ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eleven Experience

Snow Safety Manager

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$6.0K/mo

At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels ... Minimum of 5 years ski industry supervisory experience * Minimum of 10 years professional snow ...

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Jackson, WY · On-site +1

$19.52/hr

Experienced guiding paying clients in avalanche explosive mitigation work, or providing avalanche ... ski area; Maintained seasonal records of snowpack, weather and avalanche observations for ...

MultiCare

Radiology Tech Trainee - Rockwood

Spokane, WA · On-site

$30.95/hr

Residents enjoy lakes, rivers, ski resorts, golf courses, wineries, and nearby national parks ... Living our values Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients ...

PLACE

Earning your Real Estate License?

Silverthorne, CO · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Become part of a team guided by a seasoned mentor with 25 years of expertise in Summit County, the ... Previous real estate sales experience not required for trainees * Strong verbal and written ...

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center

Be Seen First

Respiratory Therapist

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$30 - $43.75/hr

For details about our benefits, visit our Benefits Guide. Ready to join our team? Explore current ... In the winter there are designated snowmobile routes and backcountry skiing. Monarch Ski ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBackcountry Ski Guide JobsTrainee Backcountry Ski Guide Jobs

Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide information

See salary details

$12

$22

$29

How much do trainee backcountry ski guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee backcountry ski guide in the United States is $22.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee backcountry ski guides during their initial training period?

Trainee Backcountry Ski Guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group safety in avalanche-prone terrain, and building strong communication skills with guests and senior guides. The role demands a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience, as trainees are expected to handle long days in remote, cold environments while making quick, safe decisions. Additionally, balancing the technical aspects of guiding with customer service and learning to anticipate client needs are crucial skills developed during the training period.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee backcountry ski guide?

To thrive as a Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide, you need strong skiing ability, avalanche safety knowledge, and basic wilderness first aid training, often supported by certifications such as Avalanche Safety Training (AST 1/2) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Familiarity with navigation tools like GPS devices, avalanche transceivers, and mapping software is essential. Excellent judgment, clear communication, and leadership under pressure are vital soft skills for guiding and managing group dynamics in unpredictable environments. These skills and qualifications ensure both client safety and enjoyable experiences while navigating remote and potentially hazardous terrain.

What is a trainee backcountry ski guide?

A Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide is someone who is in the process of gaining the skills, experience, and certifications necessary to lead groups safely in off-piste and remote mountain areas on skis. They typically work under the supervision of certified guides, assisting with trip planning, navigation, avalanche safety, and client care while learning the complexities of guiding in challenging winter environments. Trainees often participate in formal training programs and gradually take on more responsibilities as they progress toward full certification.

What is the difference between Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide vs Certified Backcountry Ski Guide?

AspectTrainee Backcountry Ski GuideCertified Backcountry Ski Guide
CertificationsBasic first aid, introductory avalanche training, beginner guiding certificationsAdvanced avalanche certifications, professional guiding certifications (e.g., ACMG, IFMGA)
Work EnvironmentSupervised, beginner to intermediate terrain, learning-focusedIndependent guiding, advanced terrain, client management
Experience LevelEntry-level, gaining practical guiding skillsExperienced, with extensive guiding hours and certifications

The main difference between a Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide and a Certified Backcountry Ski Guide lies in experience, certifications, and independence. Trainees are in the learning phase, working under supervision with basic certifications, while certified guides are fully qualified, experienced professionals capable of leading clients independently in challenging terrain.

More about Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backcountry Ski Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs are:
Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Backcountry Ski Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,727 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Snow Safety Manager

Eleven Experience

Crested Butte, CO • On-site

$6.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us
Eleven is like no other place. We're an adventure travel company with a diverse portfolio of intimate, extraordinary adventure lodges in remote locations around the world. We strive to give every one of our guests the best day of their life everyday, whether heli-skiing near the Arctic Circle in Iceland or casting for bonefish on a remote island in the Bahamas. At each destination our guided backcountry adventures await guests of all ages and skill levels. Our lodges, chalets, and beach houses combine five-star accommodations with incredible cuisine. To our guests we are trusted, down to Earth, smart, innovative, discrete and fun. To our international team, we are a community with genuine camaraderie, and we value creativity, work ethic, kindness, and strong communication. Our success is dependent on our employees' well being, and we continue to evolve more programs and benefits to support work life balance, and remain open to ideas, feedback, and new sustainable approaches. We take pride in promoting employees from within who prove to be committed, valuable, and have a genuine desire to grow.
Position Summary
Irwin Backcountry Guides is seeking an experienced Snow Safety Manager to lead avalanche mitigation and snow safety operations in Crested Butte, Colorado. This role is responsible for developing and executing snow safety programs, monitoring weather and snowpack conditions, managing hazard mitigation activities, and helping ensure the safety of guests, staff, and operations in mountain environments. The ideal candidate has strong avalanche knowledge, leadership experience, sound judgment, and the ability to perform in dynamic winter conditions. This is a full-time, season position offering a salary of $6,000 per month. The Winter season runs mid-November through mid-April.
Position Purpose
The Snow Safety Manager is a member of the Irwin Guides leadership team with primary responsibilities focused on avalanche forecasting, assessment, mitigation, training, and documentation. The Snow Safety manager supports the Mountain Manager and Guide Manager with operations supervisor and guiding duties as needed.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks
Daily
  • Lead avalanche forecasting, assessment, and hazard mitigation efforts
    • Manage the snow safety portion of AM & PM guide meetings.
    • Manage all run openings and closings
  • Work as a certified Blaster-in-Charge during avalanche mitigation
  • Perform operations manager and/or guiding duties as required

Ongoing
  • Oversee weather, snowpack, and avalanche database entry
  • Oversee daily observations submission
  • Collaborate on snow safety scheduling
  • Produce avalanche incident documentation
  • Purchase, store, and document explosive usage per Colorado and ATF requirements
    • Maintain current State and Federal explosives permits and licenses.
    • Serve as an ATF Responsible Person

Seasonal
  • Develop and manage the explosives training program
  • Develop and manage snow safety mentorship and training programs
  • Manage the boot packing program
  • Create the snow safety portion of the End of Season Report
  • Oversee revisions of Avalanche Rescue and Snow Safety Operating Plans

Preferred Qualifications
  • Pro 2 Avalanche Certification or equivalent.
  • Minimum Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification.
  • Colorado Type 1 Explosives Permit or the ability to obtain one
  • Minimum of 5 years ski industry supervisory experience
  • Minimum of 10 years professional snow safety experience
  • High level operational weather and avalanche forecasting skills
  • High level operational risk management skills
  • Strong organization and communication skills
  • Strong work ethic, teamwork, and dynamic decision making skills.
  • High level self and social awareness
  • Experience with professional mentoring and training

Special Position Requirements
  • Must be comfortable traveling in complex avalanche terrain
  • Must be comfortable transporting, storing, assembling, and detonating explosives

Work Requirements
  • Expert skiing skills
  • Must be able to snowmobile to/from Irwin in all conditions
  • Must be able to work all day in a high elevation extreme winter weather environment
  • Must be able to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply