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Ski Resort Groomer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... grooming and terrain park operations at the resort * Help start up and shut down of the snowmaking ... Awareness of Ski Area Operations, previous mountain experience is a plus * Skiing and/or ...

Ski Resort Groomer information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do ski resort groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski resort groomer in Michigan is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Ski Resort Groomer, you need experience operating heavy machinery, basic mechanical knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with snow grooming equipment such as snowcats, GPS systems, and maintenance tools is typical for this role. Strong attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work independently during night shifts are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, high-quality slopes and a positive experience for resort guests.

What are some common challenges faced by ski resort groomers during peak season?

During peak season, ski resort groomers often work long overnight shifts in cold and challenging weather conditions to ensure slopes are ready for guests each morning. Navigating steep or icy terrain with heavy machinery requires strong attention to safety and technical skill. Additionally, groomers must adapt quickly to changing snow conditions and coordinate closely with mountain operations teams to prioritize high-traffic areas or special events. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to keeping the slopes in top condition and maintaining a safe, enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders.

What does a Ski Resort Groomer do?

A Ski Resort Groomer operates specialized snow grooming machines, often called snowcats, to maintain and prepare ski slopes for optimal skiing and snowboarding conditions. Their job includes smoothing out snow, breaking up ice, building terrain features, and ensuring trails are safe and enjoyable for guests. Groomers typically work overnight or early morning shifts to get slopes ready before the resort opens. Attention to detail and strong equipment handling skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Ski Resort Groomer vs Snowcat Operator?

AspectSki Resort GroomerSnowcat Operator
CredentialsTypically requires specialized grooming certifications and trainingRequires snowcat operation training and possibly certification
Work EnvironmentGrooming slopes, working outdoors in cold weatherOperating snowcats in ski resort terrain, outdoors in winter conditions
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by ski resorts for slope maintenanceEmployed by ski resorts or snowcat service companies for terrain preparation

The Ski Resort Groomer and Snowcat Operator roles are closely related, with both involving operating snow grooming equipment in winter environments. The main difference lies in the terminology used; 'Groomer' emphasizes the role of maintaining ski slopes, while 'Snowcat Operator' highlights the specific machinery operated. Both positions require similar certifications and work in similar outdoor winter settings, making them often interchangeable in job searches.

What are popular job titles related to Ski Resort Groomer jobs in Michigan? For Ski Resort Groomer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ski Resort Groomer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Ski Resort Groomer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Ski Resort Groomer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Ski Resort Groomer job openings:
Infographic showing various Ski Resort Groomer job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,374 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Snow Surfaces Manager

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Us:
Discover the allure of the Northwoods at Marquette Mountain Resort. Immerse yourself in our passion for providing an exceptional experience, where every detail is carefully considered. Our resort offers year-round adventure and stunning natural beauty across all four seasons. Whether you seek the thrill of the slopes or the tranquility of the trails, you'll be captivated by the spectacular views of Lake Superior. After a day of exploration, unwind and create cherished memories by the fire with your loved ones. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Marquette, Michigan, our resort is your gateway to an unforgettable getaway.
Our values of Honoring Commitments, Creating Positive Experiences, Fostering Lifelong Learning, Exhibiting Pioneering Spirit, and Demonstrating Good Stewardship permeates every aspect of our company. Join us in growing all aspects of our business while embodying these values.
Shift: Full Time but must be available for Weekdays, Weeknights, Weekends, Days, Afternoons, Nights
Job Purpose
The Snow Surfaces Manager is full-time, year-round manager responsible for providing, preparing, and maintaining the ski trails and terrain parks to produce high quality runs for all skiers and snowboarders. They are responsible for all management functions, including departmental oversight, working within the budget, safety, training, and staffing for the Snowmaking, Grooming and Terrain Park Departments. This involves planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. This position is also responsible for the maintenance and mowing of winter trails during the summer as well as all summer maintenance of equipment. Direct supervision is received from the Mountain Operations Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Commitment to providing a safe experience for our guests and team members by adhering to all safety policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of and compliance with all departmental policies, service procedures and standards
  • Knowledge of and compliance with all applicable ANSI, State and insurance policy, guidelines and standards
  • Responsible for leading the development, the grooming, the snowmaking, the terrain park, teams
  • Operate heavy construction equipment and snow grooming equipment with attachments
  • Develop a deep understanding of all snowmaking and grooming equipment, including operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of systems
  • Perform complete snowmaking season as needed and groom trails with the objective of proving an enjoyable skiing surface for guests following the snowmaking plan
  • Hire, train, schedule, and manage all snow surfaces staff
  • Organize and delegate the daily workload to groomer, snowmaking, terrain park
  • Perform grooming and park building functions as needed in a safe and efficient manner conforming to all standard operating procedures
  • Maintain accurate up-to-date logs on equipment used
  • Report and immediately correct unsafe conditions regarding equipment and area of work, or elsewhere in the area
  • Strategize with Mountain Operations Director for patterns that save time, drive efficiency, eliminate double coverage and create a better guest experience
  • Train snowmakers, directing them for effectiveness and efficiency inside and on the mountain
  • Practice safe teaching methods for snowmobile, snow gun, and hydrant and pump house functions
  • Constant communication with all necessary departments at Marquette Mountain. (Mountain Operations Manager, Race, Ski School, Events, Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, General Manager, Terrain Park)
  • Attends any/all mountain operations meetings
  • Provides feedback on and oversee departmental budgets while tracking performance to expectations
  • Develop and maintain all appropriate records and documentation regarding snowmaking, grooming and terrain park operations at the resort
  • Help start up and shut down of the snowmaking system efficiently and effectively
  • Comply with all Lock Out / Tag Out, confined space, and entry fall protection for standard operating procedures
  • All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent required
  • Documented snowmaking, grooming, and mountain operation experience, 3-5 years of experience
  • Documented successful management experience, of 2.5-5 years, with the ability to lead and manage a crew of 20+ seasonal employees for a 24-hour 2 to 3 shift schedule
  • Documented experience of basic mechanical skills
  • Awareness of Ski Area Operations, previous mountain experience is a plus
  • Skiing and/or snowboarding ability preferred

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required, college or equivalent experience
Experience and/or Training: 4 years
Licenses/Certificates/Classes: Attended Cutters Camp or equivalent
Technology/Equipment: Snow Grooming equipment, Mobile and Tower Fan Guns, Control Software, Pumps, Gages, Motors, Electrical Pedestals, Fuses, Hydrants, Valves, Electrical Disconnects.
Physical and mental demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance
  • The employee is frequently required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and occasionally required to taste or smell
  • Must regularly lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
  • Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Equipment Used:
  • Snow grooming equipment
  • Snow removal equipment
  • Snow making equipment
  • Snowmobiles
  • ATV/UTV
  • Mowers
  • Forklifts: all terrain

Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Harsh outside weather conditions.
  • Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high precarious places; extreme cold; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
  • Regularly work near moving mechanical parts and exposed to outdoor weather conditions and vibration

Benefits (depended on status and hours worked)
Insurance:
  • Medical - PPO and HDHP options
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company match
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance (company paid)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)

Paid Time Off:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Volunteer Time-Off
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Bereavement/Funeral

Compensation:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Other:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness incentives
  • Company paid and provided uniforms
  • Training: In-House, Instructor-Led, and Online

Marquette Mountain is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Salary Description
$24.00/hr.