Explosive Expert Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 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.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee 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

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary:

Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Ski Patrol team is no exception to ensuring this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are on alert and dependable professionals focused on prevention with the ability to remain calm in all situations when incidents arise.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr 
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available 
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
• Housing Availability: Yes  
• Required Certification Level: EMT
• Required Ski Level: Expert
  • Expert Ski Level only
  • Snowboard applicants must also be Expert Level skiers with no exception
• Other Specifics: Patrol members operate a variety of tasks in all terrain and in all weather conditions. Due to the nature of this position candidates must be able to pass an expert level ski patrol test upon hire.
• Other Job Specifications to Resort: 
  • ​​​​​​​Must be able to work weekends and holidays
  • Must complete a four-week Pass/Fail ski patrol training program

Job Responsibilities:

• Supervise and promote guest safety on varied terrain with varying winter weather conditions 
• Assist injured/ill guests on the mountain and administering first aid 
• Transporting injured guests off the mountain using a toboggan or supporting air lift operations 
• Maintain trails, including hazard identification, setting up area closures as well as other resort environment management considerations
• Transporting supplies and heavy equipment to areas of need on skis
• Performing closing procedures at the end of the day to ensure that all guests are safely off the mountain 
• Enforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort Policies 
• Chairlift and guest evacuation 
• Operate snowmobiles in various areas of the mountain as needed
• Demonstrate a high level of understanding for companion and organized avalanche rescue
• Contribute to avalanche mitigation efforts including safely transporting and placing explosives on mountain to stabilize snow pack conditions while on skis
• Contribute as a training for less tenured/experienced staff in a variety of disciplines
• Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of prior full time ski patrol experience 
• EMT certification
• Must be at least 21 years old​​​​​​​ to possess a required CA OSHA Blasters License
• Pass resort Ski Patrol sponsored ski test
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English
• Must have excellent guest service skills
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a mountain environment
• Must be able to work as a contributing member of a team

The expected pay range is $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr. 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  516228
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol