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Snowmaking Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Senior Manager, Slope Maintenance

June Lake, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

  • Retirement

Snowmaking: Plan, organize, direct all snowmaking operations, manage three shifts, order and maintaining all equipment, order and installing air compressors, oversight of new snowmaking system and ...

Powdr

Grooming Supervisor - Soda Springs

Truckee, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Work closely with the snowmaking team to maximize snow coverage and quality throughout the season. * Supervise the grooming team, ensuring daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. * Promote a ...

Vail Resorts

Advanced Lift Electrical

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$25.45 - $33.93/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Ensure the safe and reliable electronic operation of the lifts and snowmaking equipment.  * Emphasis on proficiency, instruction, and leadership in lift maintenance and mountain operations. 

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All JobsSnowmaking JobsSnowmaking Jobs in California

Snowmaking information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do snowmaking jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for snowmaking in California is $90,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is snowmaking?

A Snowmaking job involves operating and maintaining snowmaking equipment to create artificial snow for ski resorts and other winter sports facilities. Snowmakers monitor weather conditions, adjust snow guns, and ensure optimal snow quality. The job often requires working in cold, outdoor environments and during overnight shifts. Snowmakers also perform routine maintenance on equipment to keep operations running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in snowmaking?

To thrive in Snowmaking, you need knowledge of snowmaking equipment, basic mechanical skills, and physical stamina, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with snow guns, air/water systems, weather monitoring technology, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer OSHA or first aid certifications. Effective teamwork, problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions are valuable soft skills. These abilities are essential to ensure efficient operation, consistent snow quality, and a safe environment on the slopes.

What does a typical work schedule look like for someone in snowmaking?

Snowmaking roles often require working long hours in variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially early in the ski season or during periods of optimal snowmaking conditions. Work is primarily outdoors and can involve exposure to cold, wet, and physically demanding environments. You’ll typically work as part of a small team, monitoring and adjusting equipment, troubleshooting issues, and communicating with other mountain operations staff. Flexibility and reliability are important, as weather changes can require adjustments to the schedule. This structure offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and advance into supervisory or broader mountain operations positions over time.

How much do snowmaking workers get paid?

Snowmaking workers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Seasonal positions may also include overtime pay and benefits such as training in snowmaking technology and safety protocols.

How to become a snowmaking?

To become a snowmaking technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience with equipment operation or maintenance. Knowledge of weather patterns, mechanical skills, and safety procedures are important, and some employers may require certification in equipment operation or safety training. Physical stamina and the ability to work in cold environments are also essential.

Is snowmaking a hard job?

Snowmaking is a physically demanding job that requires working outdoors in cold conditions, often during nighttime hours. It involves operating heavy equipment, managing water and compressed air systems, and maintaining safety protocols, making it physically and technically challenging. Some positions may require certifications or training in equipment operation and safety procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Snowmaking jobs in California?

The most popular types of Snowmaking jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Snowmaking jobs in California?

For Snowmaking jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Snowmaking jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Snowmaking jobs in California are:

Snowmaking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snowmaking job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Snowmaker

Vail Resorts

South Lake Tahoe, CA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Vail Resorts rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th 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 (https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/content/Perks-and-Benefits/?locale=en_US)

Job Summary:

As a Snowmaker, you will brave the elements and help build out the mountain for the skiing guest. Snowmaking is a physically demanding and exciting job. Work with some of the most fascinating equipment on the mountain, and make it snow!

Job Specifications:

  • Starting Wage: $20.00/hr - $23.00/hr

  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027

  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age

  • Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

  • Operate all snowmaking equipment in a safe and efficient manner

  • Operate all vehicles, including snowmobiles, in a safe and efficient manner

  • Perform basic snowmaking equipment maintenance

  • Work on the production of snow to create the best skiing surface for our guests.

  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

  • Valid driver's license with no restrictions

  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English

  • Able to lift & carry up to 50 lbs.

  • Basic hand tool knowledge and skill

  • Able to work extended hours outdoors in an alpine environment

The expected pay range is $20.00/hr - $23.00/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 516335

Reference Date: 07/30/2026

Job Code Function: Snowmaking

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