ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Snow Groomer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hilltop Ski Area

Snow Groomer

Anchorage, AK

$20/hr

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 ...

Powdr

Grooming Supervisor - Soda Springs

Truckee, CA · On-site

$27/hr

The Snow Grooming Supervisor at Soda Spring is responsible for leading all grooming operations to create world-class snow surfaces across the resort's terrain tubing, trails, and learning areas. This ...

Boyne Resorts

Experienced Snowcat Operator

Boyne Falls, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Safely operating a turbo-charged diesel powered snow groomer with hydrostatic drives, 12 way blade and multi-function rototiller rear implements * Operating all machine functions, such as blade ...

Crystal

Groomer II - Winter 26/27

Enumclaw, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Snow Surfaces Manager, Grooming Shift Supervisor, Grooming Shift Lead Location: Crystal Mountain, WA Wage Range: 26.00-28.00/hour D.O.E. RESORT OVERVIEW, CULTURE AND VISION Crystal Mountain is the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSnow Groomer Jobs

Snow Groomer information

See salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do snow groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow groomer in the United States is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a snow groomer do?

A snow groomer works at a private or public park, mountain resort, or another recreational site that has a dedicated trail system for winter activities. In this role, your duties include maintenance of cross-skiing trails or downhill slopes. You use heavy equipment to move snow and create pre-formed tracks. You also take care of snowmobile tracks to ensure the proper signage is present. You identify potential hazards and close portions as necessary. Duties often extend to keeping walkways open on other property grounds. The work is seasonal with some employees opting to stay on during the off-season and take on landscaping or groundskeeping responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Snow Groomer, you need experience in heavy equipment operation, a valid driver’s license, and basic mechanical knowledge, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with grooming machines like PistenBully or Prinoth, GPS systems, and snow management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently and in challenging weather conditions are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient preparation of ski slopes, contributing to guest safety and resort operations.

What is a snow groomer?

Snow groomers are skilled operators who use specialized vehicles, called snowcats, to maintain and prepare ski slopes, cross-country trails, and snowmobile paths. Their main job is to smooth, compact, and reshape snow to ensure safe and enjoyable conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. Snow groomers often work at night or early in the morning, navigating challenging weather and terrain to deliver high-quality snow surfaces. The role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and a good understanding of snow behavior.

What are some common challenges faced by snow groomers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Snow groomers often work in challenging weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, low visibility, and extreme cold, which can make equipment operation more difficult. Navigating steep slopes and ensuring consistent snow quality across the ski resort requires attention to detail and strong technical skills. To address these challenges, snow groomers typically receive thorough training on machinery and safety protocols, and they work closely with other grooming team members and mountain operations staff to coordinate efforts and communicate about changing conditions.

What is the difference between Snow Groomer vs Snowcat Operator?

AspectSnow GroomerSnowcat Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, possibly specialized snow grooming certificationsDriver's license, snowcat operation training
Work EnvironmentSnow-covered terrains, ski resorts, mountain areasSnow-covered terrains, ski resorts, mountain areas
Industry UsageCommonly used term for snow grooming machines and their operatorsOften used interchangeably with Snow Groomer, but can imply the operator of a snowcat

Both roles involve operating snow grooming machines in winter resort environments. The term "Snow Groomer" is more commonly used to describe the equipment and its operator, while "Snowcat Operator" emphasizes the operator's role. In practice, they often refer to the same job, with slight variations in terminology depending on the employer or region.

More about Snow Groomer jobs

What cities are hiring for Snow Groomer jobs?

Cities with the most Snow Groomer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Snow Groomer jobs?

The most popular types of Snow Groomer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Snow Groomer jobs?

The top employers for Snow Groomer jobs are:

What states have the most Snow Groomer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Snow Groomer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Snow Groomer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Snow Groomer jobs are:

Snow Groomer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Groomer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,438 per year, or $19 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