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Ski Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Devil's Thumb Ranch

Nordic Ski Instructor

Tabernash, CO · On-site

$16/hr

Teach the general public to cross country ski and assist in all aspects of the X-Country Center ... Embrace and promote all facets of the Devil's Thumb Ranch Guiding Principles: vision, mission ...

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How much do ski guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

What is a ski guide?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ski guide?

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.

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.

How do you become a ski guide?

To become a ski guide, individuals typically need relevant skiing experience, often gained through years of skiing proficiency and knowledge of mountain terrain. Certification from organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or similar is usually required, along with first aid and rescue training. Many guides also gain experience through guiding courses and working as ski instructors or assistant guides before advancing to full guide status.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,098 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Ski & Snowboard Part-Time Guide- Winter Season

Alterra

Winter Park, CO • On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Seasonal

Who We Are: At 67 miles away, Winter Park is the closest ski resort to Denver. With easy access to 765,000 acres of public land, Winter Park is home to endless adventures. Whether you are looking to have your first taste of a winter season or to build a long-term career, we have something for everyone.

Perks & Benefits:

  • Free season pass to Winter Park and all Alterra Resorts
  • Discounted friends & family tickets
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, paid parental leave and more for eligible employees
  • 401(k) plan with 100% company match - up to 4%
  • Mental health resources for all employees
  • Food & beverage and retail discounts
  • Onsite employee childcare based on availability
  • Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more

POSITION SUMMARY

Ski and Snowboard Guides are responsible for the safe guiding of Winter Park Guide's guests. This includes providing unparalleled guest service without comprising the safety of the guest or the guide. Ski and Snowboard guides will meet guests on time; assess expectations and begin fulfilling those expectations immediately. Guides will tailor experiences to the guest while ensuring the maximum amount of ski and ride time is achieved for the allotted time frame. Focusing on terrain selection, the guide will exceed the expectations of our guests by helping them achieve the most vertical feet of skiing on the most appropriate and desirable runs possible. Guides will also be responsible for leading Uphill and Night Ski and Ride by Headlamp Experiences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Responsible for the overall experience of Winter Park guests, including on time meet up, friendly and knowledgeable service, excellent trail selection and creating a fun atmosphere.
  • Follow all policies and procedures that are specific to the Outdoor Adventure Department, as well as Winter Park Resort policies and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with all laws and company policies with respect to workplace safety and work to achieve a zero-incident safety record.
  • Respond in a timely manor to scheduling changes and special requests.
  • Will adhere to direct and strict complience with all safety standards.

This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of this resort and position, the responsibilities of this position may change.

WAGE:

The base hourly pay below represents the entry wage of Winter Park Resorts' hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on several factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The amount listed is just one component of Winter Park Resorts' total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include many region-specific benefits.

Pay Range: Starting at 21.00

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS (state minimum required and preferred)

Education:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
  • Some college desired.

Experience:

  • Five years' experience skiing/riding at Winter Park Resort
  • Guide experience or similar knowledge base
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • Guest service oriented
  • Honest, and follows established policies and procedures
  • Organized and attentive to detail
  • Hard working, team player
  • Strong communication skills
  • Able to handle and manage confidential information
  • Able to ski or ride a variety of trails with a strong working knowledge of Winter Park Resort

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Office Environment:

  • Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position a minimum of 40 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Auditory and visual acuity to operate computers, phones, mobile devices and basic office equipment on a constant basis.
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time in extreme environmental conditions skiing, riding or hiking.
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time standing, walking, kneeling, pushing and pulling on an occasional basis.
  • Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily- reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mountain Environment:

  • The primary physical environment in which this position works is out of doors with a high exposure level to cold,snow, wind, rain, bugs, sun, high altitude, extreme heights, lightning, etc...
  • The degree of strenuous activity within the job is considered to be high. Often lifting a weight of 50 pounds throughout the day is common.
  • Additional strenuous physical activity may include walking or hiking upon uneven, challenging terrain.
  • Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees.
  • Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily- reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

This position description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the role described above. With the evolution of Winter Park Resort, the responsibilities of this position may change as may the dates associated with many of the tasks. During these times of change, this position requires the flexibility and willingness to accept new responsibilities and potentially transfer others. It will also be the responsibility of any employee of Winter Park Resort to be a positive influence on the transformation of the resort and its associated lines of business.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Winter Park Resort is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Winter Park Resort positions accept applications for a minimum of 3 business days from the posting date listed above. This position is open and still accepting applications.

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