Lead Ski Patrol

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:
Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Ski Patrol team is no exception to ensuring this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for promoting the safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on promoting safety with the ability to remain calm in a crisis when incidents arise. 

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $24.00/hr - $30.61/hr 
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 
• Shift Type: Full Time
• Minimum Age:  At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: Yes 

Job Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Demonstrate professionalism by arriving prepared each day with a positive attitude and approachable demeanor.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team environment while working effectively with all members of the Ski Patrol.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the assigned patrol station.
• Lead the daily morning briefing by:
• Communicating the operational plan for the day.
• Assigning patrol roles and responsibilities within the assigned station.
• Reviewing operational priorities, current conditions, hazard assessments, and safety objectives.
• Conduct end-of-day debriefs to evaluate operational effectiveness, discuss lessons learned, and share key takeaways with the patrol team.
• Partner with Patrol Management and the Training Coordinator to support training initiatives, work projects, special events, and operational priorities while balancing staffing and operational needs throughout the day.

Snow Safety Operations

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the Kirkwood snow safety program and avalanche terrain.
• Maintain a consistent awareness of operational goals, current terrain footprint, terrain status, and sign line conditions.
• Monitor route assignments and support the efficient and thorough completion of snow safety routes and grooming clearances.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively to facilitate safe and timely snow safety operations and terrain openings.
• Collaborate with station personnel, Patrol Management, Snow Safety leadership, Grooming, Mountain Operations, and other departments to achieve operational objectives.
• Maintain accountability for explosive inventory and assist with planning explosive needs for subsequent operational periods.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead by example and consistently promote a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.
• Provide strong day-to-day leadership and operational oversight of the assigned patrol station.
• Effectively delegate responsibilities while empowering patrollers to utilize their skills, take ownership of assignments, and contribute to operational success.
• Deliver timely, constructive coaching and performance feedback to patrol staff. Communicate relevant observations and operational concerns appropriately with Patrol Supervisors, Management, and partner departments.
• Support Patrol Management in conducting meaningful mid-season performance check-ins and end-of-season performance evaluations.
• Encourage accountability, continuous improvement, and adherence to Ski Patrol standards, policies, and safety procedures.

Core Expectations

• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and integrity in all operational decisions.
• Prioritize the safety of guests and employees while maintaining efficient patrol operations.
• Adapt to changing mountain conditions, operational priorities, and staffing needs while maintaining a flexible, team-oriented attitude. Remain calm under pressure, make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and demonstrate a dynamic, solutions-oriented approach.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, communication, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required  
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification required  
• Valid driver’s license required
• 5 years of previous patrol experience required; supervisory experience preferred  
• Must be at least 18+ or 21+ years old 
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English  
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends  
• Ability to use all senses  
• Ability to lift and transport 50 to 100 pounds with or without assistance  
• Ability to frequently walk/stand, sit/climb, balance, stoop/kneel, crouch/crawl, and reach throughout the course of work in all climate conditions and at high elevations 

The expected pay range is $24.00/hr - $30.61/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  515711
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol