Specialist Nordic Center Activities

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

Job Summary:

The Kirkwood Cross Country Center has part-time positions available for Nordic Center  Specialist position for the upcoming winter season!  

Job Specifications: 

• Starting Wage: $22.00/hr - $28.60/hr 

• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  

• Shift Type: Full Time hours available 

• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

• Housing Availability: No  

Job Responsibilities:   

• Teaching group & private lessons (beginner, intermediate, & advanced – all ages) of all cross-country ski disciplines (classic & skate)
• Guided tours on snowshoes or skis
• Trail inspection & maintenance
• Trail pass ‘patrol’
• Equipment rentals & fitting
• Point of Sale – all product sales: season pass sales, day tickets & packages, & retail sales
• Rental equipment maintenance & ski tuning/waxing
• Provide exceptional guest service at all times for both internal and external guests to create the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
• Protecting the safety of self, co-workers, and guests at all times by following all company and department safety policies and procedures.
• Provide guests with information about the Cross Country Center's trail system and offerings, as well as other resort information (directions, prices, etc.).
• Performing all rental and retail duties, including opening, cash handling, and closing procedures, running reports, locating and processing customer information, and fitting rental equipment.
• Providing guests with instruction on cross country ski and snowshoe techniques in group settings in accordance with resort methodology.
• Exhibiting the ability to demonstrate and communicate proper ski and snowshoe technique while maintaining a fun and safe atmosphere during lessons and guided tours.
• Monitoring telephone and email communications and responding to guest requests in a timely, courteous, and professional manner.
• Assisting the Cross Country Center Manager with coordination and administrative duties as needed.
• Conducting equipment, trail, and facility maintenance as needed (including cleaning and waxing skis, assisting with snow removal, etc.).
• Exhibiting punctuality and time management skills while completing assigned tasks (including reliably clocking in and out for breaks).
• Maintaining a commitment to learning and improvement by evaluating personal performance and accepting feedback from crew members and supervisor(s).
• Reporting any potentially harmful equipment or situations as well as accidents or incidents to the immediate supervisor(s) without delay.
• Contributing to team effort by participating in Job Sharing, accepting diverse assignments, and maintaining a positive and friendly attitude and demeanor in all internal and external interactions.
• Assuming responsibility for the cleanliness of the Cross Country Center and for the safety of guests and employees, and participating in all safety and service meetings.
• Meeting service level objectives and department goals as set forth by the manager.
• Maintaining flexible work hours (short days, ride breaks, etc.) with the ability to respond to changes in the work environment (weather, on site events, etc.).

Job Requirements:

• Proficient in all disciplines of cross-country skiing (skate & classic) and snowshoeing.
• The ability to teach cross country ski lessons (skate & classic)
• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent education.
• Must have excellent guest service and interpersonal skills.
• Must be fluent in all aspects of the English language (spoken and written).
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to carry out oral and written instructions, requesting clarification when needed.
• Must have basic knowledge of diagonal stride and skate skiing, word processing and spreadsheet programs, and internet navigation.
• Must have on snow experience with snowshoe, diagonal stride, and skate ski equipment.
• Must be available to work holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships and perform well in a team.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a high alpine environment.
• Must have sight, speech, and hearing abilities sufficient to learn skills and follow and provide directions.
• Must be able to lift, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach frequently.
• Must be able to communicate constantly with talk, hearing, and vision.

Preferred skills:

• Experience working with guests of all ages in the guest service industry.
• Knowledge of the local area and resort.
• Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring

The expected pay range is $22.00/hr - $28.60/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  516185
Reference Date: 07/25/2026 
Job Code Function: Nordic Center