of age
• 10+ seasons of Avalanche Mitigation experience preferred

The expected pay range is $80,000- $95,000+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  515018
Reference Date: 05/28/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol