Ski Area Manager - Cooper Spur

Mt. Hood Meadows; Mount Hood (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing options

Season pass for employee & dependents

Group lessons & discounts on gear

Buddy tickets

Resort discounts

Affordable employee daycare

Job summary

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort on Mt. Hood is seeking a Ski Area Manager to lead the operation of a community-focused ski area, coordinating lifts, grooming, rentals, ticketing, food and beverage, guest services, and winter maintenance.

This hands-on leadership role requires building a strong team, balancing staffing with business levels, and partnering with Mt. Hood Meadows leadership, the U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies to keep guests safe and create a memorable mountain experience.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Reliable transportation for winter road conditions.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and holidays during operating season.
• Experience with ski area operations (ski & snowboard school, lift ops, grooming or patrol).
• Minimum two years of leadership experience in a ski area, mountain resort, outdoor recreation or similar environment.
• Proven experience supervising with a focus on guest service.
• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Must meet driving and insurance requirements for operating company vehicles/equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required certifications, permits or licenses.
• Adaptability to changing dynamics of a seasonal business.
• Employment subject to background screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily ski area operations and staff.
• Balance staffing with business levels and seasonal demands.
• Monitor safety and facility conditions and coordinate with partners.
• Improve operations and guest experience while developing the team.
• Collaborate with Mt. Hood Meadows leadership, USFS, ODOT and others.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Ski area operations

Education

High school diploma or equiv.

OLCC Service Permit

Oregon Food Handler Card

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Lead the operation of a unique, community-focused ski area on Mt. Hood! As the Ski Area Manager at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, you’ll be responsible for bringing together the people, equipment, and operations that keep the ski area running safely and successfully. From lifts and grooming to rentals, ticketing, food and beverage, guest services, and winter maintenance, you’ll have a hand in nearly every aspect of the daily mountain experience.

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are quite the same. You’ll lead and develop the ski area team, oversee daily operations, balance staffing with business levels, monitor safety and facility conditions, and work closely with Mt. Hood Meadows leadership, the U.S. Forest Service, ODOT, and other partners. You’ll have the opportunity to improve operations, develop your team, and shape the guest experience at a small ski area with a strong sense of place and community.

If you’re an experienced mountain operations leader who enjoys being involved in the action, solving problems, and leading a team through the unique challenges of a seasonal ski operation, this could be a great fit. Bring your leadership experience, operational know-how, and love of the mountain to Cooper Spur—and help lead the team that makes this special corner of Mt. Hood come to life each winter.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, seasonal position

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must have reliable transportation for winter road conditions
• Ability to work effectively in changing weather and seasonal operating conditions
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays during the operating season
• Experience with ski area operations -ski & snowboard school, lift ops, grooming or patrol
• Minimum two years of leadership experience in a ski area, mountain resort, outdoor recreation, or similar operational environment
• Successful experience supervising with a focus on guest service
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Must meet applicable driving and insurance requirements for operating company vehicles and equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required certifications, permits, or licenses associated with assigned duties
• Must be comfortable with the changing dynamics of a seasonal business
• Employment in this position is subject to a satisfactory background screening

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience operating snowmobiles, snowcats, or other mountain equipment
• Experience with lodge operations- guest service, ticketing, rentals, food & beverage, etc.
• Familiarity with applicable ski area safety practices, operating standards, and regulatory requirements.
• OLCC Service Permit & Oregon Food Handler Card

Compensation:

• Wage: $2297 - $2808 gross per bi-weekly pay period

Benefits:

• Generous employer contribution towards medical plan
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k after 500 hours in 6 months. (Age 21 and Over)
• PTO, Vacation and Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Program

Perks

• Year-Roundhousing rental options, subject to availability.
• Ski/Snowboard Season Pass for employee and qualifying dependents
• Free Ski/Snowboard Group Lessons & Discounts on Rental Gear
• Buddy Tickets (3 discounted tickets to share)
• Resort Discounts (Food, Retail, Rentals, Lessons, & Daycare)

• Affordable Employee Daycare - ERDC Eligible

• Mountain Exchange Program (Ability to request free lift access to regional resorts)
• Industry Pro Deals (ExpertVoice, Outdoor Prolink, Helly Hansen, & More!)
• Free Employee Transportation from Hood River & Sandy
• Summer Seasonal Job Connections with Local Businesses
• Access to Team Wellness Programs
• Team Appreciation Events/Dinners

Click Here to learn more about our team member perks.