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Ski Groomer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hilltop Ski Area

Snow Groomer

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

Effective operation of a ski path groomer requires a certain skill level. The secret to creating ideal skiing conditions is understanding how to operate the equipment, maintain it, and use it to make ...

Crystal

Groomer II - Winter 26/27

Enumclaw, WA

Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off * Free ... Groomer II Business Unit: Mountain Operations Position Reports to: Snow SurfacesManager, Grooming ...

Crystal

Terrain Park Groomer - Winter 26/27

Enumclaw, WA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off * Free ... Terrain Park Groomer Business Unit: Mountain Operations Position Reports to: Snow Surfaces Manager ...

Crystal

Groomer II - Winter 26/27

Enumclaw, WA · On-site

Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off * Free ... Groomer II Business Unit: Mountain Operations Position Reports to: Snow Surfaces Manager, Grooming ...

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Ski Groomer information

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How much do ski groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski groomer in the United States is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ski groomer?

To thrive as a Ski Groomer, you need mechanical aptitude, familiarity with snow science, and experience operating heavy machinery, often obtained through on-the-job training or a relevant vocational background. Proficiency with snow grooming equipment like snowcats, GPS guidance systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently in challenging weather conditions are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, high-quality ski trails and efficient resort operations.

What is a ski groomer?

Ski groomers are professionals responsible for maintaining the quality and safety of ski slopes by operating specialized machines called snow groomers. They work primarily at ski resorts, using these vehicles to smooth, compact, and shape the snow, especially during nighttime hours when slopes are closed to skiers. Their tasks help create optimal skiing and snowboarding conditions, prevent icy patches, and ensure that trails are well-defined and safe for resort guests. In addition to machine operation, ski groomers may also perform basic maintenance on their equipment and work closely with resort management to address specific slope needs.

How to become a ski groomer at a ski resort?

To become a ski groomer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience operating heavy machinery such as snowcats or grooming equipment. Many employers require certification in equipment operation and safety, and on-the-job training is common. Physical fitness and the ability to work in cold, outdoor environments are also important.

What is the difference between Ski Groomer vs Snowcat Operator?

AspectSki GroomerSnowcat Operator
CertificationsOften requires equipment operation training, safety certificationsRequires similar equipment operation certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentResorts, ski slopes, grooming trailsResorts, ski areas, operating snowcats for grooming
Job DutiesGroom ski slopes for smoothness and safetyOperate snowcats to groom and maintain ski trails

Both Ski Groomers and Snowcat Operators work in ski resorts, operating similar machinery to prepare ski slopes. The main difference is that Ski Groomers focus specifically on grooming ski trails, while Snowcat Operators may handle a broader range of snow maintenance tasks. Certifications and work environments are largely overlapping, making these roles closely related in the ski industry.

What are some common challenges faced by ski groomers during a typical shift?

Ski groomers often work overnight or early morning hours to prepare slopes before guests arrive, which can be physically demanding and require adjusting to irregular schedules. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, ice, or low visibility, can make operating grooming machinery more challenging and require quick problem-solving skills. Additionally, ski groomers must pay close attention to safety protocols to avoid accidents and must be able to troubleshoot equipment issues on the fly. Collaboration with other team members and good communication are essential to ensure the entire mountain is groomed efficiently and to the resort's standards.
More about Ski Groomer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ski Groomer jobs? Cities with the most Ski Groomer job openings:
What states have the most Ski Groomer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ski Groomer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ski Groomer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ski Groomer jobs are:
Ski Groomer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Groomer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,438 per year, or $19 per hour.

Snow Groomer

Hilltop Ski Area

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The main objective is to give Hilltop Ski Area visitors outstanding grooming and snow conditions. Effective operation of a ski path groomer requires a certain skill level. The secret to creating ideal skiing conditions is understanding how to operate the equipment, maintain it, and use it to make trails that are level and smooth. To get the intended effects, the driver must be able to regulate the groomer's speed, direction, and angle.

In order to choose the proper groomer settings, the driver also needs to have a solid awareness of snow conditions and the ability to predict changing weather. To guarantee that the trails are kept in good condition, the driver needs to possess a solid understanding of route planning, design, and grooming techniques. Lastly, the driver must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work well with other trail personnel and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
· Operate Snow Cat equipment safely and efficiently, perform all grooming, and feature building as defined by the
Snow Surface Supervisor.
· Perform basic maintenance and pre-operational checks on machines and equipment.
· Groom trails, Chairlift ramps, and existing features.
· Build and maintain features, and ski runs as defined by managers.
· Control the speed and direction of the groomer.
· Monitor and report any safety issues on the hill.
· Monitor and report snow conditions to management.
· Follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
· Assist the snowmaking department with the movement of snowguns and pushing of snow piles.
· Maintain machine and shop cleanliness and upkeep.
· Able to read, understand, and comply with documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance
instructions, and procedure manuals, as well as record data accurately and in a timely fashion

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
· Must be at least 18 years of age.
· Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Shifts are a must.
· Prior Grooming or equipment operation is required.
· Must pass a background check.
· Must have a valid driver's license with no restrictions.
· Basic understanding of Ski Area Operations.
· Ability to accurately assess terrain conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding grooming operations.
· Ability to adjust and maintain grooming equipment safely and efficiently.
· Prior experience operating a snowcat or heavy equipment is a plus.
· Knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulations.
· Ability to communicate effectively with other staff, volunteers, and visitors.
· Ability to work independently in remote locations with minimal supervision.
· Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
· Ability to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit for an extended period of time while driving the Snow Cat. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

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