Terrain Park Groomer III & IV

Sugar Bowl; California; Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes

Free ski lessons for employees

Employer sponsored 401k

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking experienced Terrain Park Groomers to own the design, construction, and nightly maintenance of terrain parks. This senior role requires confident independent work on steep terrain, winch cat operation, and welding/fabrication when needed, while mentoring junior Groomers and shaping safe, world-class park features.

You’ll oversee nightly grooming, shape trails, coordinate with the day crew, and contribute to park design and safety.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of cat experience with terrain park building and grooming.
• Ability to work independently on steep mountain terrain.
• Welding/fabrication skills and heavy equipment familiarity.
• Mentor and support less experienced groomers and team members.
• Safe, professional, guest-focused service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead nightly grooming and maintenance of all terrain parks and features.
• Reshape and rebuild trails and manage snow removal from fences, drifts, lift stations, and obstacles.
• Operate a snowcat across varied terrain and conditions.
• Assist with feature installation, repairs, and night-time park work.
• Coordinate maintenance with daily plan and day crew communications.
• Mentor Groomer I–III teammates and support other departments as needed.

Skills

Cat experience

Terrain park design

Winch cat operation

Welding/fabrication

Independent work

Leadership

Tools

Winch cat

Welding equipment

Fabrication tools

Heavy machinery

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for experienced Terrain Park Groomers - Level III and IV - to take ownership of the construction, design, and nightly maintenance of all terrain parks and features. This role is for a seasoned operator: someone who works confidently and independently on steep terrain and, at the top of this track, runs a winch cat, can weld and fabricate when equipment needs it, and leads by example for the rest of the crew. You’ll help shape the design and layout of terrain features that keep guests safe and having a great time, while mentoring the Groomers coming up behind you. This position plays a critical role in delivering the best possible terrain park experience for our guests, night after night.

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

All Levels

• Strong working knowledge of risk management as it applies to terrain park features and layout
• Comfortable in a guest service environment, professional at all times
• Willing to attend snowmobile training

Groomer III

• 3+ years of cat experience, with a track record in terrain park building and grooming
• Comfortable working on steep mountain hillsides with minimal supervision
• Able to make sound, prudent decisions independently in routine situations
• Winch cat operation is a plus
• Beginning to mentor and support less experienced Groomers
• Ability to work independently during overnight shifts.
• Passion for skiing, snowboarding, and terrain parks.
• Adhere to employee handbook policies and be a professional example to others.
• Positive attitude with a team- player mentality.

Groomer IV

• 4+ years of cat experience, with a proven, independent track record in terrain park building and grooming
• All of level III skill sets
• A self-starter who works confidently and independently on steep mountain hillsides without direct supervision
• Strong leadership skills, comfortable directing work and mentoring the full team
• Able to safely and independently operate winch cats on demanding terrain
• Welding/fabrication and heavy machine experience
• Trusted to own the most complex and high-visibility terrain feature designs and builds
• Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed a versatile, team-first mindset

What You’ll do

All Levels

• Lead nightly grooming and maintenance of all terrain parks and park features
• Reshape and rebuild trails, and manage snow removal from fences, drifts, lift stations, and obstacles
• Operate a snowcat across varied terrain and conditions, including steep uphill and downhill sections, leaving a good riding surface
• Assist with digging out and moving jibbing elements alongside nighttime Park Rangers
• Coordinate maintenance and reconstruction with the daily plan and day crew communications
• Communicate nightly grooming results to the AM day crew and the Terrain Park Supervisor
• Work outside of the snowcat in inclement and adverse weather conditions as needed
• Complete grooming forms and company equipment/vehicle forms nightly
• Attend snowmobile training
• Participate in safety meetings and accept diverse assignments as part of the team
• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor in all guest and team interactions
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
• Assist with feature installation, repairs, chainsaw and chisel work as needed to provide world class aesthetic in our parks

Groomer III

• Independently construct and maintain more complex terrain park features using a snowcat
• Contribute ideas to the design and layout of terrain features, helping maintain safe designs that flow with traffic and natural terrain
• Help train and support Terrain Park Groomer I and II team members on equipment and procedures

Groomer IV

• Own the design and construction of the most complex and high-visibility terrain features on the mountain, including winch cat operation on steep terrain
• Mentor and train Terrain Park Groomer I, II, and III team members
• Perform welding, fabrication, and advanced equipment repairs
• Serve as the go-to resource for complex terrain feature or equipment issues, escalating to the Terrain Park Supervisor only when needed
• Model safety leadership and risk management practices for the entire team

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable sitting for extended periods while operating a snowcat, with frequent climbing on and off the machine
• Capable of working outdoors in extreme, cold winter weather conditions, often during late evening and early morning hours
• Able to shovel and clear snow, including heavy, wet snow, as needed
• Steady footing and balance for navigating steep, icy, or uneven terrain on and off equipment, including the mountain's most demanding features
• Comfortable working in proximity to moving mechanical parts and heavy machinery
• Manual dexterity for equipment inspection, welding/fabrication, maintenance, and machinery operation
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely operate machinery, including winch cats, and monitor changing weather and trail 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