Manager: Ski Patrol

Crested Butte, Llc; Crested Butte (CO); On-site; USD 59,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Free lift tickets & lessons

Lodging/gear discounts

401(k) plan

Employee Assistance Program

Training & development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Colorado is seeking a seasoned Ski Patrol Lead to manage the department’s budget, operations, and staff culture. You’ll partner with leadership to ensure safe mountain operations and exceptional guest service. This seasonal role supports winter operations across the resort.

Applicants should have 5+ years in patrol, OEC certification, and strong skiing/riding skills, with fluency in English. Competitive pay and growth opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Patrol experience.
• Current OEC certification.
• Strong knowledge of ski area operations and mountain safety practices.
• Must be fluent in English; High School diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall financial management of the Ski Patrol department, including labor and operating budgets.
• Oversee day to day Ski Patrol operations in partnership with Patrol leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent mountain operations.
• Actively manage and shape the culture of the Ski Patrol team, reinforcing accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and alignment with company values.
• Champion a strong culture of guest service, safety, and professionalism across the department.
• Ensure effective daily staff meetings, reinforce safety standards, and participate in Vail wide Ski Patrol COE initiatives.
• Strengthen intra and interdepartmental collaboration; support relationships with external agencies, including the DEC and/or applicable State entities.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's degree in emergency management, risk management, public safety, business, recreation management or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

ICS-100 certification

Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

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.

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

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

Job Summary

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

At Vail Resorts, our mission is to create an Experience of a Lifetime for our employees so they can, in turn, provide an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $59,330.00 - $84,757.00
• 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

• Lead overall financial management of the Ski Patrol department, including labor and operating budgets
• Oversee day to day Ski Patrol operations in partnership with Patrol leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent mountain operations
• Actively manage and shape the culture of the Ski Patrol team, reinforcing accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and alignment with company values
• Champion a strong culture of guest service, safety, and professionalism across the department
• Ensure effective daily staff meetings, reinforce safety standards, and participate in Vail wide Ski Patrol COE initiatives
• Strengthen intra and interdepartmental collaboration; support relationships with external agencies, including the DEC and/or applicable State entities.
• Manage winter mountain setup and spring teardown; oversee daily condition monitoring, trail openings/closures, signage, ropes, and padding
• Oversee departmental training programs, including schedules, content, and training safety standards
• Lead the candidate/apprentice program, including staffing levels, budgets, testing, and forecasting future patrol staffing needs
• Collaborate with Snow Surfaces and Grooming leadership to establish daily grooming priorities
• Actively participate in Resort Leadership Team meetings and daily operational calls
• Provide direct oversight of the Accident Investigation team, including hiring, training, and coordination with Health & Safety
• Engage in company wide leadership development programs

Job Requirements

• 5+ years of Patrol experience
• Current OEC certification
• Expert skiing or riding ability
• Strong knowledge of ski area operations and mountain safety practices
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Minimum ICS-100 certification
• Valid Driver’s License
• Microsoft Office and Teams proficiency
• Must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• EMT or higher medical certification
• National Ski Patrol senior or certified alpine certification
• 3-4 years of Patrol supervisory experience
• Experience managing large operational teams
• Experience managing budgets and labor resources
• Experience with emergency management planning and incident command
• Snowmobile, UTV experience
• Associate or bachelor's degree in emergency management, risk management, public safety, business, recreation management or related fields.

The expected pay range is $59,330.00 - $84,757.00. 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 517515

Reference Date: 09/12/2026

Job Code Function: Ski Patrol