Snowmaker I

Mountain Capital Partners, LLC; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Season pass for you and dependents

Job summary

Mountain Capital Partners, LLC at Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO seeks a Snowmaker I for the winter season. This entry-level position produces high-quality machine-made snow across the mountain to support safe, consistent skiing and riding conditions.

You’ll operate diverse equipment and work with experienced crews. No prior snowmaking experience is required; candidates with a strong work ethic and mechanical aptitude are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• No prior snowmaking experience required, but foundational mechanical or outdoor work experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment across mountain terrain.
• Set up and maintain snowmaking hoses and equipment.
• Perform startup, adjustment, shutdown, and freeze-prevention procedures.
• Monitor weather, snow quality, and equipment performance and adjust as needed.
• Inspect equipment and report leaks, damage, or abnormal conditions.
• Troubleshoot and perform basic maintenance within training scope.
• Maintain radio communication with leads and other snowmaking staff.
• Safely operate snowmobiles and utility vehicles after training.
• Complete daily vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Collaborate with crew leads to meet daily snow production goals.
• Identify unsafe conditions and report promptly.

Skills

Situational awareness

Endurance

Follow procedures

Learn equipment

Mechanical aptitude

Clear communication

Teamwork

Dependability

Accountability

Judgment

Hazard recognition

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Purgatory Resort - DURANGO, CO

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $20.25 - $22.00Hourly

Snowmaker I

General Purpose: Snowmaker I is an entry-level position responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality machine-made snow across the mountain to support safe and consistent skiing and riding conditions. Team members operate a variety of manual and automated snowmaking equipment, including air/water snow guns, tower guns, fan guns, hydrants, hoses, valves, and other components of high-pressure water and compressed-air systems.

Snowmaker I employees work under the direction of experienced Snowmakers, Crew Leads, Pumphouse Operators, and department leadership while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform routine snowmaking operations with increasing independence.

Snowmaking requires physical endurance, situational awareness, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and teamwork. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in below-freezing temperatures and variable mountain weather, on steep and icy terrain, during both day and night shifts. Previous snowmaking experience is not required; candidates with strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, outdoor work experience, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

This is a seasonal position. Dates are subject to change based on weather, snowmaking needs, applicant availability, and the needs of the business. This role comes with a free season pass for you and your dependents. For a full list of benefits, visit the Purgatory employee benefits page. https://www.purgatory.ski/employee-benefits/

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust snowmaking equipment including air/water snow guns, tower guns, fan guns, hydrants, hoses, and valves.
• Set up, move, connect, drain, and maintain snowmaking hoses and equipment across mountain terrain.
• Perform snow gun startup, adjustment, shutdown, draining, and freeze-prevention procedures according to established procedures and training.
• Monitor weather conditions, snow quality, coverage, wind, and equipment performance and make routine adjustments as directed.
• Inspect snowmaking equipment and infrastructure and identify and report leaks, freezing, damage, mechanical issues, or other abnormal conditions.
• Perform basic equipment troubleshooting, cleaning, and maintenance within the employee’s level of training.
• Maintain clear and professional radio communication with Crew Leads, Pumphouse Operators, and other Snowmaking personnel.
• Safely operate snowmobiles, UTVs, trucks, and 4x4 vehicles in winter mountain conditions after appropriate training.
• Perform daily inspections of assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment and report deficiencies.
• Work closely with Crew Leads and other Snowmakers to complete assigned terrain and meet daily snow production goals.
• Recognize unsafe or changing conditions and promptly communicate safety, equipment, or operating concerns to a Crew Lead, Foreman, Pumphouse Operator, or higher level Snowmaker.
• Follow established department procedures, safety requirements, and PPE standards at all times.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with preseason setup and postseason teardown, inspection, organization, and storage of snowmaking equipment.
• Maintain clean and organized snowmaking equipment, vehicles, storage areas, and workspaces.
• Assist with basic maintenance and repair of snowmaking equipment as directed.
• Participate in required department training, safety meetings, and equipment-specific training.
• Support other Snowmaking and Mountain Operations projects and departments as needed.
• Assist with general mountain cleanup and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Previous snowmaking experience is not required. Foundational mechanical knowledge or experience with pumps, compressors, pressurized water/air systems, small engines, outdoor equipment, or similar systems is preferred but not required.

This role requires:

• Strong situational awareness and basic hazard recognition.
• Physical coordination and endurance in steep, snowy, and icy terrain.
• Ability to follow instructions, established procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to learn snowmaking equipment, terminology, and operating procedures.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Clear and effective communication, including radio communication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with appropriate supervision.
• Dependability, initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment and willingness to ask questions or seek assistance when conditions or equipment are outside the employee’s level of training.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to visual, auditory, and environmental cues.

Special Certifications/Licensing

Valid Driver's License

Education or Formal Training

None required. Technical, mechanical, or snowmaking training preferred.

Experience

Previous snowmaking experience is not required. Experience in outdoor labor, ski-area operations, mechanical work, construction, utilities, landscaping, forestry, farming, or other physically demanding outdoor work is preferred. Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude, a demonstrated work ethic, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

99% of the workday is spent outdoors in a winter mountain environment under changing and often challenging conditions including extreme cold, wind, snow, blowing snow, darkness, reduced visibility, ice, and wet conditions. Work is performed on steep, snowy, icy, and uneven terrain and around high-pressure water, compressed air, hoses, hydrants, snowmaking equipment, snowmobiles, UTVs, grooming equipment, vehicles, and other moving machinery.

Frequent walking and standing on steep and uneven terrain, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, pushing, pulling, gripping, talking, and listening. Employees must possess sufficient near and far visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, and field of vision to safely perform snowmaking operations in adverse winter conditions.

Frequently lifting and carrying tools, hoses, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally handling objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance as appropriate. This position requires the physical endurance to perform demanding outdoor work for extended shifts in cold and wet conditions.