1

Snowcat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Snowcat Operator - Winter 26-27

Aspen, CO · On-site

$21 - $25.75/hr

The Snowcat Operator Basic is responsible for the safe operation of a snowcat to create quality snow surfaces for skiing and riding to support day-to-day mountain operations and special events. This ...

Mrs. Claus

Dade City, FL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Snowcat Ridge is Florida's one and only snow park located in Dade City! There are endless opportunities within our park to enjoy the winter season assisting on the Snowy Slopes, Snow Dome, Ice Ribbon ...

Snowcat Mechanic

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $34.17/hr

Year Round At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family ...

Snowcat Mechanic

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $34.17/hr

Year Round At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family ...

The Groomer /SnowCat Operator will operate SnowCat equipment, perform trail grooming and other grooming tasks. The ideal candidate can successfully achieve tasks such as trail grading, grooming and ...

Showing results 21-40

Snowcat information

See salary details

$10

$23

$44

How much do snowcat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for snowcat in the United States is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a snowcat operator?

Snowcat operators are skilled professionals who drive and operate snowcat vehicles, which are specialized tracked machines designed for traveling over snow and rough terrain. They are commonly employed at ski resorts, construction sites, or in remote areas to groom ski slopes, transport people or equipment, and maintain snow-covered roads or trails. Snowcat operators must be able to safely maneuver these vehicles in challenging winter conditions and often work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snowcat operator?

To thrive as a Snowcat Operator, you generally need experience in heavy equipment operation, a valid driver’s license, and knowledge of snow grooming techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, snow grooming attachments, and regular maintenance procedures is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help operators manage challenging weather conditions and coordinate with other staff. These skills are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality grooming of ski slopes or trails for optimal user experience.

What are some common challenges faced by snowcat operators during peak winter season?

Snowcat operators often work long shifts in harsh winter conditions, which can be physically demanding and require strong attention to safety. Navigating poor visibility, icy terrain, and unpredictable weather are frequent challenges. Operators must also collaborate closely with ski patrol, mountain maintenance teams, and other operators to ensure trails are groomed efficiently and safely. Quick troubleshooting and basic mechanical knowledge are valuable, as minor equipment issues may need to be addressed on the spot to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Snowcat vs Snowmobile?

AspectSnowcatSnowmobile
Primary UseHeavy-duty snow grooming and terrain managementRecreational riding and personal transportation
Work EnvironmentOff-road, snow-covered terrains, often in ski resorts or construction sitesOpen snow-covered areas, trails, and recreational parks
Required CertificationsOperator training, safety certifications, sometimes specialized vehicle licensesRecreational licenses, safety training
Industry UsageSnow management, ski resorts, constructionRecreation, sports, personal travel

Snowcats are specialized vehicles used mainly for snow grooming and terrain management in professional settings like ski resorts, requiring specific operator training. Snowmobiles are primarily recreational vehicles for personal use on snow, with different licensing requirements. While both operate in snowy environments, their functions and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Snowcat jobs

What states have the most Snowcat jobs?

States with the most job openings for Snowcat jobs include:

Infographic showing various Snowcat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $48,481 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Snowcat Operator- Experienced

Palisades Tahoe

Olympic Valley, CA

$23 - $40.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

SeasonalPalisades TahoeWe share the spirit of these legendary mountains with the world.


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Job Summary: A Snowcat Operator will prepare and maintain a snow surface that is safe and functional for skiers and snowboarders during all snow and weather conditions.

Applicants must be 18 years of age.

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of the Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC's hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The range listed is just one component of Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term and long-term incentives and many region-specific benefits.

Base hourly pay range: $23.00 - $40.31 per hour.

A Great Job and Benefits to Match:

  • Free skiing + riding privileges to 17 iconic resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, Solitude and more!

  • Healthcare options for both Seasonal & Year-Round employees

  • Generous discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, etc.

  • 401(k) plan with generous company match

  • Free and discounted lift tickets

  • 25%-50% discount at Food & Beverage locations at Palisades & Alpine

  • 40% discount at Palisades Tahoe operated retail stores, including The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, and more!

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential Job Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks includes the following: other duties may be assigned:

Snowcat and grooming equipment inspection and maintenance.

  • Ability to properly park machines and perform pre and post operation inspections of all related equipment.

  • Demonstration of safe operation for all equipment, while maintaining proper distances near obstacles, infrastructure, and personnel.

  • Adequate operation of snowcats and all machines implements in a manner that doesn't cause excessive wear or damage to the machine, while achieving desired product efficiently.

  • Minimize downtime and prevent machine damage through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and up-keep of machine.

  • Accurately document and report condition of grooming machinery to vehicle maintenance daily.

  • Effective communication with the vehicle maintenance personnel regarding machine condition and necessary repairs or service.

Safe and efficient machine operation

  • Ability to complete all required grooming tasks with an end result that prioritizes skier safety.

  • Navigate and properly operate grooming machine on any required terrain and travel routes.

  • Navigate and properly operate on select intermediate terrain and travel routes.

  • Ability to follow and groom in a pack as directed.

  • Operate machine safely with minimal supervision.

Final Product

  • Technical ability to maintain the slope with the proper flow and direction.

  • Groom seamlessly from one pass to the next.

  • Can groom a smooth finish down fall line with no inconsistencies from operator errors. This includes proper cleanup of turn arounds, and errors from improper use of machine implements.

  • Must be able to recognize when repairs or specific work to areas on the slope are necessary

  • Able to perform proper and safe tie-ins with other grooming.

Competencies and Job Requirements:

  • Maintain snow surfaces to meet professional standards with necessary supervision.

  • Effective communication skills, oral & written.

  • Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

  • Strong sense of customer service & safety awareness.

  • Punctual, able to report at scheduled start time.

  • Work well as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, see, hear, and ski. Must be capable of sitting for long periods of time, up to 90% or more of a normal 8-hour work shift. Must be capable of occasionally balancing, climbing, reaching, squatting, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crawling. Must be capable of occasionally carrying, lifting. pushing or pulling up to 75bs Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: 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.

Indoor/Outdoor:While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee may encounter extreme winter cold and blizzard conditions.

Hazardous Materials/Noise:The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate, this job may experience hazards such as mechanical, electrical, fumes, odors, dusts, gases.

Equipment Used in Job:Groomer/Snowcat,hand tools, two-way radios

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

  • Valid driver's license with no restrictions.

  • Pisten Bully Pro Academy on-line training - Provided by Palisades Tahoe post hire.

  • Available to work Graveyard shift (12:00am - 9:00am)

  • Prior grooming experience

A Motor Vehicle Record review may be required as part of your job.

For information on Alterra Mountain Company's Social Responsibility work including our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion actions, please see our webpage at www.alterramtnco.com/social-responsibility. Among other resources, Alterra has Employee Resource Groups to support the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), disability, LGBTQIA2S+, and women communities within our workforce.