Lead Snowmaker

Vail Resorts; California (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Employee discounts on lodging, food, &

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for winter seasonal roles including snowmakers. Starting wage ranges from $23.00/hr to $30.61/hr, with full-time hours available during the 2026/2027 winter season. Roles may involve operating snowmaking equipment and leading day-to-day operations in alpine environments.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to work outdoors, including nights, holidays, and weekends. Housing availability is noted and equal opportunity employment is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Fluent English communication is required.
• Ability to work outdoors in alpine environments.
• Willingness to work nights, holidays and weekends.
• Experience with snowmaking equipment or heavy machinery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate snowmaking equipment and pumps per SOP.
• Teach and perform snowmaking quality checks.
• Lead day-to-day snowmaking operations.
• Mentor and guide snowmaker teammates.

Skills

English fluency

Outdoor work

Shift flexibility

Snowmaking

Heavy machinery awareness

Tools

Snowmaking equipment

Heavy machinery operation

Job description

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

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Create Alert

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

Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Snowmakers are no exception to creating this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for the manufactured snow production, Snowmakers are creative and tech savvy professionals laying the groundwork for an epic snow season.

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

Operate all transportation vehicles as per the standard operating procedures

Understand and teach proper snowmaking quality checks

Lead with day-to-day operations

Mentor and guide snowmaker teammates

Understand and operate snowmaking pumps, compressors, manual and automated snowmaking guns

Maintain snowmaking equipment and buildings as directed

Ability to complete assigned tasks while unsupervised

Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Valid driver’s license

Previous experience operating /maintaining heavy machinery; snowmaking experience preferred

Must be able to communicate fluently in English

Ability to work outdoors in alpine environments

Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends

Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs

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 517080
Reference Date:09/03/2026
Job Code Function:Snowmaking