Snowcat Ski/Board Guide - RETURNING STAFF ONLY Winter 26-27

Alterra; Sandpoint (ID); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Alterra Mountain Resort pass

Employee housing

Discounted onsite childcare

Accrued paid sick leave

401(k) match

Great discounts and pro deals

Medical benefits, vacation time, and p

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures seeks skilled backcountry guides for seasonal, part-time tours in Idaho. You will lead guided downhill excursions for groups up to 12 guests, assess conditions, and provide safety briefings and on-trail instruction.

Responsibilities include emergency response, teamwork with other guides, and occasional media/photo support. Requires avalanche training, outdoor medical certifications, and a valid Idaho license; a strong customer-service mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Must have Idaho Outfitters and Guides License or be eligible.
• Avalanche training and rescue certifications required.
• First aid/CPR qualifications required.
• Excellent snow safety decision making and guest service.

Responsibilities

• Assess snowpack and weather to choose safe routes for guests.
• Provide safety orientation and instruction for backcountry tours.
• Lead downhill runs for up to 12 guests with a tail guide.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and pre-trip briefings.
• Coordinate with guides and support staff for daily operations.
• Support marketing with media shots during tours.

Skills

Downhill skiing

Snowboarding

Navigation apps

Scheduling apps

CPR certified

Outdoor emergency care

Idaho license

Education

Avalanche training level 1

Avalanche rescue

Outdoor Emergency Care

Wilderness First Responder

CPR certification

Idaho Outfitters license eligible

Tools

GPS/navigation tools

Communication tools

Scheduling software

Job description

Seasonal

Welcome to Schweitzer—where passionate mountain recreation pros work hard and play harder. Known for our friendly, inclusive culture, we’re growing thoughtfully to enhance mountain access and village life. Join the Schweitzer difference and help shape our future.

Perks include:

• Free Alterra Mountain Resort pass
• Employee housing
• Discounted onsite childcare
• Accrued paid sick leave
• 401(k) match
• Great discounts and access to pro deals
• Depending on employment status you could qualify for full medical benefits, vacation time, and paid parental leave.

Employment Status:

Part Time Seasonal

Wage Range:

$22.00-$30.00

Minimum Age:

18

Background Check Required:

YesGuides must have a clean criminal history to be licensed.

Driver Verification Required:

Yes

Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures’ (SBA) enthusiastic backcountry snowcat ski/board guides are responsible for safe, full-day downhill skiing/boarding tours outside the boundary lines of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Schweitzer employs Pisten Bully 400 snowcats with passenger cabins for up to 12 guests to access over 4350 acres of powder bliss! Guides are responsible stewards of Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho Department of Lands, the general public, and other stakeholders delivering peak experiences through safe and top-notch customer service.

Essential Functions and Major Responsibilities

• Evaluate snowpack, weather conditions, and terrain conditions to make informed decisions regarding ongoing safety and daily route selections.

• Provide clear and concise safety orientation and instruction to guests to include but not limited to; backcountry skiing/boarding safety protocol, use of rescue equipment, safe entry/exit of snowcats, selfcare in extreme environments.

• Select safe and appropriate downhill ski runs based on snow stability, terrain, and group ability for up to 12 guests and 1 tail guide.

• Be prepared to respond to emergencies, administer first aid, and execute rescue operations if necessary.

• Provide exceptional customer service, including pre-trip briefings, answering questions, and fostering a positive and engaging experiences for all participants.

• Work closely with other guides and support staff to ensure smooth operations and effective communication throughout the day.

• Support marketing department with gaining media shots throughout the day.

• Adhere to company policies, industry regulations, and best practices in all aspects of the job.

• Works in conditions that involve exposure to unusual elements and extreme temperatures.

Secondary Responsibilities

• • Shovel snow around upper lodge location
  • Provide basic diagnosis and repair of minor snowcat and snowmobile defects while communicating with manager and Shop Maintenance personnel for immediate resolution.
  • Provides backup support for other SBA tours in the field.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts depending on operational needs.
• Ongoing, paid trainings throughout season to maintain skills.

Specific Job Skills

License/Certifications- Recreation Level 1 Avalanche Training or similar w/24hr of training and 50% in the field, and Avalanche Rescue or similar with 8 hrs of training (5hrs in the field). Current Outdoor Emergency Care or Wilderness First Responder/Aid or similar medical training, and current CPR. Holds or is eligible to apply for Idaho Outfitters and Guides License as Ski Guide.

Technical- Expert downhill skier, snowboarder in all conditions. Technologically proficient with navigation, communication, and scheduling applications. Mechanical know-how is a bonus.

Physical Capabilities- The ability to lift 50lbs+, shovel snow, be outside in extreme winter environments for extended periods of time.

Additional- Knowledge of local history a bonus