Ski and Ride School, Director

Alterra; Weldon Township (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free season pass

401K with match

Employee housing

Paid time off

Job summary

Crystal Mountain Resort is seeking a seasoned Ski & Ride School Director to lead our instruction programs and drive guest satisfaction on and off the slopes.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and coaching skills, with PSIA/AASI Level 3 certification preferred. You will oversee program development, staffing, and safety in a dynamic mountain environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ski and snowboard instruction, with leadership experience.
• PSIA/AASI Level 3 Certification preferred; divisional education staff experience a plus.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, and staff management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Ski & Ride School instructional programs for all ages and abilities.
• Oversee budgeting, pricing, scheduling, and payroll to optimize operations.
• Collaborate with Lift Operations, Marketing, and Guest Services to boost participation in lessons.
• Ensure safety standards, guest satisfaction, and high-quality instruction.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Staff coaching

Guest experience

Education

PSIA/AASI Level 3 Certification

Tools

Scheduling software

Job description

Year Round

WORK AND PLAY IN THE MOUNTAINS

Join our team of big mountain adventurers at the largest ski resort in Washington! Here at Crystal, it’s more than our work. It’s our passion for the guest experience, the outdoors, and the community that bring us together at the end of the tree-lined road. We come from near and far to be up on the mountain because it’s an experience you just don’t get anywhere else. Events are always on the calendar and friends are always down to play. Work in the beautiful National Forest, neighboring Mt. Rainier, as a premier Ikon Pass destination with a whole lot of stoke to share.

JUST LIKE THE TREES, WE ARE GROWING!

Find your line, join our team!

BIG PEAKS, BIGGER PERKS

Employee perks:

• Free Alterra season pass (unlimited, direct to lift at all Alterra resorts)
• Free Alterra season pass for spouse and dependents 25 & under
• 50% off window ticket price at IKON partner resorts
• Free access to Alterra Mountain destinations during time off
• Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off
• Free friends & family day-ski vouchers (Periodic allotment)
• Discounts on Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Discounts on Ski & Snowboard Rentals
• Discounts on Gear Tune-Ups
• Discounts on Food & Beverage
• Discounts at Crystal Mountain Retail shops
• Free Crystal branded swag
• Pro deals on gear with 100s of brands
• Discount Marketplace
• Deals on accessories, auto, electronics, entertainment, fitness, food, home, pet supplies, travel, and more
• Employee-only Night Skiing events
• Employee Housing Available for eligible positions
• Accrued paid time off for eligible positions
• Group health insurance for eligible positions
• 401K benefit and generous match with immediate vesting for all staff members over 18
• Opportunities for growth, advancement, and year-round employment

Position Title: Ski & Ride School Director

Business Unit: Ski & Ride School

Position Reports to: Director, Resort Finance

Positions Reporting to this Role: Managers, Supervisors, Training Staff

Location: Crystal Mountain, WA

Job Type : Full-Time, Year-Round

Wage Range: $83,479.54 – $116,871.36, Bonus eligible

Crystal Mountain is the Pacific North West’s premier destination for skiers, snowboarders, and summer adventurers. We are part of Alterra Mountain Company which consists of some of the world’s most aspirational brands.

A career with Crystal Mountain is more than what you do today; it’s being part of creating a community rooted in the spirit of the mountains, united by a passion for adventure, and celebrating the legendary adventures and enduring memories that mountains bring to everyone.

Crystal Mountain delivers best in class service and adventures worthy of our extraordinary terrain and beauty.

We are here to shape the future of mountain adventure.

We Embrace Empowerment

We Honor Authenticity

We Cultivate Collaboration

We Prioritize Purpose

JOB SUMMARY

Crystal Mountain Resort is seeking an experienced and passionate Ski & Ride School Director to lead and develop our ski and snowboard instruction programs. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Ski & Ride School, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, staff training, program development, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with strong communication, organizational, and team-building skills, as well as a deep passion for winter sports and mountain culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of ski and snowboard instructors.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes safety, professionalism, and exceptional guest service.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations for instructors and supervisors.
• Maintain open communication with resort leadership and collaborate on resort-wide initiatives.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & GUEST EXPERIENCE

• Design and oversee lesson programs for all ages and ability levels, including private and group lessons, multi-week programs, and specialty clinics.
• Ensure the highest level of guest satisfaction by maintaining high-quality instruction, safety standards, and friendly service.
• Implement innovative teaching techniques and training programs to keep the school competitive and engaging.
• Act as a visible presence on the mountain, interacting with guests and instructors to ensure a positive learning environment.

OPERATIONAL & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Develop and manage the Ski & Ride School budget, ensuring financial efficiency and revenue growth.
• Oversee lesson pricing, scheduling, and instructor payroll to optimize operations.
• Collaborate with resort departments, including Lift Operations, Marketing, and Guest Services, to enhance the guest experience and drive participation in lessons.
• Ensure compliance with all industry standards, safety regulations, and resort policies.

SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Uphold and enforce all resort safety policies, ensuring instructors are trained in risk management, emergency procedures, and guest safety.
• Work closely with Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations to create a safe learning environment for guests and staff.
• Monitor mountain conditions and adjust lesson plans accordingly.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ski and snowboard instruction, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• PSIA/AASI Level 3 Certification (or equivalent) strongly preferred. Divisional Education Staff experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of ski and snowboard instruction methodologies and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and coaching skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic mountain environment.
• Proficiency in budgeting, scheduling, and staff management.
• Passion for skiing, snowboarding, and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to ski or ride at an advanced level and work in variable mountain conditions.
• This position may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays while in operation.
• Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position a minimum of 20 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment on an occasional basis.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time standing, walking, kneeling on an occasional basis.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An Equal Opportunity Employer