Specialist Snow Cat Operator

Vail Resorts; Leavenworth (WA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Free ski lessons

Employee discounts

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Excellent training and professional发展

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Washington state is hiring for the winter season as an Advanced Groomer. You will operate grooming machinery, groom trails and terrain parks, and work with multiple departments to ensure optimal snow conditions.

This role involves night shifts, heavy equipment, and collaboration with various mountain teams, offering housing availability and competitive pay for seasonal work.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Grooming Operations
• Operate snowcats and grooming equipment safely and efficiently.
• Execute grooming routes and patterns based on terrain layout and operational plans.
• Use tillers and other attachments to preserve snow quality and create a superior surface.
• Maintain level load/unload stations at ski lifts.
• Terrain Park Construction
• Build and maintain terrain park features (jumps, rails, boxes) from start to finish.
• Collaborate with Terrain Park Leads and Supervisors to implement grooming plans.
• Assist with special projects and events requiring custom snow features.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Perform daily checks and cleaning of grooming equipment.
• Report mechanical issues promptly to Vehicle Maintenance.
• Fill out grooming logs and shift reports accurately.
• Safety & Communication
• Stay alert to surroundings including hydrants, trees, lift terminals, and other hazards.
• Maintain clear communication with ski patrol, snowmaking, and other mountain departments.
• Follow all safety protocols and company policies (e.g., no smoking/vaping in snowcats).

Skills

Driver's license

Heavy machinery operation

Communication

Teamwork

Graveyard shifts

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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

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

Job Summary

The Advanced Groomer is responsible for creating and maintaining high-quality snow surfaces across ski trails and terrain parks. This includes operating grooming machinery, building terrain park features, and collaborating with various departments to ensure optimal snow conditions for guests.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage:$24.64/hr - $35.20/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

• Grooming Operations
• Operate snowcats and grooming equipment safely and efficiently.
• Execute grooming routes and patterns based on terrain layout and operational plans.
• Use tillers and other attachments to preserve snow quality and create a superior surface.
• Maintain level load/unload stations at ski lifts.
• Terrain Park Construction
• Build and maintain terrain park features (jumps, rails, boxes) from start to finish.
• Collaborate with Terrain Park Leads and Supervisors to implement grooming plans.
• Assist with special projects and events requiring custom snow features.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Perform daily checks and cleaning of grooming equipment.
• Report mechanical issues promptly to Vehicle Maintenance.
• Fill out grooming logs and shift reports accurately.
• Safety & Communication
• Stay alert to surroundings including hydrants, trees, lift terminals, and other hazards.
• Maintain clear communication with ski patrol, snowmaking, and other mountain departments.
• Follow all safety protocols and company policies (e.g., no smoking/vaping in snowcats).

Job Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience operating heavy machinery (snowcats, tractors, ATVs) preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work graveyard shifts and in harsh winter conditions.

Working Conditions

• Primarily night shifts in cold, snowy environments.
• Requires appropriate winter gear (boots, gloves, insulated clothing).
• May involve outdoor work and collaboration across departments.

The expected pay range is$24.64/hr - $35.20/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

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.