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Ski Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Brewer I

Lexington, VA · On-site

$24.35/hr

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

... we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking ... It became a place where folks could drink and tell stories about their time on the trail, ski slope ...

Paint Team Lead

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Provide technical, administrative, and operational management while guiding a skilled team through ... Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Req Number SKI-26-00081 This position is currently accepting ...

Paint Team Lead

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Provide technical, administrative, and operational management while guiding a skilled team through ... Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Req Number SKI-26-00081 This position is currently accepting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ski Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do ski guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski guide in Virginia is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $19.76 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 Virginia?

For Ski Guide jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ski Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,635 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

$20.87 - $25.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


REI rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 738 rated retailers


Job description

Overview
REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.
Our team seeks a Sr. Bike and Ski Shop Mechanic to create a better outdoor experience by offering knowledge, giving recommendations, and engaging with customers daily. You are a vital member of the retail store Shop team. As a Bike and Ski Shop Mechanic, you assemble REI equipment daily. In addition to executing shop services, you give exceptional customer service in the shop and on the sales floor. You contribute to REI's success by servicing and repairing bikes and/or snow sports equipment to industry standards. Your initiative and productivity will help guide Retail Sales Specialist and Bike and Ski Shop Mechanics. Are you ready to discover better with us?
Responsibilities and Qualifications
How you'll be successful:
  • Engage in REI Sales and Service Training to prompt REI goods and services.
  • Maintain equipment, and ensure a clean, secure, and safe work environment.
  • Produce quality work that meets and exceeds industry standards.
  • Train teammates to conduct shop service functions.
  • Mentor inexperienced staff.
  • Research and report significant quality and safety issues.

Bring your passionate, authentic self
You live and breathe REI tools and equipment. You're a builder. You're a safety maven. Customers consult Bike and Ski Shop Mechanics to confirm that their equipment is fitted correctly and maintained. Thanks to your knowledge of REI products and services, you'll stay ahead of the trends and share that knowledge with customers. Join us in seeking, creating, and building new ways to work.
Your qualities:
  • Enjoys communicating and building relationships, both inside and outside the organization.
  • Completes required training/certifications.
  • 1-2 years previous bike and/or ski shop experience (or equivalent/transferable skills)
  • Open availability to work a flexible schedule.
  • Sets practical goals and established priorities to achieve business goals.
  • Organizes and uses resources to meet deadlines and communicates about plans and progress.
  • Ability to transfer up to 40 pounds.

Closing
At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.
REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.
Pay Range
$20.87 - $25.03 per hour

What REI employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


REI logo

About REI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

REI, or Recreational Equipment, Inc. is a widely respected retail company based in Kent, WA, US. The company caters to the outdoor recreation industry, providing a complete range of high-quality, sustainable gear and sporting goods. Founded in 1938 by avid mountaineers, it was built on the passion for exploring the outdoors and offers products for camping, hiking, cycling, fitness, paddle sports, snow sports, and more. REI also conducts outdoor adventure trips and classes. Its mission is to inspire, educate, and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. For decades, REI has stood by its core values of authenticity, quality, service, respect, integrity, and balance. Proudly, the company has made Fortune Magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the list's inception.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

1938