Terrain Park Groomer III & IV

Sugar-Bowl-Ski-Resort; Norden (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Free ski passes

Employee discounts

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking experienced Terrain Park Groomers at both Level III and IV to own the design, build, and nightly maintenance of all terrain parks and features. You should be comfortable on steep terrain, operate winch cats, weld and fabricate when needed, and lead by example for the grooming crew.

This role shapes park layouts while keeping guests safe and entertained. You will mentor junior groomers, work nights, and participate in safety meetings, with opportunities to train in

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coordinate maintenance and reconstruction with the daily plan and day crew communications.
• Attend snowmobile training and participate in safety meetings.

Skills

Risk management

Guest service

Team leadership

Tools

Winch cat operation

Welding/fabrication

Heavy machinery operation

Job description

• Base Pay $28.00 - $35.00 / Hour
• Job Category Terrain Park, Grooming
• Employee Type 2B (Seas FT)

• Name Hiring Manager: Mike Schipani
• Email [e-mail]

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
• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• 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

Sugar Bowl Resort believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, hair, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.