Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts; South Lake Tahoe (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing Availability

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for the 2026/2027 winter season for Snowcat Operators and other seasonal roles. The position offers full-time shift availability in a winter resort setting with housing availability. Starting pay ranges from $20.00 to $23.00 per hour, with opportunities for training and professional development in a dynamic mountain environment.

Applicants must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, and be able to operate heavy machinery. English fluency is required.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with no restrictions.
• Experience operating heavy machinery.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• 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

Driver's license

Heavy machinery

English fluency

Stamina

Job description

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

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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 save their days for skiing, 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 Time hours available
• Minimum Age:At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability:Yes

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 ofthemachine 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 517746
Reference Date:09/19/2026
Job Code Function:Grooming