Avalanche Technician

Big White Ski Resort Ltd; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Seasonal employee benefits

Ski resort privileges

Job summary

Big White Ski Resort Ltd invites applications for an Avalanche Technician – Full Time Seasonal. You will support safe mountain operations through avalanche forecasting, hazard assessment, and snow safety work with Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations.

Responsibilities include monitoring conditions, conducting stability tests, coordinating with teams, and participating in emergency response when required; safety and meticulous reporting are essential in this high-altitude environment.

Qualifications

• CAA ITP 1 or actively pursuing it.
• Current First Aid Level 3 or equivalent wilderness certification.
• Valid PAL or explosives authorization, or ability to obtain.
• Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in advanced alpine terrain.
• Experience with snowpack observations and avalanche hazard assessments.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
• Able to work outdoors in severe winter weather.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, holidays during winter season.

Responsibilities

• Monitor weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions through regular field observations and data collection.
• Conduct snow stability tests, snow profile analyses, and avalanche hazard assessments.
• Plan and carry out avalanche control operations using approved methods and explosives in accordance with provincial regulations, resort procedures, and industry best practices.
• Prepare daily avalanche hazard forecasts and communicate operational recommendations to Ski Patrol leadership and Mountain Operations.
• Assist with opening terrain following avalanche control work and confirm areas are safe for public access.
• Maintain accurate records of weather observations, snowpack data, avalanche occurrences, and control activities.
• Collaborate with Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Grooming, and Mountain Operations to coordinate safe mountain operations.
• Participate in emergency response, search and rescue, and incident management when required.
• Inspect, maintain, and inventory avalanche control equipment, explosives storage, and safety gear.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the resort’s Snow Safety Program.
• Participate in preseason planning, training, and operational readiness exercises.
• Maintain compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations and all applicable safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Skiing/snowboarding in alpine terrain

Snowpack observations

Avalanche hazard assessments

Communication & teamwork

Decision-making under pressure

Physical fitness

Education

CAA ITP 1 or working towards it

First Aid Level 3 or equivalent wilderness certification

PAL or explosives authorization, or ability to obtain

Valid Class 5 driver's license

Job description

AVALANCHE TECHNICIAN – Full Time Seasonal

The Avalanche Technician is responsible for supporting the safe operation of Big White Ski Resort through avalanche forecasting, hazard assessment, mitigation, and snow safety operations. Working as part of the Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations teams, the Avalanche Technician monitors snowpack conditions, performs avalanche control work, and provides technical expertise to reduce avalanche risk within the ski area and associated operational zones.

This position requires strong technical knowledge, sound decision-making under changing mountain conditions, and the ability to work safely in challenging alpine environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions through regular field observations and data collection.
• Conduct snow stability tests, snow profile analyses, and avalanche hazard assessments.
• Plan and carry out avalanche control operations using approved methods and explosives in accordance with provincial regulations, resort procedures, and industry best practices.
• Prepare daily avalanche hazard forecasts and communicate operational recommendations to Ski Patrol leadership and Mountain Operations.
• Assist with opening terrain following avalanche control work and confirm areas are safe for public access.
• Maintain accurate records of weather observations, snowpack data, avalanche occurrences, and control activities.
• Collaborate with Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Grooming, and Mountain Operations to coordinate safe mountain operations.
• Participate in emergency response, search and rescue, and incident management when required.
• Inspect, maintain, and inventory avalanche control equipment, explosives storage, and safety gear.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the resort’s Snow Safety Program.
• Participate in preseason planning, training, and operational readiness exercises.
• Maintain compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations and all applicable safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• CAA ITP 1 or working towards it
• Current Occupational First Aid Level 3 (or equivalent advanced wilderness medical certification).
• Valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or authorization to work with explosives, or the ability to obtain required certifications.
• Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in advanced alpine terrain under all snow conditions.
• Experience performing snowpack observations and avalanche hazard assessments.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in severe winter weather for extended periods.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Preferred

• Previous experience in ski area avalanche operations.
• Experience with avalanche forecasting software and snow observation databases.
• Canadian Avalanche Association Professional or Practitioner Membership.
• Rope rescue, helicopter safety, or other mountain rescue training.
• Experience operating snowmobiles, snowcats, or utility vehicles in mountain environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of avalanche science, mountain meteorology, and snowpack evolution.
• Ability to assess changing hazards and make informed operational decisions.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Strong written documentation and reporting abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations.
• Commitment to teamwork and a strong safety culture.
• High level of physical fitness and endurance.

Physical Requirements

• Ski or snowboard in steep and variable terrain daily.
• Lift, carry, and transport equipment weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs).
• Work in extreme winter weather, low visibility, and remote alpine environments.
• Travel over uneven snow-covered terrain for extended periods.

Working Conditions

• Early morning starts, weekends, holidays, and variable schedules throughout the winter season.
• Exposure to severe weather, explosives, heavy equipment, and mountain hazards.
• Frequent work at elevation in changing environmental conditions.
• Participation in emergency response outside regular operating hours when required.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in one of Canada’s premier mountain environments.
• Collaborative and safety-focused team culture.
• Professional development and ongoing technical training.
• Seasonal employee benefits and resort privileges, including skiing and snowboarding access (subject to resort policy).

Big White Ski Resort is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional working environment for employees and guests alike.

Tagged as: Seasonal