Trail Maintenance Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sugar Bowl is seeking a hardworking, safety-minded, and adventure-driven Trail Crew Member to join our Mountain Operations team. This is a physically demanding, deeply rewarding role for someone who loves working outdoors, takes pride in hands-on craftsmanship, and thrives in the rugged, ever-changing environment of a mountain resort. If you find satisfaction in a hard day's work, enjoy variety in your daily tasks, and feel at home on steep terrain and open ridgelines, this is the role for you.

As a Trail Crew Member, you'll play a vital role in keeping Sugar Bowl's mountain safe, beautiful, and guest-ready across our seasons. From trail maintenance and brush clearing to labor support, your work will directly shape the experience of every guest who sets foot on our mountain.

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:

A dependable, punctual, and self-motivated individual who shows up ready to work and takes ownership of your responsibilities

A strong team player who communicates well, supports your crew, and brings a positive attitude even on tough days

A quick and eager learner who can absorb new skills, techniques, and safety protocols on the fly

Calm and focused under pressure; someone who can navigate high-stress, fast-paced situations with composure and good judgment

Genuinely committed to the safety and courtesy of those around you, whether that's a fellow crew member or a guest on the mountain

Comfortable working at heights, on steep and variable terrain, and in unpredictable alpine conditions across all weather

What You'll do:

Execute a wide range of trail maintenance tasks including hiking, shoveling, brush cutting, raking, firewood cutting, tree trimming -safely, efficiently, and with attention to detail

Work confidently on steep, variable, and technically challenging mountain terrain in all conditions

Support Mountain Operations with snowmaking maintenance and hands-on contributions to active capital improvement projects

Assist Summer Revenue and Village Services departments as operational needs arise, demonstrating flexibility and a team-first mindset

Respond to summer lift evacuation scenarios as needed, including sustained hiking and ladder climbing.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to hike extended distances on steep, uneven, and rugged terrain while carrying tools or equipment - regularly up to 50 lbs.

Comfortable working at elevation in varying alpine weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and afternoon thunderstorms

Sufficient upper and lower body strength for sustained physical labor including shoveling, cutting, lifting, and hauling throughout a full shift

Ability to climb ladders and work confidently at heights

Adequate physical stamina for full-day outdoor work shifts, often in remote areas of the mountain with limited access

Hand-eye coordination and physical dexterity required for safe operation of power tools, cutting equipment, and manual implements

Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical assessment if required

Summer Benefits:

Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1000hrs (and 1-yr)

Paid sick time

Professional Development Opportunities

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.