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Trail Riding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ski Patroller - Alpine

Olympic Valley, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $35.01/hr

... trail maintenance, mountain sweeps, lift evacuation and explosives handling. Job duties vary ... Free skiing + riding privileges to 17 iconic resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain ...

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Trail Riding information

What is trail riding?

Trail riding is a recreational activity where individuals ride horses along designated trails, typically through forests, mountains, fields, or other natural landscapes. It is enjoyed by people of all skill levels and can involve short rides or multi-day excursions. Trail riding offers the opportunity to connect with nature, improve horsemanship skills, and enjoy the companionship of horses in a relaxed, scenic environment. Safety, respect for nature, and proper horse care are essential components of trail riding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trail riding guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trail Riding Guide, you need strong horsemanship, knowledge of trail safety, and often certifications in first aid or equine management. Familiarity with GPS devices, equestrian tack, and communication radios is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership are crucial soft skills for guiding riders and handling unexpected situations. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and confidence of both riders and horses during trail excursions.

What are some common challenges faced by trail riding guides, and how can they be addressed?

Trail riding guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with varying riding abilities, ensuring safety on uneven terrain, and handling unexpected situations like spooked horses or sudden weather changes. To address these, guides should conduct thorough pre-ride briefings, match horses to riders' experience levels, and maintain strong communication throughout the ride. Developing quick problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are crucial, as is having proper first aid and emergency training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is the difference between Trail Riding vs Horseback Riding?

AspectTrail RidingHorseback Riding
CertificationsOptional; experience recommendedOptional; experience recommended
Work EnvironmentOutdoor trails, natural settingsVaries; outdoor or indoor arenas
Industry UsageRecreational, tourism, equestrian sportsRecreational, competitive, therapeutic

Trail Riding specifically involves riding horses on outdoor trails and natural terrains, often for recreation or tourism. Horseback Riding is a broader term that includes various riding styles, including trail riding, arena riding, and competitive disciplines. While both require basic riding skills, trail riding emphasizes outdoor experience and navigation, whereas horseback riding can encompass a wider range of activities and environments.

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

The top searched job categories for Trail Riding jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Trail Riding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Parking Lot Attendant - Winter 26-27

Bear Valley Mountain Resort LLC

Bear Valley, CA โ€ข On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary 

Our Parking Lot Attendants are part of a friendly and positive team who set up and take down signs and road cones daily in the parking lot, as well as assist guests in parking their vehicles, direct traffic, and facilitates the preferred parking operations at the ski Resort.

Also assisting guests with their possible automotive problems and perform snow removal around the base lodge facility when required.


Full Time and Part Time positions available. 

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and the qualifications for the position. The job description is not intended to be inclusive of all duties an individual in the position might be asked to perform or of all the qualifications that may be required now or in the future. We will not ask you to perform a task that is inherently unsafe or that you are not adequately trained to perform. When we do ask for your assistance with any job, we expect an enthusiastic and cooperative response.

 

  • Provide our guests with a fun and safe experience when visiting Bear Valley. This crew is the first and last to greet our guests and plays an important role in ensuring our guests start and end their day with the help and support of a friendly staff member
  • Setup and take down signs and road cones and barriers with daily operation
  • Safely direct traffic, maintain guest safety and park cars
  • Assist guests in finding resort facilities and providing accurate and friendly information
  • Assist guests with automotive trouble when needed
  • Ski Lodge area snow removal
  • Assist and provide information to the accident investigation team with incidents involving the parking lot, not limited to vehicle collisions and slips and falls
  • Deployment of crowd control signs and barricades for the safety of our guests and employees regarding helicopter zone
  • Other tasks and projects as required
and Competencies
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions
  • Ability to safely direct traffic and park cars 
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Positive attitude who works well as part of a team


Work Schedules

Weather, snow conditions and the number of guests play a large role in the work scheduling of Bear Valley employees.

When conditions are normal, you may be expected to work 40 and up to 48 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. During busy periods – especially the holiday periods in December and the months of January and February – you may be expected to work six (6) days a week.

You must arrange for transportation to work so that you arrive at your designated workstation at the scheduled time. Keep in mind that you will often be required to drive on hilly, snow packed, and icy roads.

 Working Conditions

At any time during the ski season, Bear Valley employees are often required to perform their tasks in high winds, heavy snowfalls, low visibility, rain, and extremely cold or warm temperatures.


Uniforms

A professional appearance at Bear Valley is required. Please wear your name tag and uniform at all times during your scheduled shift. We will provide most of the uniforms for you to do your job. This uniform is for work hours ONLY, no exceptions. 

You will be required to provide some items as part of your job.

The quality, color, and style of the items must be approved by your manager prior to being worn to work. All hats worn must have the Bear Valley logo while on shift.


The skiing/riding employee represents a model for safe skiing for both the guest and fellow employees. You are required to be aware of all safe skiing procedures, trail closures, and out-of-bounds policies of the mountain.