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Avalanche Forecasting Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Eleven Experience

Snow Safety Manager

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$6.0K/mo

Lead avalanche forecasting, assessment, and hazard mitigation efforts * Manage the snow safety portion of AM & PM guide meetings. * Manage all run openings and closings * Work as a certified Blaster ...

Ball Arena

Partnership Sales Executive

Commerce City, CO · On-site

$65K/yr

... Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), KIMN,KXKL, KKSE (FM/AM), Altitude ... Maintain an organized and up-to-date sales pipeline within the CRM, providing accurate forecasting ...

All JobsAvalanche Forecasting JobsAvalanche Forecasting Jobs in Colorado

Avalanche Forecasting information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$38

$64

How much do avalanche forecasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche forecasting in Colorado is $38.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $54.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is avalanche forecasting?

An avalanche forecasting job involves assessing snowpack, weather conditions, and terrain to predict avalanche risks and improve public safety. Forecasters collect data from field observations, remote sensors, and weather models to issue advisories and warnings. They work closely with ski resorts, government agencies, and backcountry users to minimize avalanche hazards. Strong knowledge of meteorology, snow science, and field safety is essential for this role.

What does a typical workday look like for an avalanche forecaster?

A typical day for an avalanche forecaster involves analyzing weather data, monitoring snowpack conditions, conducting field observations in mountainous areas, and preparing detailed avalanche forecasts. Forecasters often collaborate closely with ski patrol teams, mountain safety personnel, and emergency responders to communicate hazard levels and offer guidance. Regular duties also include maintaining and calibrating field equipment, attending safety briefings, and providing educational outreach to the community. The role can vary seasonally and often requires early mornings, flexible hours, and working in changing outdoor environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in avalanche forecasting, and why are they important?

To thrive in Avalanche Forecasting, you need a solid background in earth sciences, meteorology, and snow science, generally demonstrated by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with specialized tools like avalanche transceivers, GIS software, weather modeling systems, and certifications such as those from the American Avalanche Association are typically required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under challenging outdoor conditions set top performers apart. These abilities are vital for accurately assessing risks, delivering timely warnings, and collaborating with rescue teams to protect public safety in mountainous regions.

What are popular job titles related to Avalanche Forecasting jobs in Colorado?

For Avalanche Forecasting jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Avalanche Forecasting jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Avalanche Forecasting jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Avalanche Forecasting jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Avalanche Forecasting job openings:

Avalanche Forecasting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Avalanche Forecasting job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,779 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Snow Safety Manager

Eleven Experience

Crested Butte, CO • On-site

$6.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Us
Eleven is like no other place. We're an adventure travel company with a diverse portfolio of intimate, extraordinary adventure lodges in remote locations around the world. We strive to give every one of our guests the best day of their life everyday, whether heli-skiing near the Arctic Circle in Iceland or casting for bonefish on a remote island in the Bahamas. At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels. Our lodges, chalets, and beach houses combine five-star accommodations with incredible cuisine. To our guests we are trusted, down to Earth, smart, innovative, discrete and fun. To our international team, we are a community with genuine camaraderie, and we value creativity, work ethic, kindness, and strong communication. Our success is dependent on our employees' well being, and we continue to evolve more programs and benefits to support work life balance, and remain open to ideas, feedback, and new sustainable approaches. We take pride in promoting employees from within who prove to be committed, valuable, and have a genuine desire to grow.
Position Summary
Irwin Backcountry Guides is seeking an experienced Snow Safety Manager to lead avalanche mitigation and snow safety operations in Crested Butte, Colorado. This role is responsible for developing and executing snow safety programs, monitoring weather and snowpack conditions, managing hazard mitigation activities, and helping ensure the safety of guests, staff, and operations in mountain environments. The ideal candidate has strong avalanche knowledge, leadership experience, sound judgment, and the ability to perform in dynamic winter conditions. This is a full-time, season position offering a salary of $6,000 per month. The Winter season runs mid-November through mid-April.
Position Purpose
The Snow Safety Manager is a member of the Irwin Guides leadership team with primary responsibilities focused on avalanche forecasting, assessment, mitigation, training, and documentation. The Snow Safety manager supports the Mountain Manager and Guide Manager with operations supervisor and guiding duties as needed.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks
Daily
  • Lead avalanche forecasting, assessment, and hazard mitigation efforts
    • Manage the snow safety portion of AM & PM guide meetings.
    • Manage all run openings and closings
  • Work as a certified Blaster-in-Charge during avalanche mitigation
  • Perform operations manager and/or guiding duties as required

Ongoing
  • Oversee weather, snowpack, and avalanche database entry
  • Oversee daily observations submission
  • Collaborate on snow safety scheduling
  • Produce avalanche incident documentation
  • Purchase, store, and document explosive usage per Colorado and ATF requirements
    • Maintain current State and Federal explosives permits and licenses.
    • Serve as an ATF Responsible Person

Seasonal
  • Develop and manage the explosives training program
  • Develop and manage snow safety mentorship and training programs
  • Manage the boot packing program
  • Create the snow safety portion of the End of Season Report
  • Oversee revisions of Avalanche Rescue and Snow Safety Operating Plans

Preferred Qualifications
  • Pro 2 Avalanche Certification or equivalent.
  • Minimum Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification.
  • Colorado Type 1 Explosives Permit or the ability to obtain one
  • Minimum of 5 years ski industry supervisory experience
  • Minimum of 10 years professional snow safety experience
  • High level operational weather and avalanche forecasting skills
  • High level operational risk management skills
  • Strong organization and communication skills
  • Strong work ethic, teamwork, and dynamic decision making skills.
  • High level self and social awareness
  • Experience with professional mentoring and training

Special Position Requirements
  • Must be comfortable traveling in complex avalanche terrain
  • Must be comfortable transporting, storing, assembling, and detonating explosives

Work Requirements
  • Expert skiing skills
  • Must be able to snowmobile to/from Irwin in all conditions
  • Must be able to work all day in a high elevation extreme winter weather environment
  • Must be able to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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