Lead Ski Patrol

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available

Employee discounts

Training & development

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Kirkwood is hiring Ski Patrol for winter 2026/27. The team promotes safety on the mountain, and patrollers must stay calm in crises to protect guests and staff.

Starting pay is $24.00–$30.61 per hour. This full-time, winter seasonal position includes housing availability and opportunities for training, growth, and career advancement.

Qualifications

• EMT or OEC certification is required.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Minimum 5 years patrol experience; supervisory preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English.
• Ability to work nights, holidays, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily morning briefings and oversee patrol operations.
• Coordinate snow safety routes and terrain openings.
• Ensure guest and staff safety; respond calmly in crises.
• Mentor patrol staff and collaborate with management.

Skills

EMT/OEC certification

Fluent English

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more

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

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. Responsible for promoting the safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain, Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on promoting safety with the ability to remain calm in a crisis when incidents arise.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage:$24.00/hr - $30.61/hr
• Employment Type:Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type:Full Time
• Minimum Age:At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability:Yes

Job Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Demonstrate professionalismby arriving preparedeach day witha positive attitudeand approachable demeanor.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportiveteam environment whileworking effectively withall members ofthe Ski Patrol.
• Oversee the day-to-day operationsof the assignedpatrol station.
• Lead the dailymorning briefing by:
• Communicating the operationalplan for theday.
• Assigning patrol rolesand responsibilities within the assigned station.
• Reviewing operational priorities, current conditions, hazardassessments, and safetyobjectives.
• Conduct end-of-day debriefs toevaluate operational effectiveness, discuss lessons learned, and share keytakeaways with thepatrol team.
• Partner with PatrolManagement and theTraining Coordinator tosupport training initiatives, work projects, specialevents, and operationalpriorities while balancingstaffing and operationalneeds throughout theday.

Snow Safety Operations

• Maintain a thoroughunderstanding of theKirkwood snow safetyprogram and avalancheterrain.
• Maintain a consistentawareness of operationalgoals, current terrainfootprint, terrain status,and sign lineconditions.
• Monitor route assignmentsand support theefficient and thoroughcompletion of snowsafety routes andgrooming clearances.
• Coordinate and communicateeffectively to facilitatesafe and timelysnow safety operationsand terrain openings.
• Collaborate with stationpersonnel, Patrol Management, Snow Safety leadership, Grooming, Mountain Operations, and other departmentsto achieve operationalobjectives.
• Maintain accountabilityfor explosive inventoryand assist withplanning explosive needsfor subsequent operationalperiods.

Leadership and TeamDevelopment

• Lead by exampleand consistently promotea positive, respectful, and productive workenvironment.
• Provide strong day-to-day leadershipand operational oversightof the assignedpatrol station.
• Effectively delegate responsibilitieswhile empowering patrollersto utilize theirskills, take ownershipof assignments, andcontribute to operationalsuccess.
• Deliver timely, constructivecoaching and performancefeedback to patrolstaff. Communicate relevantobservations and operationalconcerns appropriatelywith Patrol Supervisors, Management, and partnerdepartments.
• Support Patrol Managementin conducting meaningfulmid-season performancecheck-ins andend-of-seasonperformance evaluations.
• Encourage accountability, continuous improvement, and adherence toSki Patrol standards, policies, and safetyprocedures.

Core Expectations

• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and integrityin alloperational decisions.
• Prioritize the safetyof guests andemployees while maintainingefficient patrol operations.
• Adapt to changingmountain conditions, operationalpriorities, and staffingneeds while maintaininga flexible,team-oriented attitude. Remain calm underpressure, make sounddecisions, communicateeffectively, and demonstratea dynamic, solutions-oriented approach.
• Promote a cultureof teamwork, communication, continuous learning,andoperational excellence.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification required
• Valid driver’s license required
• 5 years of previous patrol experience required; supervisory experience preferred
• Must be at least 18+ years old
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends
• Ability to use all senses
• Ability to lift and transport 50 to 100 pounds with or without assistance
• Ability to frequently walk/stand, sit/climb, balance, stoop/kneel, crouch/crawl, and reach throughout the course of work in all climate conditions and at high elevations

The expected pay range is$24.00/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 515711

Reference Date:07/14/2026

Job Code Function:Ski Patrol