Snow Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 Epic 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.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
 

Job 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
   

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:

The Snow Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily avalanche hazard forecasts and avalanche hazard mitigation for the resort. They are responsible for delegating and carrying out the necessary avalanche control procedures to ensure the safety of our customers and employees in open avalanche terrain. Under the direction of the ATF and CO Department of Labor and Employment, they oversee the required documentation, inventory, use, and storage of explosives at the ski area. They can make major operational decisions as needed in the absence of the Ski Patrol Director.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Focus on guest service
• Lead the snow safety department in avalanche hazard reduction and daily opening and closing of avalanche terrain
• Hold a current Type 1 explosive permit.
• Be able to be a “Responsible Person” with the ATF.
• Oversee individual explosive permitting, explosive storage and explosive training in accordance with the CO Department of Labor and Employment and the ATF
• Oversee and monitor avalanche route training and avalanche rescue training
• Coordinate and plan for all avalanche education for the patrol, both internal and external.
• Maintain supplies for avalanche route and rescue program--packs, shovels, beacons, probes, RECCO's, etc
• Oversee and work with the integration of rescue dogs into the avalanche rescue plan
• Organize annual explosive refresher training and continuing snow science education
• Maintain open dialogue with Colorado Avalanche Information Center and other mountain snow safety programs
• Oversee daily weather observation program.
• Oversee weather stations across the resort.
• Ensure accurate daily documentation.
• Manage the avalanche department budget.
• Work with a wide variety of outside agencies in a professional manner.
• Advanced-level skier
• Other duties as assigned
  

Minimum Job Requirements:

• High school or equivalent
• Special Skill Patroller
• EMT,
• Explosive Permit,
• Advanced Level Snowmobile Operator
• Professional Level 2 Avalanche School or equivalent
• Advanced Computer Skill
• English
• 21 years of age
• 5 years Avalanche Technician preferred

The expected pay range is $80,000 - $101,000+ Annual bonus. 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  514836
Reference Date: 05/12/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol