Assistant Manager: Ski & Ride School - Hourly

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes

Free ski lessons

40% retail discounts

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development

Referral Program

Job summary

The Expedition Kirkwood Assistant Manager at Vail Resorts leads a team of coaches, instructors, leads, and staff to deliver season-long children’s programs and specialty lessons.

You will oversee programming, schedule management, and curriculum development to ensure a safe, engaging experience for guests of all ages during the winter season.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Previous leadership experience required; 3+ years supervisory experience preferred.
• Minimum PSIA or AASI Level 2 certification highly desired.
• Experience instructing children and/or adults in skiing and/or snowboarding.

Responsibilities

• Schedule all staff and monitor program levels; adjust instructor and staff work schedules accordingly.
• Coordinate daily lesson logistics; build class lists and manage inventory.
• Manage guest feedback from surveys, emails, calls, and in person; respond professionally and timely.
• Identify curriculum improvements; assist instructors to tailor programs to ages and ability levels.
• Identify training or resource needs to improve customer or employee experience.
• Oversee safety on the hill; communicate lift operations and grooming needs as they arise.
• Assist in hiring and training; manage labor costs to budget; coordinate rental facility staffing.
• Attend leadership meetings and cascade information to team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Guest-focused

Education

High school diploma

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.

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

Job Summary

The Expedition Kirkwood Assistant Manager leads a team of coaches, instructors, leads, support staff and coordinators to execute successful season long children's programs, specialty lessons, camps & clinics, and AIARE programs offered through Expedition Kirkwood. The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing the entirety of the Expedition Kirkwood programming. They are responsible for the operation and growth of the program by efficiently managing program and lesson logistics while supporting coaches, instructors, staff, and guests. The Assistant Manager also manages guest feedback, and works closely with the Senior Manager, SRS Manager, Adult & Kids Lesson Assistant Managers, Private Lesson Coordinator, and Training team to ensure instructors and staff are consistently inspiring fun and providing the best experience possible to our guests. They work to develop programming for our ever-changing customer base and expanding demand.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $27.00 - $32.14
• 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

• All staff scheduling, including monitoring of business levels within the programs and create/adjust instructor and support staff work schedules accordingly.
• Coordinate daily lesson logistics including assisting coordinators, if applicable, to build class lists, assign classes and manage inventory pools.
• Manage guest feedback from surveys, emails, phone calls and face-to-face interaction with parents and students. Guest feedback, including complaints, will be handled professionally and appropriately in a timely manner.
• Identify and make changes to the curriculum offered within the programs, and assist instructors and trainers through the Training Supervisor to create an experience that is appropriate for assigned program’s ages and ability levels.
• Identify areas where additional training or resources could improve the customer or employee experience both on- and off-snow.
• Hold staff accountable to policies and procedures as laid out in the Ski & Snowboard School Resources and the Kirkwood SRS Employee Handbook. This includes recognizing employees for positive behavior, and offering constructive advice/feedback on how to improve performance as well as taking disciplinary action when required. Escalate concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist the Ski & Snowboard School Senior Manager, Manager and Administrator with hiring and training.
• Manage labor costs to budget and make necessary adjustments based on changes in revenue and business levels.
• Work with department manager to oversee the Children’s Rental Facility; working with rental lead to manage labor based on demand and needs.
• Oversee on hill learning areas and open or close terrain as necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness. Communicate lift operations and grooming needs and requests as they arise.
• Work with Manager and Adult Supervisor to schedule and supervise staff and materials for daily setup and teardown procedures.
• Fill-in for other supervisors or coordinators as assigned by manager.
• Attend and participate in regular meetings of the leadership team, and disseminate the information gathered to their own team in a timely and efficient manner.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Previous leadership experience required, 3+ years supervisory experience preferred
• Minimum PSIA or AASI Level 2 certification highly desired
• Experience instructing children and/or adults in skiing and/or snowboarding
• Highly organized and have the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure
• Strong communication, motivational, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Must demonstrate the ability to follow, train, and enforce specific departmental procedures
• Must be positive, energetic, and upbeat with the ability to handle a fast-paced work environment
• Contemporary ski or snowboard equipment and clothing a must
• Employment in this position is subject to a satisfactory background screening
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays throughout the winter season, and understand the dynamics of a seasonal business

The expected pay range is $27.00 - $32.14. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

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.