Lead Mountain Safety

Vail Resorts; South Lake Tahoe (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Job summary

Vail Resorts in California seeks a Mountain Safety Lead for the 2026/27 winter season. You will oversee a 10-15 person team on the mountain, uphold guest safety, and enforce the Skier Responsibility Code while representing resort knowledge and guest service excellence.

The role requires leadership, strong guest service, English fluency, and PSIA Level 7 testing. Starting pay is competitive with full-time hours and housing availability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous leadership and/or supervisory experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Excellent guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to work in inclement weather in a high alpine environment.
• Available to work holidays and weekends.
• Pass on-mountain ski/ride test (PSIA Level 7 minimum).

Responsibilities

• Observe and maintain guest safety on mountain locations.
• Enforce the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort policies.
• Answer guest questions regarding terrain and resort information.
• Lead and manage a 10-15 person crew; schedule and safety coverage.
• Motivate, train, and support team members.
• Coordinate morning organization and daily operations.
• Serve as liaison between staff and management.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

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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

The Mountain Safety Lead will work to uphold the highest levels of guest safety on the mountain as well as promote the Skier Responsibility Code and Vail Resorts' safety policies and procedures. This position also serves as an ambassador for guest service and resort knowledge. The Lead will be responsible for the supervision and management of a 10-15-person crew, ensuring proper coverage on the mountain and managing both guest and employee safety issues.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

• Observing and maintaining the highest levels of guest safety while skiing/boarding and standing at mountain locations, on varied terrain, at high altitude, with varying winter weather conditions.
• Enforcing the Skier Responsibility Code and Resort policies with guests and employees including instructing guests and employees on appropriate behavior and revocation of lift tickets or passes.
• Answering guest questions regarding terrain, directions, and other resort/town information in a professional and friendly manner.
• Placing and monitoring signage and baffles in slow ski zones.
• Checking trails for safety hazards, placing ropes, and packing or shoveling snow.
• Lifting equipment which may include baffles, signage, padding, and/or toboggans.
• Assisting guests to their feet and/or to descend the mountain.
• Ensure violator cards are retrieved each day and does a daily internal audit to ensure proper completion.
• Responsible for motivating, training, managing, and supporting team members.
• Manages their area of the mountain, elevates issues to Team Lead and/or Management, and facilitates morning organization of areas of responsibility, lunches, set up, and breakdown.
• Meets, supports, and encourages Mountain Safety Contact expectations personally and for the team.
• Serves as a bridge of communication between staff and the leadership/Management team.

Job Requirements:

• High School or Equivalent; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Previous leadership and/or supervisory experience
• Previous guest service experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Must be fluent in all aspects of the English language (spoken and written)
• Must have excellent guest service skills
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must work well in a team
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a high alpine environment
• Must be available to work holidays and weekends
• Must have sight, speech, and hearing abilities sufficient to learn skills, follow and provide directions
• Must pass on-mountain ski/ride test (equivalent to PSIA Level 7 Minimum)

Preferred Skills:

• Ski/Snowboard testing to PSIA Level 8
• Knowledge of local area/resort

The expected pay range is $23.00/hr - $30.61/hr. 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 518116
Reference Date:10/06/2026
Job Code Function:Mountain Safety