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Mountain Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Willamette Pass Resort is seeking an experienced and driven Mountain Manager to lead mountain operations during an exciting period of growth and investment. With many capital improvements underway ...

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Mountain Operations information

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$9

$24

$49

How much do mountain operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mountain operations?

Mountain operations refer to the management and coordination of activities related to mountain environments, such as ski resorts, mountaineering, or outdoor adventure activities. Roles often involve safety management, equipment handling, and environmental awareness, requiring skills like first aid, navigation, and sometimes certifications like avalanche training.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In mountain operations, high-paying roles such as experienced ski resort managers, heavy equipment operators, or specialized guides can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially during peak seasons. These positions often require extensive experience, technical skills, or certifications rather than formal degrees, and may involve long hours or seasonal work.

What is a Mountain Operations job?

A Mountain Operations job involves maintaining and managing the daily functions of a ski resort or mountain recreational area. Duties can include lift maintenance, snowmaking, grooming trails, and ensuring guest safety. Employees in this role often work in various weather conditions and may operate heavy machinery. It's a hands-on job that requires teamwork, problem-solving, and a strong understanding of mountain environments.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Mountain Operations?

Mountain Operations professionals are responsible for maintaining slopes, operating and servicing lifts and grooming equipment, managing snowmaking systems, and ensuring safety protocols are followed throughout the mountain environment. Daily tasks may include inspecting and repairing equipment, clearing hazardous areas, monitoring weather and avalanche risks, and coordinating with ski patrol and other departments. The work often involves early mornings, variable hours, and being outdoors in all weather conditions. Working closely with other team members, Mountain Operations staff play a crucial role in delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all mountain visitors.

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

To thrive in Mountain Operations, you need a solid understanding of terrain management, equipment operation, basic maintenance skills, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant certifications such as avalanche safety or snowcat operation. Familiarity with specialized tools and machinery like snow groomers, chairlift systems, and weather monitoring technology is essential. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you adapt to changing conditions and work efficiently with diverse crews. These capabilities ensure the safe, smooth, and efficient functioning of mountain recreation areas, directly impacting guest experience and operational success.

Do ski patrols get paid well?

Ski patrols are typically paid hourly, with wages varying based on experience, location, and season. Entry-level patrol members may earn modest pay, while experienced or supervisory staff can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits such as free lift tickets and training certifications like CPR and first aid.

What kind of jobs are in the mountains?

Jobs in mountain operations include roles such as ski resort staff, mountain guides, lift operators, maintenance workers, and safety personnel. These positions often require knowledge of outdoor environments, physical fitness, and safety procedures, and may involve working in remote or high-altitude conditions.
More about Mountain Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Mountain Operations jobs? Cities with the most Mountain Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mountain Operations jobs? The most popular types of Mountain Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Mountain Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Mountain Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mountain Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

Director of Mountain Operations plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful and seamless operation of ski patrol, lift maintenance, lift operations, grooming, snowmaking, vehicle maintenance, communications and facility maintenance on the mountain. This position will have direct responsibility for property management. As a member of senior leadership, this position is a key contributor in the development, communication and implementation of resort strategies to drive revenue and achieve maximum profitability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Operations Oversight:
    • Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for respective mountain functions.
    • Supervise daily operations across departments, such as lift operations, lift maintenance, snowmaking, grooming, ski patrol and the to be developed snow sport services. This role will also have direct oversight and responsibility for training and scheduling and managing staffing levels across these areas.
    • Ensure compliance with safety protocols, risk management guidelines, and resort policies.
    • Monitor weather conditions and coordinate with relevant teams to adjust operations as necessary.
  • Equipment Maintenance:
    • Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of lifts, snow grooming equipment, recreational vehicles and other operational machinery.
    • Coordinate maintenance schedules and inspections to ensure equipment is in safe working condition.
    • Report any safety hazards and arrange for timely repairs.
  • Mountain Maintenance
    • Manage mountain maintenance tasks such as plowing, road maintenance, and other infrastructure upkeep.
    • Ensure the shop is in proper condition with respect to equipment, safety and compliance.
  • Environmental and Safety Compliance:
    • Promote and enforce eco-friendly practices and environmental sustainability initiatives.
    • Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, conducting regular safety training for staff.
  • Budget and Financial Management:
    • Work with the accounting and finance team to create and manage budgets for mountain operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability.
    • Manage all staff with financial efficiencies utilizing proper scheduling and communication.
  • Property Management:
    • Act as the main point of contact for property-related matters, building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
    • Contribute to the development of a property management company that aligns with the resorts master plan.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance management of staff across various departments within the mountain operations team.

Minimum/Preferred Requirements

Education: College graduate

Experience: 10+ years working in a ski resort

Knowledge/Skills:

    • Strong leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team of staff
    • Excellent communication skills to interact with staff, vendors, and regulatory authorities. This includes both written and verbal communication.
    • The ability to quickly assess and address operational challenges, make sound decisions under pressure, and implement effective solutions.
    • Sound judgment and decision-making skills, especially in emergency situations or when faced with rapidly changing weather conditions.
    • Effective planning, organization, and time management skills to coordinate various departments and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
    • The capacity to work collaboratively with other departments (such as marketing, finance, and HR) to achieve overall resort goals.
    • Ability to handle emergencies, accidents, and unexpected situations effectively and efficiently while ensuring guest and staff safety.
    • Flexibility to handle seasonal fluctuations, unexpected challenges, and changing industry trends.

Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions:

  • Availability days, nights and weekends, specifically during the ski season. Work week consists of 50+ hours per week.
  • Requires moderate physical activity, handling of average-weight objects, up to 50 pounds, and standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
  • Work involves moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, fumes, smoke, odors,
  • and/or loud noises.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Tenney Resort & Recreation LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other applicable characteristic protected by law.