Assistant Manager: Snowmaking - Hourly

Crested Butte, Llc; Crested Butte (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski/Mountain Perks: free passes

Friends & family lift discounts

Free ski lessons

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Excellent training and development

Referral Program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring a Snowmaking Assistant Manager to lead snowmaking operations for the Winter season in Colorado. The role involves supervising crews, coordinating water and energy resources, and ensuring safe, efficient snow production across the resort.

The position requires 3–5 years of snowmaking experience, 1–2 years of leadership, and strong mechanical/troubleshooting skills. Expect full-time shifts during the winter season with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of snowmaking experience.
• 1-2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of snowmaking equipment, systems, and operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work extended hours, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train snowmaking personnel.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to snowmaking crews.
• Support employee development through coaching and feedback.
• Promote safety and ensure policy compliance.
• Maintain staffing schedules and ensure adequate coverage.
• Lead operations in the Snowmaking Manager's absence.
• Plan and execute snowmaking strategies to meet opening dates and expansion goals.
• Monitor equipment performance and production metrics.

Skills

Snowmaking experience

Leadership

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Shift flexibility

Communication

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Snowmaking systems

Maintenance tools

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 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 Snowmaking Assistant Manager supports the planning, operation, and leadership of the snowmaking department to ensure safe, efficient, and effective snow production across the resort. This position assists in managing daily snowmaking operations, supervising personnel, maintaining equipment and infrastructure, and supporting strategic snowmaking plans to achieve terrain opening and season-long coverage objectives.

Working closely with the Snowmaking Manager and other Mountain Operations departments, the Assistant Manager helps oversee staffing, training, safety compliance, system maintenance, and operational performance while fostering a positive team culture focused on accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $25.00 - $35.20
• 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

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training snowmaking personnel.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to snowmaking crews.
• Support employee development through coaching, performance feedback, and mentoring.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Help create and maintain work schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Lead crews and make operational decisions in the absence of the Snowmaking Manager.

Snowmaking Operations

• Assist in planning and executing snowmaking strategies to support resort opening dates and terrain expansion goals.
• Monitor weather conditions, snowmaking system performance, and production metrics to maximize efficiency.
• Coordinate water, air, and energy resources to optimize snow production.
• Support daily operational decision-making regarding deployment of equipment and personnel.
• Maintain accurate operational records, logs, and reporting documentation.
• Work collaboratively with Grooming, Lift Operations, Ski Patrol, and other departments.

Equipment & Infrastructure Management

• Assist with the maintenance and repair of snowmaking equipment, including hydrants, guns, compressors, pumps, valves, pipelines, and control systems.
• Conduct inspections of snowmaking infrastructure and ensure deficiencies are addressed promptly.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with managing parts, supplies, and seasonal equipment needs.
• Support preseason setup and post-season shutdown activities.
• Coordinate repairs with internal maintenance teams and external vendors as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all work activities are conducted in accordance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Participate in incident investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct safety meetings, training sessions, and field observations.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations and water-use requirements.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with budget monitoring and cost-control initiatives.
• Support payroll review, timekeeping, and labor tracking.
• Prepare reports related to production, staffing, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in capital planning discussions and future snowmaking infrastructure improvements.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3-5 years of snowmaking experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of snowmaking equipment, systems, and operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work extended hours, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and during adverse weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in ski area management, engineering, business, or related field.
• Previous experience supervising large seasonal workforces.
• Knowledge of automated snowmaking systems.
• Experience with pump stations, compressors, electrical systems, and industrial controls.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience with budgeting and operational planning.

The expected pay range is $25.00 - $35.20. 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 517849

Reference Date: 09/24/2026

Job Code Function: Snowmaking