Hourly Avalanche Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Job Summary: The Avalanche Office Supervisor leads and coordinates Avalanche Office operations to support consistent avalanche forecasting and mitigation activities. This role ensures clear communication with patrol staff, maintains accurate daily and seasonal records, promotes accountability within the forecasting team, and works closely with forecasters, patrol leadership, and training staff to support safe and effective mountain operations.

Applicants must be 18 years of age.

Hourly:The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of the Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC's hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The range listed is just one component of Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term and long-term incentives and many region-specific benefits.

Base hourly pay range: $32.25 - $45.15 per hour

A Great Job and Benefits to Match:

• Free skiing + riding privileges to 17 iconic resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, Solitude and more!

• Healthcare options for both Seasonal & Year-Round employees

• Generous discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, etc.

• 401(k) plan with generous company match

• Free lift tickets, plus 50% off lift tickets

• 25%-50% discount at Food & Beverage locations at Palisades & Alpine

• 40% discount at Palisades Tahoe operated retail stores, including The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, and more!

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential Job Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks include the following: other duties may be assigned:

• Coordinate daily Avalanche Office operations, including forecasting coverage, mitigation planning, staffing, workflow, and documentation.
• Collaborate with patrol leadership, the explosives team, forecasters, and weather observers to develop and communicate avalanche control plans, terrain restrictions, risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and operational recommendations based on current conditions, forecasts, and established operational standards.
• Collaborate with patrol leadership on storm cycle coordination and communication, including prestorm planning, instorm updates, mitigation tracking, and poststorm review.
• Provide oversight and accountability for avalanche mitigation systems, equipment programs, and infrastructure including but not limited to weather stations, Gazex, Avalauncher, Bomb Tram and patroller mitigation tools and equipment.
• Support avalanche training, mentorship, and professional development, including route training, equipment use, forecasting context, and Avalanche pro course preparation.
• Provide daytoday supervision of forecasters & weather observers, including task assignment, training, feedback, documentation, and staffing support as needed.
• Perform ski patrol duties as required, including snow safety work, hill safety functions, incident response and operational setup and teardown.
• Respond to guest inquiries per service standards and ensure proper handling of media inquiries in accordance with organizational policy.

Competencies and Job Requirements:

Required:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to facilitate clear information flow, coordinate across roles, and communicate effectively in highpressure or timesensitive situations.
• Excellent organizational and problemsolving skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple work streams, manage priorities, and support team operations during storm cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, build functional working relationships, and support team cohesion across patrol, forecasting, training, and operations.
• Working proficiency with computer systems and documentation tools, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and the ability to organize and maintain operational records.
• Advanced skiing ability appropriate for complex terrain, variable snow conditions, and stormcycle operations.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective when interacting with staff or guests in potentially stressful situations.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be minimum Level 4 ski patroller.
• Current California Blasters license/ or ability to gain one.
• 10 years Ski Patrol experience.
• Avalanche mitigation/forecasting experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive supervisory experience
• Current O.E.C. Current CPR Certifications
• Extensive winter mountaineering experience
• Knowledge of the mountain: terrain, lifts, potential hazards, avalanche routes, personalities.

Preferred:

• National Avalanche School, Pro Avalanche Level 2
• Propelled License

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, see, hear, smell, and ski. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects tools or controls. Must be capable of walking or standing 70% or more of a normal ski patrol/avalanche mitigation work shift. Must be capable of skiing 50% or more of normal ski patrol/avalanche mitigation work shift. Must be capable of occasionally lifting and pushing or pulling 100 lbs or more, and frequently lifting, pushing or pulling, and carrying 20-75 lbs. Must be capable of frequent climbing movements, walking on uneven terrain, walking on snow and ice, skiing, and operating a snowmobile. Must be able to bend, kneel, reach, and crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:

Indoor/Outdoor: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, and blizzard conditions

Hazardous Materials/Noise: The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate.

Equipment Used in Job: Skis, snowmobiles, radios, first aid supplies, sleds, shovels, ice axes, ropes, explosives.

For information on Alterra Mountain Company's Social Responsibility work including our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion actions, please see our webpage at www.alterramtnco.com/social-responsibility. Among other resources, Alterra has Employee Resource Groups to support the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), disability, LGBTQIA2S+, and women communities within our workforce.