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Snowmobile Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$21 - $24/hr

Patrols are conducted on snowmobile and on skis. Why Sugar Bowl? Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop ...

Security Agent

Norden, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

... guided by sound judgment Holds the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism in ... ranger, snowmobile, or standard vehicle Lend a hand to other departments as needed Provide ...

Security Agent

CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

... guided by sound judgment • Holds the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism ... snowmobile, or standard vehicle • Lend a hand to other departments as needed • Provide ...

Snowmobile Guide information

See California salary details

$7

$17

$28

How much do snowmobile guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for snowmobile guide in California is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a snowmobile guide?

A Snowmobile Guide leads individuals or groups on snowmobiling tours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Responsibilities include providing instructions on snowmobile operation, navigating trails, monitoring weather conditions, and assisting guests as needed. Guides must be knowledgeable about local terrain, wildlife, and safety protocols. This role often requires strong communication skills, physical endurance, and the ability to handle emergencies in cold-weather conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a snowmobile guide?

To thrive as a Snowmobile Guide, you need expertise in snowmobile operation, navigation, first aid, and local terrain knowledge, often supported by safety certifications and guide training. Familiarity with GPS devices, two-way radios, avalanche safety equipment, and relevant wilderness rescue systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, customer service, and leadership skills help guides manage groups and respond calmly to changing conditions. These abilities ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for clients while managing the risks inherent in outdoor adventure tours.

What are the typical work hours and conditions for a snowmobile guide?

Snowmobile Guides often work outdoors in cold and variable winter weather, with shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on tour schedules and client demand. The role involves leading groups on snowmobile excursions, performing routine equipment checks, and ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. While most guides work as part of a small team or under a lead guide, there is significant independence in the field, and teamwork is essential for coordinating tours and managing emergencies. Guides can expect opportunities for advancement into senior guide or training roles, especially with experience and additional certifications. Those who enjoy working outdoors, interacting with diverse groups, and handling dynamic situations will find this role both challenging and rewarding.

How much do snowmobile guides make?

Snowmobile guides typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and season. Tips and additional compensation can also significantly increase total earnings, especially in popular tourist areas or high-demand seasons.

Is a snowmobile guide a good career?

A snowmobile guide is a seasonal outdoor job that involves leading groups on snowmobile tours, often requiring knowledge of terrain and safety procedures. It can be a rewarding job for those who enjoy outdoor activities and customer interaction, but it typically offers variable income and limited year-round employment. Certification in safety and first aid is often required.

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

The most popular types of Snowmobile Guide jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Snowmobile Guide jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Snowmobile Guide jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Snowmobile Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,448 per year, or $17 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Royal Gorge Cross Country, Sugar Bowl's Nordic Ski area, is now hiring Nordic Ski Patrol for the upcoming winter season! Royal Gorge Nordic Ski Patrollers ensure the overall safety of the ski area and our guests. Ski Patrol provides first aid and emergency transportation to injured skiers, keeps ski trails clear of obstacles (such as down trees, limbs, and brush) and maintains ski trail signage, marks hazards and detours. Patrollers also play a key role in educating guests and employees about ski safety awareness and control, maintain proper safety equipment and signage across the ski area and help facilitate the correction of safety problems - all while being one of the most trusted, visible faces on the trails. Patrols are conducted on snowmobile and on skis.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to "sunny California" since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are:

Able to perform each essential duty of this role successfully and safely

A one-year certificate from a college or technical school; or 3-6 months of related ski patrol experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Possession of a valid Class C Driver License, with a driving record meeting the minimum standards required by Sugar Bowl Corp's insurance carrier

Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or equivalent. Current CPR and First Aid certifications required.

Comfortable performing the duties of the job while exposed to extreme High Sierra weather conditions

What You'll do:

Provide excellent customer service to guests, employees, and business partners

Maintain current knowledge of, implement, and enforce Sugar Bowl policies, procedures, rules, and regulations

Evaluate ski area emergency procedures, including trail/slope evacuations and fire evacuation procedures, and participate in training for such events

Provide first aid to guests and staff, and emergency transportation to injured skiers

Operate a snowmobile and associated implements

Inspect and mark hazards on slopes, trails, or in the lodge in accordance with safety policy and procedures

Keep ski trails clear of natural or man-made obstacles

Use chain saws, pole saws, hand saws, axes, loppers, and general hand tools to maintain clear trails

Welcome and check guests for trail passes and season passes

Evaluate and implement safety programs for employees and guests designed to reduce work-related accidents and liability exposure

Assist with snow removal, including shoveling and clearing walkways, stairs, equipment, and other areas as needed

Complete reports and paperwork related to incidents and injury accidents, coordinate accident investigations, and report all incidents to the General Manager and Assistant Manager

Monitor the ski area for safety hazards or incidents, and maintain a positive, professional rapport with employees, management, and guests regarding safety issues

Maintain expert ski level, handle rescue sleds, drive snowmobiles, and coordinate search and rescue operations at the ski area

Help with parking on weekends

Physical Requirements:

Capable of skiing all Royal Gorge terrain

Capable of working outdoors in extreme High Sierra winter weather for extended periods

Comfortable lifting, carrying, and maneuvering rescue sleds and injured guests, often over 50 lbs with assistance

Manual dexterity for operating chain saws, hand tools, and emergency medical equipment safely

Able to operate a snowmobile and associated rescue equipment in varied and challenging terrain

Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to identify hazards, respond to emergencies, and communicate over radio

Able to shovel and clear snow, including heavy, wet snow, as needed

Winter Benefits:

Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service

Paid sick time

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional development opportunities

Free ski and tubing passes for employees

Free ski passes for dependents

50% off food at our restaurants

Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees

Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends

Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations

Hotel discounts

Employee ski reciprocal programs

Sugar Bowl Resort believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, hair, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.