Experienced Ski Patrol

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (CA); On-site; USD 30,665 - 38,338; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free passes

Discounts on lodging

401(k) Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Training & development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Kirkwood, California is hiring for Winter Seasonal Ski Patrol roles for 2026/2027. The Ski Patrol protects guests and staff on the mountain, remaining alert and calm in crises, and passing an expert level ski test.

Starting wage is $22.26–$27.83 per hour, with full-time hours available. Housing is provided, and the position requires expert skiing ability and strong guest service skills.

Qualifications

• Previous patrol experience required.
• Pass resort Ski Patrol sponsored ski test, capable of skiing all types of terrain under all weather conditions.
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English.
• Must have excellent guest service skills.
• Must work well in a team environment.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a mountain environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and promote guest safety on varied terrain with varying winter weather conditions.
• Assist injured/ill guests on the mountain and administer first aid.
• Transporting injured guests off the mountain using a toboggan or supporting air lift operations.
• Maintain trails, including hazard identification and setting up closures, safety materials, and other impacts from the resort environment.
• Transporting supplies and heavy equipment to areas of need on skis/snowboard.
• Performing closing procedures at the end of the day to ensure that all guests are safely off the mountain.
• Enforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort Policies.
• Chairlift and guest evacuation.
• Operating snowmobiles to various areas of the mountain, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Fluent English

Guest service

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Overview

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

For details on eligibility, review the Benefits Eligibility 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. The Ski Patrol is responsible for the safety of staff and guests on the mountain and must remain alert, dependable, and calm in crisis when incidents arise.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $22.26/hr - $27.83/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes
• Required Ski Level – Expert
• Other Specifics: Patrol members perform a variety of tasks in all terrain and weather conditions. Due to the nature of this position, candidates must be able to pass an expert level ski patrol test upon hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Supervise and promote guest safety on varied terrain with varying winter weather conditions
• Assist injured/ill guests on the mountain and administer first aid
• Transporting injured guests off the mountain using a toboggan or supporting air lift operations
• Maintain trails, including hazard identification and setting up closures, safety materials, and other impacts from the resort environment
• Transporting supplies and heavy equipment to areas of need on skis/snowboard
• Performing closing procedures at the end of the day to ensure that all guests are safely off the mountain
• Enforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort Policies
• Chairlift and guest evacuation
• Operating snowmobiles to various areas of the mountain, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Previous patrol experience required
• Pass resort Ski Patrol sponsored ski test, capable of skiing all types of terrain under all weather conditions
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English
• Must have excellent guest service skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a mountain environment

The expected pay range is $22.26/hr - $27.83/hr. 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.