Lead Heli-Ski Guide

CMH Heli-Skiing; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mountain guiding company in British Columbia seeks a Lead Guide. You will manage operational logistics, prioritize guest safety, and lead a team of ski guides. Candidates must have significant experience in guiding and excellent communication skills. A competitive daily rate along with benefits such as medical coverage and paid training is offered.

Benefits

Medical & Dental benefits after 160 days

Employer-paid training

Food and accommodation provided during shifts

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Heli-Ski Guide.
• CAA Level 2 (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
• Experience with ski programs involving helicopters preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage conduct in the mountains to minimize risk while maximizing guest experience.
• Supervise, train, and mentor other guides.
• Assist in operational management of the heli-ski and ski touring programs.

Skills

Excellent communication in English

Risk management skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Education

ACMG Ski or Snowboard guide or equivalent

Level 2 Ski Instructor or equivalent

80-hour wilderness first aid course or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

As a Lead Guide, your primary responsibility is to effectively lead the day-to-day operational logistics of your area's ski programs while managing overall risk for CMH's guests, staff, and business. This includes carefully balancing the risk versus reward in relation to guest expectations and CMH's risk tolerance.

In addition to operational oversight, you will be held accountable for delivering exceptional guest experiences, whether in the field or at various CMH facilities. A significant aspect of your role will involve supervising, training, and mentoring less experienced Ski and Apprentice Ski Guides. You will ensure they demonstrate effective risk management and meet CMH's high standards for guest satisfaction.

Working as a cohesive team, you will play a crucial role in training and mentoring less experienced guides in all aspects of guiding-related skills. Your leadership will be instrumental in upholding safety standards and delivering memorable experiences for both guests and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage conduct in the mountains for yourself and all people entrusted to your care in a manner that minimizes risk while maximizing the guest experience.
• Organize, lead, and help to manage the heli-ski and ski touring program(s).
• Take a leadership role in facilitating and leading guides’ meetings.
• Clear ability to exercise sound risk management skills within CMH’s risk tolerance, while demonstrating an effective, well-thought-out decision-making process.
• Be respectful, friendly, and courteous when interacting with all guests. Ensure their safety, comfort, and enjoyment on and off the hill. Be sensitive to individual needs while respecting personal space and learning needs.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills involved with guiding, aviation, management, and all CMH staff.
• Assist with the supervising, training, and mentoring of Ski Guides and Apprentice Ski Guides.
• Develop interpersonal and language skills to communicate effectively with guests and other guides. Give clear instructions at the appropriate time and use supplementary skills to host and entertain where appropriate.
• Be physically fit and mentally prepared to be able to perform the duties of a guide effectively.
• Come prepared for meetings to provide knowledgeable, appropriate, and focused feedback to help the guiding team analyze and effectively manage hazards and risk, and to provide a suitable and enjoyable ski program. Exercise authority, at any time, to veto any decision which, in your judgment, may compromise safety.
• Provide coaching for staff and guests, as needed.
• Familiarize yourself with the terrain by studying maps, asking questions during guide meetings, and studying both winter and summer run photos and maps.
• Have a thorough working knowledge and competence in all technical systems associated with the operation. Participate in annual training to refresh and upgrade these skills.
• Be thoroughly familiar with all written CMH procedures and guidelines that govern the operation, and always act in accordance with them.
• Maintain and, where possible, upgrade your certification with your country’s professional guiding association and other relevant agencies.
• Supply personal gear and mountain equipment as needed. Always carry the required safety equipment as outlined in the CMH Mountain Operations Manual, and Heli-Cat Canada guidelines. Maintain equipment as necessary to ensure functionality. Treat equipment issued to you with due care and return when requested.
• Support guests in the field program as needed.
• Support guest experience at the lodge as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• ACMG Ski or Snowboard guide (or equivalent), or IFMGA Mountain Guide, or CSGA Level 3.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Heli-Ski Guide.
• Level 2 Ski Instructor or equivalent, preferred.
• CAA Level 2 (or equivalent), required; CAA Level 3, preferred.
• WCB Avalanche Control Blaster’s Certification, preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a Lead Heli-Ski Guide, preferred.
• Experience with ski programs that involve helicopters, preferred.
• 80-hour wilderness first aid course, or advanced workplace first aid certification (or equivalent).
• Canadian Commercial Class 4 (restricted) driver’s license, preferred.
• Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualities

• Excellent ability to communicate in English is required; additional languages are an asset.
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion, critical thinking, adaptability, and effective problem-solving.
• Demonstrates an effective process to manage risk.
• Demonstrates excellent, clear, effective, and professional communication skills.
• Is organized with clear attention-to-detail.
• Able to prioritize tasks and responsibilities in a complex and fast-paced environment with workload fluctuations and changing priorities.
• Trustworthy, goal-oriented, respectful, and self-directed in completing the core functions of the role.
• Confidence to interact with all levels of the company in a hub-and-spoke model in which many employees are remote, as well as having the confidence to interact with guests from all backgrounds, joining us from around the world.
• Strong sense of work ethic and accountability, with an ability to function well in a team environment and focus on team success.
• A willingness to learn and develop skills with on-the-job training and mentoring.
• Have sound personal stress assessment and management practices that effectively identify and manage the stressors related to the job.

Working Conditions

• CMH Heli-Ski Guides are expected to maintain a high level of physical fitness, stamina, and resilience to perform their duties safely and effectively in a remote mountain environment.
• Guides must be capable of lifting and transporting equipment multiple times per day, including up to 12 pairs of skis / snowboards (weighing up to 20 lbs each) and 12 guest packs (approximately 5 lbs each), potentially repeated up to 30 times daily.
• Daily operational requirements include skiing between 6,000 and 14,000 vertical meters through variable snow and terrain conditions while maintaining group safety, pace, and energy.
• Guides are required to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -35°C, limited visibility, and high alpine environments.
• The role demands rapid response to emergency situations, including avalanche rescue, injury response, and helicopter-assisted evacuation, requiring physical and mental readiness at all times.
• Work is physically demanding and performed while wearing cold-weather gear, avalanche safety equipment, and carrying a professional guiding pack containing safety and medical gear.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment
• This position requires you to work on weekends and holidays, based on the needs of the business.
• This position is based at a remote site and shift work is required. A typical rotation is 2-weeks on and 1-week off.
• CMH is committed to developing a rich culture, a diverse workforce, and a healthy work environment in which every employee is treated fairly and respected. Each employee will contribute to the company's success while also having the opportunity to achieve their full potential as individuals.

Other Duties as Assigned

This position description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the role described above. With the evolution of CMH, the responsibilities of this position may change, as may the details that are associated with many of the tasks. During these times of change, this position requires flexibility and a willingness to accept new responsibilities and potentially transfer others.

Compensation

A competitive daily rate will be provided, along with vacation pay. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

Benefits and Perks :

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage.
• Medical & Dental benefits included following the 160-day waiting period (actual days worked).
• Group Savings Plan access following the 160-day waiting period (actual days worked).
• Employer-paid training in key areas of the role.
• First aid course reimbursement is available for employees who meet CMH’s seasonal commitment requirement.
• Food and accommodation are provided while on work shifts.
• One round-trip airfare, or travel reimbursement, may be provided for full-time, seasonal employees (if coming outside of Canada)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

• CMH is an equal opportunity employer

TO APPLY :

Visit the CMH job board at :

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Company Website :

Contact Information :

Rachel Machin

Senior Generalist, Employee Experience

403-762-7100