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Mountain information

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$12

$17

$25

How much do mountain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain in the United States is $17.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 'Mountain' jobs?

A 'Mountain' job typically refers to a role that involves working in mountainous regions, such as a mountain guide, ski instructor, or lodge staff. These jobs often require physical fitness, knowledge of the terrain, and sometimes specialized certifications. People in mountain jobs may lead outdoor activities, ensure safety on slopes or trails, or provide hospitality services to tourists. Working in the mountains can be both physically demanding and rewarding for those who enjoy nature and adventure. Seasonal positions are common, especially in ski resorts or hiking lodges.

What are some common challenges faced by mountain guides during expeditions?

Mountain guides frequently encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and varying client skill levels. Managing group safety while adapting to rapidly changing conditions requires strong decision-making and communication skills. Guides also need to maintain high physical stamina and be prepared to handle emergencies, such as altitude sickness or injuries, ensuring both client care and their own well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mountain Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mountain Guide, you need advanced mountaineering skills, first aid certification, and often accreditation from recognized bodies like the IFMGA. Familiarity with technical gear such as ropes, harnesses, GPS devices, and avalanche safety equipment is essential. Strong leadership, risk assessment, and clear communication help guides manage group safety and client experience. These skills ensure safe, efficient navigation of challenging environments and foster trust between guides and clients.

What is the difference between Mountain vs Climber?

AspectMountainClimber
DefinitionA natural elevation of the Earth's surface, often a large landform.A person who ascends mountains.
Required skillsGeography knowledge, environmental awarenessPhysical fitness, technical climbing skills
Work environmentNatural outdoor settings, often remoteOn mountain terrains, climbing sites
Industry usageGeography, tourism, environmental scienceOutdoor recreation, adventure sports

While a mountain is a natural landform, a climber is a person who ascends mountains. The roles differ: mountains are physical features, whereas climbers are individuals engaging in outdoor activities on these features. Understanding this distinction helps clarify job-related searches and industry contexts.

More about Mountain jobs
What cities are hiring for Mountain jobs? Cities with the most Mountain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mountain jobs? The most popular types of Mountain jobs are:
What states have the most Mountain jobs? States with the most job openings for Mountain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mountain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mountain jobs are:
Mountain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mountain 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 $35,764 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Director, Mountain Operations

Park City Mountain

Park City, UT • On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 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 Director of Mountain Operations manages and provides leadership of the day-to-day operations of: Snowmaking, Grooming, Terrain Parks, Fleet Maintenance, and all-mountain construction (heavy equipment operations) to ensure a consistent and safe product for our employees and guests. This is achieved through financial management, teamwork, employee development, quality control and competent leadership. This position assists in the development, communication and implementation of Resort goals & initiatives while developing and maintaining strong working relationships both internally & externally.

Job Specifications:

  • Starting Wage: $84,348 - $120,498 + annual bonus + equity
  • Employment Type: Year Round
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
  • Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities:

  • Accountable for mountain operations goals while contributing to overall resort and corporate goals and initiatives.
  • Create/manage departmental goals including; budgets and capital projects, employee development, and operational goals.
  • Build positive relationships with key stakeholders outside the sphere of direct reports.
  • Increase operational efficiency and effectiveness through ongoing intra and inter-departmental communication and cooperation.
  • Actively participate in enterprise-wide best practice groups relevant to operating departments with a focus on driving Company-wide results.
  • Lead the mountain operations effort to improve employee and guest safety and eliminate employee work comp incidents.
  • Act as Vail Resorts representative with the local community as necessary.
  • Compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

Job Qualifications:

  • Prior mountain operations experience and/or other comparable operations leadership experience.
  • 5+ years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience with ROI analysis, forecasting and capital project experience.
  • Expert Skier or Snowboarder.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of mountain operations experience
  • MS Office experience

The expected pay range is $84,348 - $120,498 + annual bonus + equity. 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  515241
Reference Date: 07/03/2026 
Job Code Function: Leadership - Mtn Ops  

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