Lead Snowmaker

Vail Resorts; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free passes

Free ski lessons

Lift tickets discount for friends &amp

40% retail discounts

Wellness benefits

Lodging discounts

Food discounts

Gear discounts

Mountain shuttles

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Training & development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Minnesota is seeking seasonal Snowmakers to join our mountain operations team. You’ll help produce snow, operate pumps and guns, and mentor teammates, with day-to-day responsibilities in a fast-paced alpine environment.

The role offers full-time hours during the winter season, competitive hourly wages, free employee passes and ski lessons, and discounts on lodging, food, gear, and shuttles. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work nights/weekends.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Snowmaking experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate transportation vehicles and snowmaking equipment according to SOPs.
• Teach and monitor snowmaking quality checks.
• Lead day-to-day operations and mentor teammates.
• Operate snowmaking pumps, compressors, guns; maintain equipment and buildings as directed.
• Complete tasks unsupervised and handle other duties as assigned.

Skills

English fluency

Outdoor work

Flexible schedule

Job description

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: No

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 517135 Reference Date:09/09/2026 Job Code Function:Snowmaking