Manager, Avalanche Forecasting, Winter 26-27

Alterra; Mammoth Lakes (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes for dependents

Free skiing at Alterra Resorts

Ski/snowboard lessons discounts

Equipment Rental discount

Friends and Family vouchers

Retail & Food discount

401k with company match

Job summary

Mammoth Mountain is seeking a skilled avalanche safety professional to analyze weather and snowpack data, support forecast products, and guide risk management across the patrol teams. This role combines field leadership with administrative oversight in a dynamic mountain environment.

The candidate should have extensive avalanche mitigation experience, Master Patroller level or equivalent, and strong communication skills to train and coordinate staff. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• EMT/EMR/WFR or equivalent to 80-hour minimum first aid certification.
• Current CPR training and certification.
• Master Patroller level (or equivalent MMSP) experience.
• Extensive avalanche mitigation experience (explosives, artillery, or remote control).
• California blaster license or eligibility.
• Ability to analyze snowpack and weather to support decisions.
• Strong computer skills with MS Office, databases, and mapping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze weather and snowpack data to support avalanche forecast products.
• Collaborate with leadership to make avalanche risk management decisions for personnel and ski area operations.
• Provide avalanche safety training to Ski Patrol under Snow Safety direction; mentor frontline staff.

Skills

Avalanche forecasting

Safety leadership

Communication

MS Office

Mapping software

Snowpack analysis

Snow safety training

Education

Pro 2 or equivalent avalanche course certification

EMT/EMR/WFR or 80-hour first aid certification

Current California blaster license or eligibility

Tools

MS Office

Database management

Mapping products

Job description

Seasonal

At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream!

Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family can share this excitement with free skiing for dependents and a range of valuable discounts. It is more than a job; it is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Mammoth Lakes, California.

Benefits and perks of your adventure here:

• Ski passes for dependents (spouse/child(ren)/domestic partners) includes free skiing at other Alterra Resorts
• Free skiing at all Alterra Resorts
• Ski/snowboarding lessons discounts
• Equipment Rental discount
• Friends and Family vouchers
• Retail & Food discount
• 401k with company match

*Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check

A little about this position:

• Working under the direction of the Assistant Director Snow safety, collect and analyze weather and snowpack data to support avalanche forecast products at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Collaborate with Assistant Director Snow Safety and Ski Patrol Leadership to make avalanche risk management decisions for avalanche workers and ski area operations at Mammoth. Provide avalanche safety training to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol under the dirextion of the Assistant Director, Snow Safety. Mentor and assist front line Patrol staff with daily duties when appropriate.
• This role combines field leadership with administrative oversight and requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, expert skiing ability, strong downhill mountain biking ability, and the ability to lead effectively. The Patrol Manager works closely with the Assistant Director, Snow Safety and Director of Patrol to coordinate staffing, training, avalanche mitigation support, operational priorities, and emergency response readiness across the mountain.

Requirements:

• EMT, EMR, WFR or equivalent to 80-hour minimum first aid certification
• Current CPR training and certification
• Meet or exceed expectations and experience of/or equivalent to Master Patroller at MMSP
• Extensive avalanche mitigation experience utilizing explosives, artillery and/or remote avalanche control systems
• Current licensed blaster in State of California or eligibility and willingness to obtain
• Demonstrated ability to analyze snowpack and weather information to make safety sensitive decisions
• Ability to make operational and forecasting decisions in the absence of the Assistant Director Snow Safety
• Advanced computer skills with familiarity performing tasks using MS Office products, database management and mapping products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Expert skiing skills with comfort skiing in avalanche terrain in all snow conditions
• Minimum of 5 winter seasons working as an avalanche professional
• Pro 2 or equivalent avalanche course certification recognized by the American Avalanche Association or Canadian Avalanche Association
• Minimum 5 years avalanche forecasting experience for a ski area operation, mechanized skiing operation, highway or industrial operation
• Expert level skills operating a snowmobile in inclement weather conditions
• Experience as an avalanche educator or in a training role within an avalanche operation
• Experience in avalanche search and rescue, including having participated in organized rescue practice annually
• Demonstrated commitment to annual continuing professional development

Pay: $85,489.17 - $90,916.88 per year

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mammoth Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.