Senior Manager Snow Surfaces

Job Description

Job Description

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 Epic 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.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job 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
  
  

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager Snow Surfaces is responsible for the year-round oversight and coordination of the Snowmaking, Grooming, and Terrain Parks departments plus summer construction operations to ensure a consistent and safe product for our employees and guests. This position develops and executes plans that ensure exceptional snow quality, surface conditions, and terrain experiences across the resort while supporting guest satisfaction, employee engagement, safety, environmental stewardship, and financial performance.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Mountain Operations, the Senior Manager leads multiple teams and managers, oversees capital and operating budgets, and works collaboratively across resort departments to deliver a world-class winter experience aligned with Vail Resorts' values and objectives.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $79,086.00 - $112,981.00 + annual bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round 
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities

• Lead all Snowmaking, Grooming, and Terrain Park operations.
• Develop seasonal operating plans to support terrain delivery, snow quality, and resort objectives.
• Manage and develop managers, supervisors, and frontline teams through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and workforce planning.
• Manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring efficient use of labor, equipment, energy, and resources.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Mountain Maintenance, Health and Safety, and resort leadership teams to ensure exceptional mountain conditions and guest experiences.
• Monitor operational performance and implement strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and employee engagement.
• Support long-range planning, infrastructure improvements, and capital projects.

Job Requirements:

• 7 years leadership experience in ski resort or mountain operations.
• Experience leading Snowmaking, Grooming, Terrain Parks, or related operational departments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Proven experience managing budgets and operational performance.
• Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced, weather-dependent environment.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience managing multiple operational departments.
• Knowledge of snowmaking systems, grooming equipment, and terrain park operations.
• Experience with capital planning and project management.

Success in This Role

Success will be measured through safe operations, achievement of snowmaking and terrain delivery goals, grooming quality, terrain park excellence, employee engagement, guest satisfaction, and budget performance.

Work Environment: This position requires working outdoors in winter conditions and a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and overnight operations as needed.

The expected pay range is $79,086.00 - $112,981.00 + annual bonus. 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  518023
Reference Date: 09/30/2026 
Job Code Function: Leadership - Mtn Ops