Snowmaker – Level I

Sugar Bowl; California; Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Paid sick time

EAP

Professional development

Free ski passes

Dependent ski passes

Food discount

Group lessons

Lift ticket discounts

Hotel discounts

Reciprocal programs

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking entry-level Snowmakers to operate our snowmaking system and deliver high-quality snow surfaces for guests. Training will be provided from the ground up, with opportunities to learn equipment operation and snow quality testing.

Ideal candidates are punctual, energetic, self-motivated, and team players who thrive in an outdoor, hands-on environment. Flexible to work all shifts in varying conditions and ready to support other departments as needed.

Qualifications

• No prior snowmaking experience required; training provided.
• Punctual, energetic, and self-motivated.
• Team player who works well with others.
• Adheres to employee handbook policies and sets a professional example.
• Willing to learn new skills and procedures.
• Available to work all shifts, in all conditions.
• Comfortable in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Prioritizes courtesy and safety.
• Versatile with willingness to support other departments.

Responsibilities

• Learn proper pre- and post-shift vehicle inspection procedures (Ranger, snowmobile).
• Learn how to safely place, connect, and operate snowmaking guns (air/water and fan guns).
• Learn how to test and adjust snow quality.
• Learn basic troubleshooting and maintenance of snow guns.
• Learn compressor fueling, spill prevention, and clean-up procedures.
• Learn snowmaking trail names and hydrant locations.
• Follow all safety procedures, and never proceed where safety is in question.
• Keep work areas clean and tidy.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Follow all policies as outlined in the Sugar Bowl Employee Handbook.
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.

Skills

Punctual

Energetic

Team player

Self-motivated

Hard worker

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for Snowmakers to operate our snowmaking system and help deliver the highest quality snow surface for our guests. This is an entry-level, apprentice-style position - no prior snowmaking experience required. We’ll train you on everything from equipment operation to snow quality testing, starting from the ground up. If you’re a hard worker who’s excited to learn a hands-on trade and doesn’t mind braving the elements to help build the mountain, this is a great place to start.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are

• No prior snowmaking experience required - we’ll train you from the ground up
• Punctual, energetic, and self-motivated
• A genuine team player who works well with others
• Follows employee handbook policies and sets a professional example for fellow employees
• A quick learner, comfortable picking up new equipment and procedures
• Available to work all times of day and night, in all conditions
• Comfortable in a sometimes high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Treats courtesy and safety as top priorities
• Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed; a versatile, team-first mindset

What You’ll do

• Learn proper pre- and post-shift vehicle inspection procedures (Ranger, snowmobile)
• Learn how to safely place, connect, and operate snowmaking guns (air/water and fan guns)
• Learn how to test and adjust snow quality
• Learn basic troubleshooting and maintenance of snow guns
• Learn compressor fueling, spill prevention, and clean-up procedures
• Learn snowmaking trail names and hydrant locations
• Follow all safety procedures, and never proceed where safety is in question
• Keep work areas clean and tidy
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Follow all policies as outlined in the Sugar Bowl Employee Handbook
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working outdoors in extreme, cold winter weather conditions, often during overnight and early morning hours
• Capable of lifting and carrying equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs
• Steady footing for walking and standing on snow, ice, and uneven terrain for extended periods
• Comfortable working in proximity to pressurized air/water lines and running equipment
• Manual dexterity for connecting hoses, operating valves, and handling snowmaking equipment
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to work safely at night and in low-visibility conditions

Winter Benefits

• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• Free ski passes for dependents
• 50% off food at our restaurants
• Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
• Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
• Hotel discounts
• Employee ski reciprocal programs