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Avalanche Rescue Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Manager: Ski Patrol

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Perform avalanche reduction duties and complete appropriate documentation. * Perform lift evacuations and participate in search and rescue operations, as necessary. * Maintain toboggans, first aid ...

New

... rescue, and CDOT. * Provide critical care level emergency medical care to the sick and injured ... The response environment is often potentially hazardous, including avalanche areas, rock slide ...

... rescue, and CDOT. * Provide critical care level emergency medical care to the sick and injured ... The response environment is often potentially hazardous, including avalanche areas, rock slide ...

... rescue, and CDOT. * Provide critical care level emergency medical care to the sick and injured ... The response environment is often potentially hazardous, including avalanche areas, rock slide ...

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Avalanche Rescue information

See Colorado salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do avalanche rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche rescue in Colorado is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.58 and $21.27 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.
What are popular job titles related to Avalanche Rescue jobs in Colorado? For Avalanche Rescue jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Avalanche Rescue job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 4% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 58% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,673 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Manager: Ski Patrol

Manager: Ski Patrol

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte, CO • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 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 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: 

  • Starting Wage: $80,000- $95,000+annual bonus
  • Employment Type: Year Round 
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
  • Housing Availability: No  


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