Lead Snow Cat Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Discounted lift tickets for friends &

Free ski lessons

Lodging discounts

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in the mountains is hiring for winter seasonal roles including Grooming Lead and related positions for the 2026/27 season. The roles require experience operating snowcats, a valid driver’s license, and fluency in English.

Employment runs Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 with full-time hours and housing unavailable. Starting wage ranges from $23.75 to $30.61 per hour, with benefits like employee passes, free ski lessons, and various discounts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience operating snowcats.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable MVR.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time while operating a snow cat.
• Able to read, write, speak, comprehend and understand English fluently.
• Mechanical or equipment background and experience with diesel engine/hydraulic machines (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of crew and guests; oversee snow cat operations.
• Maintain snow cat cleanliness and preventative maintenance.
• Receive daily work instructions and report mechanical problems.
• Oversee performance and conduct of the crew during the shift.
• Maintain snowcat records and monitor time sheets.
• Coordinate with Ski Patrol and AVI control operations.

Skills

Snowcat operation

English fluency

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Two-way radios

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

The Grooming Lead is responsible for the overnight Grooming Operations.

Job Specifications

Starting Wage: $23.75/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: No

Job responsibilities

• Responsible for the safety of fellowemployees, guests and personal safety, as well as safe snow cat operations
• Responsible for preventative maintenance, cleanliness and up keep of snow cats
• Receives daily working instructions fromManager and communicate daily or as needed about mechanical problems with fleet maintenance
• Oversee the performance, conduct and quality of work performed by the crew during the shift.
• Maintain snowcat records, control and monitor time sheets, for accuracy, control rest periods and lunch breaks.
• Assist in coordinating with Ski Patrol, and other groups, the activities of Slope Grooming personnel relative to sweep, rescue and AVI control operations.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 5years experience operating snowcats - required
• Valid drivers license and acceptable MVR - required
• Must be 18 years of age or older - required
• High school diploma or equivalent - required
• Able to sit for extended periods of time while operating a snow cat - required
• Able to use 2 way radios - required
• Able to read, write, speak, comprehend and understand English fluently - required
• Entire season commitment required - required
• Mechanical or equipment operation background and experience with diesel engine/hydraulic machines- Preferred

The expected pay range is$23.75/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.