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Snow Groomer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crystal

Groomer II - Winter 26/27

Enumclaw, WA

Snow SurfacesManager, 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 ...

Boyne Resorts

Experienced Snowcat Operator

Boyne Falls, MI

$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 ...

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Snow Groomer information

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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.

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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.

Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts

Gorham, NH • On-site

$22.26 - $27.83/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Vail Resorts rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

•    Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
•    MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
•    401(k) Retirement Plan 
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Excellent training and professional development
•    Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary: 

Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Snow Cat Operation team is no exception to creating this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for maintaining the picturesque appearance of our snow and ski slopes, Snow Cat Operators are safety minded individuals operating heavy equipment to ensure the best possible snow surface for thrill seekers.  

Job Specifications:  

  • Starting Wage: $22.26/hr - $27.83/hr 
  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 
  • Shift Type: Full Time and Part Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age   
  • Housing Availability: No    

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Understand the use, operation, and maintenance of heavy equipment used for snow/slope grooming 
  • Operate snow/slope grooming equipment, such as a snowcat, to maintain the appearance and quality of resort snow trails and ski slopes to the highest level possible.   
  • Maintain a general knowledge of the mountain and adhere to safety regulations  
  • Perform basic routine inspections and preventative maintenance, on equipment to minimize downtime  
  • Communicate clearly and effectively via 2-way radio  
  • Communicate advanced mechanical problems or maintenance needs with shop mechanics    
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to provide direction, support and maintain good working relationships   
  • Other duties as assigned  

Job Requirements: 

  • 2-4 years of snow grooming experience required 
  • Valid driver's license with no restrictions  
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English   
  • Ability to work in small groups as well as independently  
  • Able to sit for extended periods of time while operating the snowcat as well as climb on and off frequently  
  • Knowledge in 2-way radio use and various codes 

The expected pay range is $22.26/hr - $27.83/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  515514
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Grooming  

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