Snowmaker – Level II

Sugar Bowl; California; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Paid sick time

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Free ski passes

Lift ticket discounts

Hotel discounts

Employee discounts

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort seeks a Snowmaker II to operate our snowmaking system independently and deliver high-quality snow surfaces for guests. You’ll run the guns, read conditions, and make calls on your own, while mentoring newer Snowmakers.

If you have a season or more of snowmaking experience and want greater ownership, this is the step up. Based at Sugar Bowl Resort on Donner Summit, you’ll join a storied mountain community with a tradition of innovation in snow sports.

Qualifications

• At least one season of snowmaking experience or equivalent hands-on training.
• Comfortable operating snowmaking guns (air/water and fan) independently with minimal supervision.
• Solid knowledge of snowmaking trail names and hydrant locations.
• Able to test and adjust snow quality based on conditions and basic troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Independently place, connect, and operate snowmaking guns (air/water and fan guns) across assigned trails.
• Test and adjust snow quality based on real-time conditions.
• Perform pre- and post-shift vehicle inspections (Ranger, snowmobile).
• Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on snow guns, escalating larger issues to the Supervisor.
• Handle compressor fueling, spill prevention, and clean-up procedures.
• Navigate the snowmaking trail system and hydrant network confidently.

Skills

Snowmaking ops

Safety adherence

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Snowmaking guns

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for a Snowmaker II to operate our snowmaking system independently and help deliver the highest quality snow surface for our guests. You’ve got the fundamentals down - now it’s time to run the guns, read the conditions, and make the calls on your own, while helping bring newer Snowmakers up to speed along the way. If you’ve got a season or more of snowmaking under your belt and are ready to take more ownership of the work, this is your next step.

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

• At least 1 season of snowmaking experience, or equivalent hands-on training
• Comfortable operating snowmaking guns (air/water and fan guns) independently, with minimal supervision
• Solid working knowledge of snowmaking trail names and hydrant locations
• Able to test and adjust snow quality independently based on conditions
• Comfortable performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance on snow guns without direct guidance
• Proficient at snowmobile safety and use
• Punctual, energetic, and self-motivated
• A genuine team player who works well with others and helps newer teammates learn
• Follows employee handbook policies and sets a professional example for fellow employees
• Available to work all times of day, 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

• Independently place, connect, and operate snowmaking guns (air/water and fan guns) across assigned trails
• Test and adjust snow quality based on real-time conditions
• Perform pre- and post-shift vehicle inspections (Ranger, snowmobile)
• Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on snow guns, escalating larger issues to the Supervisor
• Handle compressor fueling, spill prevention, and clean-up procedures
• Navigate the snowmaking trail system and hydrant network confidently and efficiently
• Help train and support Snowmaker I team members on equipment and procedures
• Follow all safety procedures, and never proceed where safety is in question
• Keep work areas clean and tidy
• 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