Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee ski passes and lessons

Employee discounts on lodging, gear, &

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Excellent training & professional dev.

Referral Program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Hastings, Minnesota, seeks a Snowcat Operator for the winter season 2026/27. You will groom snow surfaces and prepare trails for guests, operating grooming equipment with safety and efficiency.

The role requires a valid driver's license, ability to sit for extended periods, and fluency in English. This full-time, on-site position offers seasonal work with competitive pay and industry-leading benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with no restrictions.
• Experience operating heavy machinery.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English.
• Climb in and out of the machine safely.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation of grooming equipment.
• Prepare and groom ski area trails and surfaces.
• Work collaboratively with others.
• Minimize downtime through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and upkeep of machines.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Heavy machinery experience

English fluency

Safety minded

Job description

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

As a Snowcat Operator, you will groom and prepare the snow surface for the skiing guest. Learn tooperatesome of the coolest equipment in the ski industry!Seekingself-motivated, coordinated, and meticulous people to savetheirdays forskiing, and use their nights to return the trails to a perfectly groomed state.

Job Specifications:

Starting Wage:$20.00/hr -$23.00/hr

Employment Type:Winter Seasonal 2026/2027

Shift Type:Full Timehours available

Minimum Age:At least 18 years of age

Housing Availability:No

Job Responsibilities:

Safe operation of grooming equipment

Prepare and groom ski area trails and surfaces

Work collaboratively with others.

Minimize downtime through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and upkeep of machines.

Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Valid driver's license with no restrictions

Experienceworkingwith andoperatingheavy machinery

Ability to sit for extended periods of time

Must be able to communicate fluently in English

Climb in and out of the machine safely

The expected pay range is$20.00/hr -$23.00/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 517120
Reference Date:09/09/2026
Job Code Function:Grooming

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more.