Passenger Snowcat Operator RETURNING STAFF ONLY - Winter 26-27

Alterra Mountain Company; Sandpoint (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Alterra Mountain Resort pass

Employee housing

Discounted onsite childcare

Accrued paid sick leave

401(k) match

Pro deal discounts

Job summary

Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures, part of Alterra Mountain Company, seeks a Seasonal Snowcat Operator to transport guests safely across winter roads and maintain snowcat operations. You will assist with gear, provide excellent customer service, and follow safety protocols in all activities.

Responsibilities include pre-checks, routine maintenance, and coordinating with tour teams to ensure smooth, enjoyable alpine experiences for guests in a high-elevation setting.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License required.
• Current first aid and CPR certifications preferred.
• Ability to operate and maintain snowcat equipment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate snowcat including pre-checks, start-up/shutdown, cabin prep, and fuel handling.
• Provide smooth rides for guests with timely pickups and drop-offs.
• Assist guests with gear, maintain roads and drop points, and educate guests about equipment.
• Maintain and build operating areas and lodge/points of contact for tours.
• Adhere to company policies, regulations, and safety best practices in all tasks.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Driver's License

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

Seasonal

Welcome to Schweitzer-where passionate mountain recreation pros work hard and play harder. Known for our friendly, inclusive culture, we're growing thoughtfully to enhance mountain access and village life. Join the Schweitzer difference and help shape our future.

Perks include:

• Free Alterra Mountain Resort pass
• Employee housing
• Discounted onsite childcare
• Accrued paid sick leave
• 401(k) match
• Great discounts and access to pro deals
• Depending on employment status you could qualify for full medical benefits, vacation time, and paid parental leave.

Employment Status: Part Time Seasonal

Wage Range: $20.00 to $30.00/hour

Minimum Age: 18

Background Check Required: Yes

Driver Verification Required: Yes

Drug Screen: Yes

Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures' (SBA) snowcat passenger operators will deliver backcountry skiing and boarding enthusiasts and employees to various drop points along the 6 miles of maintained winter roads for their downhill powder pursuits! Operators will be tasked with providing a smooth and enjoyable ride up the mountain for up to 12 runs per day while maintaining the road on their down pass. Operators will enjoy time with the guests as they assist with gear collection and storage at the ski basket while offering education about their PistenBully 400 to curious guests with excellent customer service skills.

A Post Job Offer Drug Screen is required to operate company snowcats.

Essential Functions and Major Responsibilities

• Safe operation of a snowcat, including daily checkout and inspection of machines, correct start-up and shutdown procedures, passenger cabin and ski basket preparation. Fueling machine and providing various small maintenance items for ongoing machine safety. Checking all fluid levels throughout the day and reporting low levels immediately to manager or Shop Maintenance.
• Maintaining a smooth ride for guests with timely down passes for pickups.
• Maintaining resort and public winter roads with passengers onboard for safe machine operations, snowmobile tour use, and occasional skier traffic. Using various tools such as hand saw, chainsaw, chains, straps, to remove objects that are blocking path of travel.
• Maintaining and building various operating areas/roads, lodge area, pickup/drop off points, snowmobile pull outs, snowcat turnaround locations.
• Loading/unloading ski/board basket for each ski run. Securing your load.
• Communicating between various tours in the field for safe, smooth, and timely passing needs.
• Providing excellent customer service to ski/board guests and general public and fostering a positive and engaging experiences for all participants.
• Adhere to company policies, industry regulations, and best practices in all aspects of the job.
• Works in conditions that involve exposure to unusual elements and extreme temperatures.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Shovel snow around upper lodge location
• Provide basic diagnosis and repair of minor snowcat and snowmobile defects while communicating with manager and Shop Maintenance personnel for immediate resolution.
• Provides backup support for other SBA tours in the field to include machine recovery, first aid support, general public assistance.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts depending on operational needs.
• Ongoing, paid trainings throughout season to maintain skills.

Specific Job Skills

License/Certifications - Driver's License. Current first aid and CPR.

Technical - Mechanical know how.

Physical Capabilities - The ability to lift 50lbs+, shovel snow, be outside in extreme winter environments for extended periods of time.

Additional - Knowledge of local history, excellent communication skills, high-end customer service skills