Lead Snowmaker

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

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes and free lessons

Employee discounts on lodging, gear, &

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Excellent training and development

Referral Program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 positions in the mountains. Roles include Snowmakers and related positions with starting pay between $23.00/hr and $30.61/hr, full-time hours during the season, and housing availability.

The company offers free passes, lessons, employee discounts, strong training, wellness benefits, and a rolling application process. Join a team that provides one of the highest compensation rates in the industry, supports growth through Epic Service training,

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Snowmaking experience preferred.
• Ability to operate/respond in alpine outdoor environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate all transportation vehicles as per SOPs.
• Understand and teach snowmaking quality checks.
• Lead daily operations and mentor snowmaker teammates.
• Operate snowmaking pumps, compressors, and guns.
• Maintain snowmaking equipment and facilities.

Skills

Driver's license

Snowmaking experience

Heavy machinery experience

English fluency

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

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.