Outdoor Pursuits Guide

discoverylandco; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Land Company’s Homewood Mountain & Lake Club in Lake Tahoe, California, seeks an Outdoor Pursuits Guide to lead members and guests through on-mountain and backcountry programming with safety and fun as priorities.

You will deliver instructional and adventure-based experiences across skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and cat/UTV tours, including off-piste trips for qualified backcountry guides.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in outdoor recreation leadership and 4+ seasons teaching skiing or snowboarding.
• Professional instruction or coaching certification (PSIA-AASI, USSA, USASA, or equivalent).
• Avalanche-related qualifications (AIARE) required or in progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide members and guests through skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and cat/UTV tours with safety and enjoyment.
• Deliver instructional and recreational programming; educate, coach, and entertain across skill levels.
• Lead off-piste and backcountry trips for backcountry-qualified guides in avalanche terrain.
• Build rapport with members; share local mountain knowledge and terrain insights.
• Attend daily dept. meetings; support department activations and programming as needed.
• Communicate observations and service updates to the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator.
• Maintain equipment to club standards and ensure guest-ready condition.

Skills

Outdoor recreation leadership

4+ seasons teaching skiing or snowboa

Professional snow sports instruction

Avalanche qualifications

Strong interpersonal skills

Valid driver's license

Education

PSIA-AASI/USSA/USASA certification

Avalanche qualifications (AIARE)

CPR/First Aid/AED certifications

Job description

This role will be located at one of Discovery Land Company's locations: Homewood Mountain & Lake Club, set on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in Homewood, California.

Homewood is seeking an Outdoor Pursuits Guide to join the Outdoor Pursuits Department. The Outdoor Pursuits Guide leads members and guests through Homewood's on-mountain and backcountry programming, creating extraordinary experiences while keeping safety and fun in equal measure. Guides deliver both instructional and adventure-based programming across skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and cat and UTV tours, with backcountry-qualified Guides also leading off-piste and backcountry trips through avalanche terrain.

Key Responsibilities

• Guiding & Instruction Lead and guide members and guests through skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and cat and UTV tours, ensuring safety and enjoyment in all conditions.
• Deliver both instructional and recreational programming, educating, coaching, and entertaining participants of all skill levels.
• Backcountry-qualified Guides lead off-piste and backcountry trips through avalanche terrain.
• Build rapport with members and guests, sharing local knowledge of the mountain and terrain.

Safety & Risk Management

• Assess risk and make real-time decisions to maintain safety for members, guests, and staff in all conditions.
• Demonstrate and train others in safe practices for every activity offered.
• Maintain current AED, First Aid, and CPR certifications; backcountry terrain requires current avalanche qualifications.
• Safely transport members and guests to and from activities via company vehicle, ATV/UTV, chairlift, and snowcat as appropriate.

Trip Preparation & Equipment Prep

• Inspect, and stage gear and equipment ahead of each outing, confirming everything is safe and guest-ready.
• Maintain, clean, and store guiding and recreation equipment to manufacturer and club standards.
• Track equipment condition and inventory, flagging maintenance, repair, or replacement needs to the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator.

General Operations & Team Support

• Embody and promote Homewood's culture of exceptional guest service, teamwork, and fun.
• Attend daily department meetings and training as needed.
• Support daily activations and programming across Outdoor Pursuits, assisting other Club Operations departments during peak periods as needed.
• Communicate observations, needs, and service updates to the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• Tier 1, Resort Guide: 3+ years in outdoor recreation leadership and 4+ seasons teaching skiing or snowboarding; professional snow sports instruction or coaching certification (PSIA-AASI, USSA, USASA, or equivalent); Recreation Avalanche Qualifications (AIARE L1, L2, Rescue Course).
• Tier 2, Backcountry Guide: 5+ years in outdoor recreation leadership and professional guiding; advanced skiing and snowboarding in off-piste and avalanche terrain; professional guiding certification (PSIA-AASI, USSA, USASA, AMGA, IFMGA, or equivalent); Professional Avalanche Qualifications (A3/AIARE Pro 1-2 or equivalent).
• Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in variable terrain.
• Current AED, First Aid, and CPR certifications, or ability to obtain prior to start.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; commitment to a professional, guest-focused appearance and attitude.
• Must be at least 18 years old, legally able to work in the U.S., and meet criminal background standards.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.

Additional Requirements

• Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to deliver service to members, guests, and team members.
• Must be able to work flexible work hours/schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Long hours may be required due to business demands.
• Ability to hike 2-5 miles in variable alpine and backcountry terrain, and to ski or ride in challenging conditions.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a high-functioning team in dynamic outdoor settings.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; additional languages preferred.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including, but not limit