Experienced Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts; New Hampshire; On-site; USD 30,665 - 38,338; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes

Free ski & snowboard lessons

40% retail discounts

Wellness benefits

Training and development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for winter 2026/27 for Cooks, Drivers, Instructors and more at our mountain locations. Seasonal roles include heavy equipment operation and grooming to ensure top-quality slopes and trails.

You will join a diverse team from around the world and have access to high compensation, free passes, and wellness benefits. Starting wage ranges from $22.26 to $27.83 per hour, with full‑time hours available for winter seasonal employment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of snow grooming experience.
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Fluent communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate snow/slope grooming equipment to maintain resort snow trails and ski slopes.
• Understand the use, operation, and maintenance of heavy grooming equipment.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and departments to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Perform basic inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment.

Skills

Fluent English

Snow grooming knowledge

Job description

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more. Apply today!

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 passes 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 comes first).

Employee Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks – free passes for employees, free ski lessons, discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• Additional employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee assistance program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral program

Job Specifications

• Starting wage: $22.26 – $27.83 per hour
• Employment type: Winter seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift type: Full time hours available
• Minimum age: 18 years or older
• Housing availability: No

Job Responsibilities

• Understand the use, operation, and maintenance of heavy equipment used for snow and slope grooming.
• Operate snow/slope grooming equipment, such as a snowcat, to maintain appearance and quality of resort snow trails and ski slopes to the highest level possible.
• Maintain a general knowledge of the mountain and adhere to safety regulations.
• Perform basic routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment to minimize downtime.
• Communicate clearly and effectively via two‑way radio.
• Communicate advanced mechanical problems or maintenance needs with shop mechanics.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to provide direction, support, and maintain good working relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• 2–4 years of snow grooming experience.
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Fluent communication in English.
• Ability to work in small groups as well as independently.
• Able to sit for extended periods while operating the snowcat and occasionally climb on and off equipment.
• Knowledge of two‑way radio use and various codes.

The expected pay range is $22.26 – $27.83 per hour. Individual compensation will be 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.

Requisition ID 515787 • Reference Date: 07/14/2026 • Job Code Function: Grooming.