Experienced Snowcat Groomer — Graveyard Shift

Alterra Mountain Company; Olympic Valley (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free skiing + riding privileges to Pal

Healthcare options for Seasonal & Year

Discounts on outdoor gear

401(k) plan with company match

Free and discounted lift tickets

Food & beverage discounts 25%-50%

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Palisades Tahoe is seeking an experienced groomer to maintain and operate snowcats and grooming equipment during the Graveyard shift (12:00am–9:00am). This seasonal role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and the ability to work nights on-site in Olympic Valley, CA.

You will perform inspections, park and prep machines, document conditions, and collaborate with maintenance staff to ensure high-quality grooming.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Pisten Bully Pro Academy online training – Provided by Palisades Tahoe post hire.
• Available to work Graveyard shift (12:00am - 9:00am)
• Prior grooming experience

Responsibilities

• Snowcat and grooming equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Ability to properly park machines and perform pre and post operation inspections of all related equipment.
• Demonstration of safe operation for all equipment, while maintaining proper distances near obstacles, infrastructure, and personnel.
• Adequate operation of snowcats and all machines implements in a manner that doesn’t cause excessive wear or damage to the machine, while achieving desired product efficiently.
• Minimize downtime and prevent machine damage through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and up-keep of machine.
• Accurately document and report condition of grooming machinery to vehicle maintenance daily.
• Effective communication with the vehicle maintenance personnel regarding machine condition and necessary repairs or service.
• Safe and efficient machine operation
• Ability to complete all required grooming tasks with an end result that prioritizes skier safety.
• Navigate and properly operate grooming machine on any required terrain and travel routes.
• Navigate and properly operate on select intermediate terrain and travel routes.
• Ability to follow and groom in a pack as directed.
• Operate machine safely with minimal supervision.
• Technical ability to maintain the slope with the proper flow and direction.
• Groom seamlessly from one pass to the next.
• Can groom a smooth finish down fall line with no inconsistencies from operator errors. This includes proper cleanup of turn arounds, and errors from improper use of machine implements.
• Must be able to recognize when repairs or specific work to areas on the slope are necessary
• Able to perform proper and safe tie-ins with other grooming.

Skills

Snowcat operation

Machine inspection

Safe operation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Pisten Bully Pro Academy training

Grooming experience

Tools

Groomer/Snowcat

Hand tools

Two-way radios

Job description

Palisades Tahoe is seeking an experienced groomer to maintain and operate snowcats and grooming equipment during the Graveyard shift (12:00am–9:00am). This seasonal role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and the ability to work nights on-site in Olympic Valley, CA.

You will perform inspections, park and prep machines, document conditions, and collaborate with maintenance staff to ensure high-quality grooming.