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Ski Area Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upskilled Evolution

Ski Area General Manager

Juneau, AK · On-site

$100K/yr

The Ski Area Manager is responsible for overseeing management of the mountain in accordance with all standards, ordinances, regulations and applicable laws, in order to provide a safe recreation and ...

Alta

PSIA Certified Ski Instructor

Alta, UT · On-site

Alta's authentic feel and the pairing of many a skier's dream destination with an expert local's ski area create a rewarding and inspiring place to teach and play. We deliver high-quality lesson ...

Arapahoe Basin

Experienced Ski Patrol

Dillon, CO · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets * Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more * Financial assistance and mental health ...

Alterra

Experienced Ski Patrol

Dillon, CO

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets * Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more * Financial assistance and mental health ...

Mt. Baker Ski Area

Lifts Administrative Supervisor

WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Baker Ski Area policies and procedures * Hold Lift Attendants and Lift Captains accountable to Mt. Baker Ski Area General policies and procedures, as well as those outlined in the Lift Department ...

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Mechanic

Westford, MA

$21 - $35/hr

Mechanic - Nashoba Valley Ski Area $21-$35/hr + Free Ski Pass Westford, MA Nashoba Valley Ski Area is hiring mechanics. We are hiring Entry Level, Mid‑Level, and Experienced Mechanics to join our ...

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All JobsSki Area Jobs

Ski Area information

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$9

$20

$38

How much do ski area jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski area in the United States is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical responsibilities and team dynamics for employees working at a ski area?

Employees at a ski area can expect a variety of responsibilities depending on their specific role, such as operating lifts, instructing skiing or snowboarding classes, providing guest services, or maintaining equipment. Teamwork is crucial, as staff often work closely with colleagues across different departments to ensure guest safety and a smooth overall experience. Regular communication is essential, especially during peak hours, and employees may need to adapt quickly to changing weather or operational conditions. The work environment is typically fast-paced and outdoors, offering opportunities to interact with guests and fellow staff in a dynamic setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ski Area Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ski Area Manager, you need strong leadership, operational management experience, and knowledge of ski industry standards, typically supported by a degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Familiarity with lift operations, snowmaking systems, safety protocols, and relevant certifications such as CPR/First Aid or avalanche safety are often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills help build positive guest experiences and strong staff teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring smooth operations, safety compliance, and guest satisfaction in a dynamic, high-risk environment.

What are ski areas?

Ski areas are designated locations, often in mountainous regions, that are developed and maintained for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. They typically feature ski slopes, lifts, rental shops, ski schools, and other amenities for visitors. Ski areas can range from small local hills to large resorts with extensive terrain and facilities. They are managed to ensure safety, snow quality, and a variety of experiences for guests of all skill levels.

What is the difference between Ski Area vs Ski Instructor?

AspectSki AreaSki Instructor
Required CertificationsNone mandatory, but certifications like CPR or safety training are commonYes, certifications such as Level 1 or Level 2 instructor certifications are typically required
Work EnvironmentResort or mountain setting, involving various roles like lift operators, maintenance, and customer serviceOn-slope teaching environment, working directly with skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers include ski resorts, mountain parks, and winter sports facilitiesEmployers are ski schools, resorts, and winter sports academies

While a ski area encompasses the entire resort or mountain environment, a ski instructor specifically focuses on teaching skiing or snowboarding skills. Ski areas provide the infrastructure and facilities, whereas ski instructors are specialized staff who work within these environments to educate and assist guests. Both roles are essential in the winter sports industry, but they differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

More about Ski Area jobs
What cities are hiring for Ski Area jobs? Cities with the most Ski Area job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ski Area jobs? The most popular types of Ski Area jobs are:
What states have the most Ski Area jobs? States with the most job openings for Ski Area jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ski Area jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ski Area jobs are:
Ski Area jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Area job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,112 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
PSIA Certified Ski Instructor

PSIA Certified Ski Instructor

Alta Ski Area

Alta, UT

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Ski Powder. Change Lives.

Join the Alf Engen Ski School—one of the premier ski schools in North America.

Alta’s authentic feel and the pairing of many a skier’s dream destination with an expert local’s ski area create a rewarding and inspiring place to teach and play.

We deliver high-quality lesson experiences, provide excellent value and cultivate long-term relationships with our guests and staff. Alta’s pure mountain experience and amazing snow quality inspire a friendly and welcoming environment on a hardcore skier’s mountain.

What is it like to teach skiing at Alta?
  • We strive to make it fun! The Alf Engen Ski School teaching philosophy is FUN. CONTROL. FREEDOM… Our approach is light-hearted with a focus on developing skills to improve control and the freedom to explore a bit more of the mountain, no matter the skier’s skill level.
  • Take advantage of world-class training and certification preparation with a three-term PSIA Alpine Team Member and PSIA Intermountain Examiner Staff. Required training is compensated at an hourly rate and ongoing professional development and certification training are complimentary.
  • PSIA Certification and Accreditation is supported with fee reimbursement.
  • Teach the breadth of private lessons, class lessons and multi-week programs to adults, children and families.
  • Opportunity to develop the skills to teach all levels, including advanced–expert skiers. Alta Ski Area attracts locals and vacationers who are dedicated skiers. 70% of Ata’s adult and family private lessons are with Level 7–9 skiers in powder, moguls and steeper off-trail terrain. Instructor candidate capacity to evolve into teaching off-trail skiing will be heavily weighted in hiring decisions for the 2026–27 ski season.
  • Join our community of instructors and ski school support staff numbering 150 dedicated professionals. Ski school employee turnover is under 10% per year. We get to know you and you get to know us.
  • Enjoy an authentic skiers-only mountain uncluttered by second-party advertising and other distractions from the joy of alpine skiing.
  • Be comfortable in a spacious ski school locker room with direct access to your peers, supervisors and the ski school director.
  • Plan on one of the most dependable ski seasons in North America. Alta is often awarded “best snow” in ski magazine resort rankings.
  • Feel confident in Alta’s long-term consistency in ski area ownership, management and mission in skiing since 1938. Alta is a predictable and stable place to work and focus on the quality of your ski lessons.
Instructor Candidates
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Alta Ski Area does not hire employees through H2B Visa or J1 Visa
  • Must have prior professional ski teaching experience
    • No ski teaching experience? Please apply for the Ski Instructor Apprentice position when the application window opens late summer.
  • PSIA Level 1, 2 or 3 Certification is required to be a Ski School Instructor
  • Commitment from December 1st to mid-April—holidays are required
  • Full-time positions available: 90–135 teaching days
    • Part-Time Plus positions may be available: 45–80 teaching days
    • Part-time positions less than 45 days are not available
  • Background screening required
  • Alta Ski Area has limited employee housing available for instructors new to Alta.

A full list of benefits for all Alta employees is listed on the Benefits & FAQ's page.

Apply