Specialist Snowmaker

Vail Resorts; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free passes

Employee discounts

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for winter 2026/27 for seasonal roles including Cooks, Drivers, Instructors and more, with strong compensation and ski-related benefits. The Specialist Snowmaking - Controller role is office-based and supports outdoor snowmaking operations through computer-controlled systems with emphasis on communication and documentation.

Starting wage ranges from $24.64 to $35.20 per hour for winter seasonal 2026/2027, with full-time hours and housing availability.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Grooming experience preferred.
• Valid Driver’s license with acceptable MVR.
• Fluent English in speaking, reading and writing.
• Ability to ski or snowboard at a level 6 if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to snowmaking policies, safety guidelines and best practices.
• Operate transportation vehicles per SOPs.
• Understand safe operation of snowmaking equipment.
• Follow enterprise standards and safety procedures from manual.
• Operate and monitor electronic snowmaking systems from a computer console.
• Maintain regular communication between shifts and teams.
• Report and monitor snowmaking production and resource usage.
• Assist with standard snowmaking duties and maintenance.
• Coordinate with Mountain Operations departments (Grooming, Race, Ski Patrol, Lift Maintenance, Fleet, Lift Operations).
• Perform fan gun maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fluent English

Driver's license

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

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

The Specialist Snowmaking - Controller is an office based position that will require light physical duty. It is a data management/logistics based position and will require excellent communication, organizational, documentation and reporting skills. You will support the outside snowmaking operations by controlling several machine rooms from a computer console with several different software programs.

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

• Adhere to all snowmaking policies, safety guidelines and best practice procedures at all times.
• Operate all transportation vehicles as per the standard operating procedures.
• Understand safe and efficient operation of all snowmaking equipment.
• Understand all standards, enterprise best practices, and safety procedures as instructed and outlined in the operational manual.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain electronic snowmaking monitoring systems and equipment.
• Effective, regular, and continuous communication between shifts, team leadership, and adjacent teams within the resort.
• Proper reporting and careful monitoring of snowmaking production and material resource consumption. (i.e. water, electricity, etc.)
• Assist with standard snowmaking duties and maintenance of equipment and systems.
• Work closely with other Mountain Operations departments: Grooming, Race, Ski Patrol, Lift Maintenance, Fleet maintenance, Lift Operations
• Fan gun maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Must possess a High School diploma or equivalent
• Grooming experience - preferred
• Must possess valid Driver’s license and acceptable MVR (driving record)
• Must speak, read and write fluent English
• Ability to ski or snowboard at a level 6 ability if necessary

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.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

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.