Avalanche Forecaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Job

The Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor is a field-based patrol leadership position within Solitude Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations. Reporting to the Avalanche Mitigation Manager and Director of Ski Patrol, this position supports avalanche forecasting, mitigation operations, snow safety, emergency response, training coordination, explosives compliance, and operational readiness across the resort. The role combines field leadership with administrative responsibilities and requires expert skiing ability, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and calm leadership in high-consequence mountain environments.

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 6 years of ski patrol experience preferred, including at least 2 years in a patrol leadership or supervisory role.
• 4+ years of avalanche mitigation experience at a Class "A" resort preferred.
• Current Utah EMT, National EMT, or OEC certification required. Utah EMT licensure required for EMTs.
• Current BLS CPR certification required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an ATF explosives handler permit and meet all applicable explosives handling requirements.
• Avalanche Pro 1 certification required; Avalanche Pro 2 preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of ski patrol experience preferred, including at least 2 years in a patrol leadership or supervisory role.
• 4+ years of avalanche mitigation experience at a Class "A" resort preferred.
• Valid driver's license required and must pass an insurance driving history inquiry.
• Must pass criminal history and background checks.
• Expert skiing ability required, including safe and proficient operation of a loaded rescue toboggan in steep and variable terrain.
• Understanding of avalanche mitigation operations, snow safety systems, ski resort operations, emergency response, and patrol procedures.
• Proficiency with weather and forecasting tools, explosives tracking systems, HR systems, patient documentation, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, organizational, guest service, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, storm cycles, on-call periods, and extended operational hours as required.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides daily field leadership, supervision, and operational support for avalanche mitigation, snow safety operations and patrol in alignment with resort values and leadership expectations.
• Fills in for the Avalanche Mitigation Manager as assigned.
• Assists with avalanche forecasting, terrain assessment, mitigation planning, terrain openings and closures, and operational decision-making using weather, snowpack, avalanche, and field observations.
• In coordination with the AMD Manager, assigns, briefs, and supports route leaders and route partners while leading or participating in explosive mitigation routes, ski cutting, RACS deployments, and other approved avalanche mitigation methods while supporting readiness of Wyssen systems and avalanche mitigation infrastructure.
• Collects, documents, and communicates snow, weather, avalanche, mitigation, and operational field data.
• Maintains avalanche mitigation infrastructure including rope lines, signage, shot cables, aerial tram systems, weather stations, and related field equipment.
• Maintains explosives records, inventories, inspections, storage, handling, security, and compliance documentation while supporting operational readiness of explosive caches, transport systems, rescue equipment in accordance with resort procedures and regulatory standards.
• Assists with training, coaching, evaluating, scheduling, documentation, and development of patrollers in avalanche mitigation, rescue systems, snow science, and mountain operations.
• Supports leadership and supervisory responsibilities for employees working under a collective bargaining agreement and unionized work environment in coordination with Patrol leadership, Human Resources, and Labor Relations.
• Supports operational administration including timekeeping, evaluations, accountability conversations, disciplinary processes, operational records, training documentation, briefings, and communication with patrol leadership, dispatch, mountain operations, public safety partners, and outside agencies.
• Performs ski patrol duties at both supervisory and functional levels, including emergency medical care, patient transport, guest assistance, mountain safety, and incident documentation in varied terrain and weather conditions.
• Participates in lift evacuations, avalanche response, search and rescue operations, high-angle rescue, cliff rescue, night operations, and interagency emergency response efforts.
• Leads or supports resort-wide avalanche rescue response and assists with complex off-premises rescues involving Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and other partner agencies as assigned.
• Supports mountain safety initiatives including closures, rope lines, signage, fencing, hazard identification, guest education, opening and closing procedures, mountain sweeps, operational projects, special events, and general patrol operations.
• Maintains clean, organized, and professional shared workspaces, patrol facilities, and equipment areas.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Strong guest service, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mentor employees and support leadership development within the patrol team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure during stressful situations.
• Proficient understanding of Solitude Mountain Resort terrain, avalanche routes, patrol operations, and communication systems preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding personnel, operational, medical, and legal matters.
• Must be available for preseason training, refresher days, and full winter seasonal operations.

PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work in severe winter weather and high alpine environments.
• Ability to reason and respond effectively in emergency situations under high stress.
• Ability to hike, climb, ski, and travel through steep, exposed terrain while carrying packs and equipment weighing approximately 40-60 pounds.
• Ability to lift, maneuver, drag, and carry at least 50 pounds while skiing or traveling in alpine terrain.
• Proficient and safe skiing ability to operate a loaded rescue toboggan in varying snow conditions and terrain.
• Adequate sight, speech, hearing, and manual dexterity to safely perform duties and communicate via radio.
• Ability to work extended hours until all guests, staff, and patrollers are safely off the mountain.

Solitude Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor

DIVISION: Mountain Operations

REPORTS TO: Avalanche Mitigation Manager, Director of Ski Patrol

LOCATION: Resort Wide Solitude

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time / Seasonal / Hourly

*Summer Employment Opportunities may be available

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Solitude Mountain Resort is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company to recruit, hire, train, assign, promote, and transfer the best qualified individual for each job opening and provide such employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, nationality, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, sexual preference, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. The Company makes all employment decisions, including selection, training, job assignment, compensation, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and access to benefits without regard to these protected statuses. Solitude Mountain Resort also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the selection process, please contact Human Resources at HR@solitudemountain.com.

Perks of Working Here:

Work & Play in the Mountains:

• Embrace the stunning Wasatch Mountains.
• Connect with fellow mountain enthusiasts.

Benefits:

• Access to select Alterra Mountain Company Destinations.
• Free Solitude season pass for you and eligible dependents.
• Discounts on solitude lift tickets for friends and family.
• Discounts on food, rentals, retail, and lessons.

Other Perks:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for eligible employees
• Pro deals with outdoor brands.
• Generous 401(k) plan with company match.
• Free counseling service through Employee Assistance Program.