ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Snow Cat Driver Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Hilltop Ski Area

Snow Groomer

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

To get the intended effects, the driver must be able to regulate the groomer's speed, direction ... Operate Snow Cat equipment safely and efficiently, perform all grooming, and feature building as ...

Alaska E-Line Services

Wireline Engineer

Kenai, AK · On-site

... plane, snow cat train and boat. As in much of the industry no two jobs are the same. We run a ... Maintain CDL with HazMat endorsement Have a clean driving record the past 3 years AND have the ...

Alaska E-Line Services, Inc

Wireline Engineer

Kenai, AK · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... plane, snow cat train and boat. As in much of the industry no two jobs are the same. We run a ... Maintain CDL with HazMat endorsement Have a clean driving record the past 3 years AND have the ...

All JobsSnow Cat Driver JobsSnow Cat Driver Jobs in Alaska

Snow Cat Driver information

See Alaska salary details

$5

$17

$28

How much do snow cat driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow cat driver in Alaska is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do snow cat drivers get paid?

Snow cat drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Seasonal positions may also include benefits such as lodging and equipment training.

How to get a job as a snow cat driver?

To become a snow cat driver, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, experience operating heavy machinery, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL). Employers may also require training on snow grooming equipment and knowledge of safety protocols, with seasonal or resort-specific certifications often preferred.

What are some common challenges snow cat drivers face during their shifts, and how can they prepare for them?

Snow Cat Drivers often work in challenging winter conditions, including low visibility, icy terrain, and rapidly changing weather. Preparing for these challenges involves being comfortable operating heavy machinery in the dark or during storms, maintaining focus for long hours, and performing routine maintenance checks to ensure equipment reliability. Effective communication with other mountain operations staff is crucial for safety and coordination, especially during peak grooming times. Ongoing training and staying up-to-date with safety protocols help drivers adapt to the dynamic environment and minimize risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snow cat driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snow Cat Driver, you need a valid driver’s license, experience operating heavy machinery, and basic mechanical knowledge, often supported by on-the-job training. Familiarity with snow grooming equipment, GPS navigation systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and the ability to work independently in challenging weather conditions are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe and efficient trail grooming, contributing to optimal slope conditions and guest safety.

What is a snow cat driver?

A Snow Cat Driver operates specialized tracked vehicles, known as snowcats, to groom ski slopes, maintain mountain trails, and transport personnel or equipment in snowy environments. These professionals are essential to ski resorts and other snow-covered facilities, ensuring surfaces are safe and accessible for guests and staff. Their work often takes place at night or early in the morning to prepare the slopes before they open to the public. Snow Cat Drivers must have strong mechanical skills, spatial awareness, and the ability to work in challenging weather conditions.

What is the difference between Snow Cat Driver vs Snow Groomer Operator?

AspectSnow Cat DriverSnow Groomer Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, snow cat operation experienceDriver's license, snow groomer certification
Work EnvironmentResorts, ski areas, snow parksResorts, ski slopes, snow parks
Industry UsageCommonly used term in North AmericaMore common in industry-specific contexts

Both Snow Cat Drivers and Snow Groomer Operators operate similar machinery in snowy environments, often at ski resorts or snow parks. The main difference lies in terminology; Snow Cat Driver is a more general term, while Snow Groomer Operator emphasizes the operational aspect of grooming snow for skiing or snowboarding. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments.

What does a snow cat driver do?

As a snowcat driver, your primary job is to use heavy equipment to maintain the snow and terrain around a ski resort. Snowcats are large, tracked vehicles that are used to transport personnel (including guests) and maintain the trails of the area. In this role, you may start your shift early to prepare for the day's operations, ensure every path gets the grooming it needs to promote guest and personnel safety, and service your vehicle to guarantee that it remains in good operating condition. It’s your job to assist the grooming manager as needed. You may also give advice to guests for things to do in the area and participate in emergency response efforts.

More about Snow Cat Driver jobs

What are popular job titles related to Snow Cat Driver jobs in Alaska?

For Snow Cat Driver jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Snow Cat Driver jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Snow Cat Driver jobs in Alaska are:

Snow Cat Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Cat Driver job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,444 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Snow Groomer

Hilltop Ski Area

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 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.

E04JI8003qkf406ws6v