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Ski Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Manager: Ski Patrol

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and ... They will stay current with industry standards/updates and guide the future growth of the Snow ...

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Ski Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$20

$41

How much do ski guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski guide in Colorado is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do ski guides get paid?

Ski guides typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many ski guides also receive tips and may need certifications such as CPR or avalanche training to qualify for higher pay and safety responsibilities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Ski guides can earn around $4,000 per week during peak season, especially with tips and experience. High-paying jobs without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial diving, certain sales roles, or entrepreneurship, but these typically require specialized skills or certifications. Most high-earning roles without a degree involve physical work, sales, or self-employment.

What are ski guides?

Ski guides are experienced professionals who lead individuals or groups on skiing trips, often in backcountry or off-piste areas. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of their clients, selecting appropriate routes based on weather and snow conditions, and providing technical advice and instruction. Ski guides are trained in avalanche awareness, first aid, and navigation, making them essential for exploring challenging or unfamiliar terrain. Their expertise allows skiers to enjoy adventurous experiences while minimizing risks. Ski guides often hold certifications from recognized organizations to validate their skills and knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by ski guides, and how can they be addressed?

Ski guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying client skill levels, and navigating unfamiliar terrain. To address these, guides must stay updated with weather forecasts, conduct thorough safety briefings, and adapt routes according to group abilities. Strong communication skills and ongoing avalanche safety training are essential to ensuring both client enjoyment and safety in dynamic mountain environments.

What is the difference between Ski Guide vs Snowboard Instructor?

AspectSki GuideSnowboard Instructor
CertificationsResort-specific or professional guiding certifications, avalanche trainingCPR, First Aid, instructor certifications (e.g., PSIA/AASI)
Work EnvironmentBackcountry, off-piste, resort terrain, guiding groupsResort slopes, teaching lessons, indoor and outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageResorts, adventure tour companies, guiding servicesResorts, ski schools, training centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Ski Guide and a Snowboard Instructor lies in their roles and environments. Ski Guides primarily lead groups in backcountry or off-piste terrain, requiring avalanche training and guiding certifications. Snowboard Instructors focus on teaching riding techniques within resort settings, often holding instructor certifications. Both roles are essential in the winter sports industry but serve different purposes and skill sets.

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

To thrive as a Ski Guide, you need advanced skiing ability, in-depth knowledge of mountain safety, avalanche awareness, and typically certifications such as avalanche safety (e.g., AIARE) and wilderness first aid. Familiarity with GPS devices, avalanche transceivers, rescue equipment, and route planning software is essential. Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guides manage groups and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring client safety, providing a positive experience, and effectively handling the dynamic conditions of mountain environments.

How much do mountain guides get paid?

Ski guides typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many guides also receive tips and may work seasonal or part-time schedules, often requiring certifications such as CPR and first aid.

What do you need to be a ski guide?

To become a ski guide, you typically need relevant certifications such as the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) certification or equivalent, strong skiing or snowboarding skills, and knowledge of safety procedures and rescue techniques. Experience in backcountry terrain and good communication skills are also important for guiding clients safely and effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Ski Guide jobs in Colorado? For Ski Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ski Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Ski Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Ski Guide jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Ski Guide job openings:
Ski Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,098 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Fully Certified Ski Lesson Instructor

TSG Ski & Golf, LLC

Telluride, CO

$47.37 - $59.63/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Please read before applying:

Must have current certification of PSIA Level 3 or International Equivalent. Please attach to application.

We are not able to sponsor any work visas at this time.

NO SNOWBOARD instructor positions available at this time.

Full Time (5-day/week) Position

Approximate Work Dates: 12/04/26 through 04/04/27

You have put in the time to develop your teaching and skiing skills and are now ready to take your instructing career to the next level - the Telluride Ski and Snowboard School is the place to do it. With our high end, destination-focused guests of whom a high percentage return year after year, Telluride is where your career as a professional instructor can truly bloom.As an instructor with the Telluride Ski and Snowboard School, you can expect to teach all lesson types (Group and Private; Children's, Adults, Families) as business requires. Prior experience working with children is a must! Working at Telluride will offer you the opportunity to build lasting relationships with guests and fellow instructors for years to come. If this sounds like the kind of instructor you are, we cannot wait for you to join our team.

Daily Responsibilities:

Check schedule from a computer or smartphone.

Attend Morning Meeting with your supervisors and fellow instructors.

Check-in and interact with your guests about the daily schedule, expectations, and any special needs.

Strong focus on safety; both physical and emotional.

Develop a plan for the day addressing which skills will be taught, what terrain will be used, and desired outcomes.

Guide practice and check for understanding.

Organize essential needs for your group such as bathroom breaks, snacks, sunscreen, et cetera.

Manage a safe environment - keep yourself, your students, and the guests around you safe and healthy.

Be prepared to assist guests with their equipment.

Model the essence of exemplary ski instruction.

Talk with the guests at the end of the lesson to debrief the learning experience and preview the next steps. Encourage guests to return and continue their learning.

Strive to exceed guest expectations and create lasting memories.

Work in physically demanding environment where inclement weather may exist.

Apply reasoning skills when confronted with varying situations including but not limited to guest injury/illness, group dynamics, terrain options etc.

Sign out on ProCard; Ski School Software, to confirm student count, pro-verified levels, and pay.

Participate in all necessary training clinics and events to maintain current and up to date PSIA certification.

Qualifications:

Excited and willing to work with all ages.

It is required that applicants for this position have prior experience working with children.

Must be authorized to work in the USA. We are not sponsoring work visas at this time.

Must be able to ski safely on all terrain.

Strong communication skills; in-person, telephone, and text/email.

Works well with others; guests, instructors, supervisors, other resort employees.

Ability to handle face paced environment; multi-task.

PSIA Level 3 Certification or International Equivalent at minimum.

Ability to take direction as well as work independently.

Must be able to work full time over the busy holiday weeks/weekends; 19 required days throughout the season.

High school diploma preferred.

Benefits:

Employee Season Ski Pass

Dependent Season Pass for Full Time Employee

10 $75 Friends and Family Lift Tickets (Not for Resale)

Seasonal Access to Ski + Snowboard School Locker Room (excluding Minimum Part Time) and Use of Uniform

+/- 40 Hours of Paid Training for All New Hires and Access to Free Continuing Education

Reimbursement for PSIA/AASI Certification Exam Fees upon Successful Pass of Assessment

Accrued Paid Sick Leave

Discounted Meals

Discounted Employee Shuttles

Real Deal Lift Tickets that give access to Free Skiing at many Colorado Resorts

$50 Lift Tickets at Vail Resort-owned ski areas

Discounted Ski + Snowboard School for friends and family (subject to availability)

Discounted Lodging (subject to availability)

Discounts at the resort's retail outlets

Pay:

Rates for Assigned Teaching: $37.98 - 45.35/hr

Rates for Request Teaching: $47.37 - 59.63/hr

Base Hourly (for meetings and mandatory training): $27.32/hr

Dependent on PSIA Certification + Total Lesson Teaching Hours accumulated over the past 10 years.

Successful Completion of Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Background Checkwill be required for those who are extended a job offer. Failure to disclose history as well as convictions of felony and serious misdemeanors may disqualify you from employment as an instructor. Serious misdemeanors can be, but not limited to, crimes of violence and crimes that speak to a person's honesty and integrity, such as perjury or theft.

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