ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Avalanche Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor

Solitude, UT · On-site

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 ...

Vail Resorts

Manager: Ski Patrol

Breckenridge, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Oversee and monitor avalanche route training and avalanche rescue training * Coordinate and plan for all avalanche education for the patrol, both internal and external. * Maintain supplies for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAvalanche Rescue Jobs

Avalanche Rescue information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do avalanche rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche rescue in the United States is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does Avalanche Ski Patrol make?

Avalanche ski patrol members typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and certification levels. Salaries can increase with advanced training, certifications, and years of service, especially in high-demand ski resort areas.

How much do avalanche technicians make?

Avalanche technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. The role often requires knowledge of snow conditions, rescue equipment, and safety protocols, with some positions offering overtime or seasonal pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Avalanche Rescue position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Avalanche Rescue, you need extensive knowledge of avalanche behavior, outdoor survival skills, first aid/CPR certification, and physical fitness, often supported by relevant training or certification (such as from recognized mountain safety organizations). Mastery of technical equipment such as avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, GPS units, and rescue sleds—along with familiarity with incident management systems—is critical. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and a calm demeanor under pressure are important soft skills in this dynamic field. These abilities ensure rapid, coordinated response and increase the chances of successful rescue operations in hazardous mountain conditions.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Avalanche Rescue?

Professionals in Avalanche Rescue often work in extreme weather conditions, on difficult terrain, and under time-sensitive pressures to locate and assist victims. The unpredictable nature of avalanches and rapidly changing mountain environments require continuous technical training, preparedness, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Teamwork is crucial, as rescues are typically coordinated with other rescuers, search and rescue teams, and sometimes with canine units. Overcoming both physical and mental stress is essential, and those who succeed in this field are dedicated to ongoing learning and safety protocols. This challenging but rewarding career is well-suited to individuals who thrive in high-stakes outdoor environments and value helping others in critical situations.

How to become an avalanche forecaster?

To become an avalanche forecaster, individuals typically need a background in geology, meteorology, or related fields, along with experience in snowpack analysis and avalanche prediction. Certification from organizations like the American Avalanche Association and familiarity with snow science tools and fieldwork are also important. Many forecasters gain experience through outdoor education, guiding, or working in snow safety roles before advancing to forecasting positions.

What is an Avalanche Rescue job?

An Avalanche Rescue job involves locating, assisting, and recovering individuals caught in avalanches. Rescuers use specialized equipment like transceivers, probes, and shovels to quickly find and extract victims. They often work in mountainous regions, collaborating with ski patrols, emergency responders, and search-and-rescue teams. This role requires extensive training in avalanche safety, first aid, and survival techniques. Rescuers must be physically fit and prepared to work in extreme conditions to save lives.

Can you make a career in search and rescue?

A career in search and rescue, including avalanche rescue, involves working in emergency response roles that require physical fitness, training, and often certifications such as first aid and rescue techniques. These jobs are typically found with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private firms, and may involve irregular hours and challenging environments.
More about Avalanche Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Avalanche Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Avalanche Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Avalanche Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Avalanche Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Avalanche Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Avalanche Rescue jobs are:
Avalanche Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Avalanche Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 5% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 72% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,083 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor

Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor

Solitude Mountain Resort

Taylorsville, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Seasonal
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.

Apply