Ski & Ride School Director

Mountain Club; Washington; On-site; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Job summary

Crystal Mountain Resort seeks an experienced Ski & Ride School Director to lead and grow our ski and snowboard instruction programs. This leadership role oversees all aspects of the Ski & Ride School, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, staff development, and operational excellence.

Ideal candidates bring strong communication, organizational skills, and a passion for winter sports with a track record of coaching and program innovation in a mountain environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of ski/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.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and coaching skills.
• Budgeting, scheduling, and staff management proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of ski and snowboard instructors.
• Design and oversee lesson programs for all ages and ability levels.
• Develop and manage the Ski & Ride School budget, pricing, scheduling, and payroll.
• Collaborate with Lift Operations, Marketing, and Guest Services to enhance guest experience.
• Uphold safety policies, risk management, and compliance with resort policies.

Skills

Leadership & coaching

Guest experience focus

Budgeting & scheduling

Communication skills

Staff management

Education

PSIA/AASI Level 3 Certification

Divisional Education Staff experience

Job description

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

Position type: Full Time