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Professional Ski Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for promoting the safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on promoting safety with the ability to remain calm in ...

Responsible for promoting the safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on promoting safety with the ability to remain calm in ...

Responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on safety with the ability to remain calm in crisis when incidents arise. Job ...

Skilled Ski Patrol

Newbury, NH · On-site

$21.51/hr

Responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on safety with the ability to remain calm in crisis when incidents arise. Job ...

Ski Patrol

South Egremont, MA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Have a current Professional Rescuer CPR Certification.Have current OEC outdoor emergency care certification; National Ski Patrol.Must be computer savvy, quick to learn systems & program software.Able ...

Responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on safety with the ability to remain calm in crisis when incidents arise. Job ...

Ski Patrol

South Egremont, MA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Have a current Professional Rescuer CPR Certification. * Have current OEC outdoor emergency care certification; National Ski Patrol. * Must be computer savvy, quick to learn systems & program ...

Responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on safety with the ability to remain calm in crisis when incidents arise. Job ...

Responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on safety with the ability to remain calm in crisis when incidents arise. Job ...

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Professional Ski Patrol information

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$12

$20

$37

How much do professional ski patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional ski patrol in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional ski patrol?

Professional Ski Patrol are trained individuals responsible for ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders at ski resorts. Their duties include patrolling the slopes, responding to accidents, providing emergency medical care, and conducting avalanche control. Ski patrollers also help educate guests about mountain safety and often assist with trail maintenance and marking hazards. They play a crucial role in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone on the mountain.

What are some typical challenges faced by a professional ski patrol during the ski season?

Professional Ski Patrol members often face rapidly changing weather conditions, which can impact visibility and the safety of both guests and staff. Managing and responding to on-mountain emergencies, such as injuries or avalanches, requires strong decision-making skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Patrollers also play a key role in hazard mitigation, including marking obstacles and performing avalanche control, which can be physically demanding. Effective teamwork and communication are essential, as patrollers closely coordinate with other departments to ensure the mountain remains safe for everyone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional ski patrol, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Ski Patrol, you need strong skiing or snowboarding ability, advanced first aid/medical training (such as Outdoor Emergency Care or EMT), and knowledge of avalanche safety. Familiarity with rescue equipment, radios, avalanche transceivers, and snow safety tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications like NSP (National Ski Patrol) credentials. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are crucial for responding quickly to emergencies and coordinating with other staff. These competencies ensure the safety of guests and staff, enabling effective response to accidents and hazardous mountain conditions.

What is the difference between Professional Ski Patrol vs Ski Instructor?

AspectProfessional Ski PatrolSki Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Avalanche Safety, Ski Patrol CertificationSki Instructor Certification (e.g., Level 1, Level 2)
Work EnvironmentResort slopes, emergency response, rescue operationsTeaching ski techniques, guiding lessons on slopes
Employer & IndustryResorts, ski areas, mountain safety organizations

While both roles work in ski resorts and require safety certifications, Professional Ski Patrol focuses on emergency response, rescue, and safety management, whereas Ski Instructors primarily teach skiing techniques and improve skier skills. The roles complement each other but serve different functions within the ski industry.

Can you make a career out of professional ski patrol?

A career as a professional ski patrol can be sustainable, as it often offers full-time positions with opportunities for advancement, especially at larger ski resorts. It requires certifications such as CPR and first aid, physical fitness, and knowledge of rescue techniques, and many ski patrol professionals work seasonally or year-round depending on the resort and location.

How much money do ski patrols make?

Ski patrols typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and resort size. Many ski patrol members also receive benefits such as free lift tickets and equipment discounts, and certifications like CPR and first aid are often required.

How to become a professional ski patrol?

To become a professional ski patrol member, candidates typically need to be certified in first aid, CPR, and avalanche safety, often obtained through organizations like the National Ski Patrol or equivalent. Prior skiing or snowboarding experience and knowledge of rescue techniques are essential, and applicants usually undergo training specific to the resort's protocols and equipment. Certification and ongoing training are required to maintain qualifications and ensure safety standards are met.
More about Professional Ski Patrol jobs

What cities are hiring for Professional Ski Patrol jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Ski Patrol job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Ski Patrol jobs?

The most popular types of Ski Patrol jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Ski Patrol jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Ski Patrol jobs include:

Infographic showing various Professional Ski Patrol job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Skilled Ski Patrol

Vail Resorts

South Lake Tahoe, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Vail Resorts rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 52 rated entertainment


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 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 able remain calm in crisis when incidents arise.

Job Specifications:

  • Expected Pay Rate: $21.51/hr - $25.30/ hr
  • Shift & Schedule Availability: Full Time
  • 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 
  • Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements:

  • EMT certification
  • Must be at least 18 years old​​​​​​​
  • 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

The expected pay range is $21/hr - $25.05/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  516259
Reference Date: 07/31/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol
  


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