Winter Stables Manager: Lead Equine & Sleigh Ops

Vail Resorts; Keystone (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Employee discounts

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Training and development

Job summary

Vail Resorts is seeking a Stables Manager for Keystone to oversee the stable operations, care for draft horses, and manage the sleigh ride program. You will lead a team of wranglers, supervisory staff, and culinary support to deliver guests an exceptional mountain experience.

The role requires strong equine expertise, winter operation skills, and a focus on safety and guest service. Excellent leadership and coordination with transportation and culinary teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in equine operations or outdoor recreation, with 3-5 years in management or senior supervisory role.
• Extensive horse knowledge, including care, handling, and basic veterinary practices.
• Ability to drive and manage draft horses in sleigh operations under harsh winter conditions.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; fluent in English.
• Proficiency with operations systems such as Guest Connect, Tock and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to lift 50-85 lbs and work outdoors in physically demanding conditions for extended periods.
• Valid drivers license; capable of towing and maneuvering horse trailers.
• TIPS and ServSafe certifications (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Commitment to safety, guest service excellence, and team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the stables team, including the supervisor, chef tournant and wranglers, ensuring facilities, equipment, and grounds are clean, organized and well-maintained.
• Oversee the health and daily care of draft horses, including feeding, grooming, harnessing, bridling, and basic veterinary care; ensure all animal welfare standards are met.
• Provide strategic direction and support for sleigh ride operations.
• Coordinate with transportation and the Adventure Center teams to ensure timely and efficient ride departures and guest communication.
• Manage operational systems including InfoGenesis, Tock, and other company platforms to ensure accurate scheduling, guest tracking and service.
• Oversee payroll accuracy, including tip and gratuity tracking, timesheet corrections and labor reporting.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to plan and execute dinner services, including special requests and seasonal adjustments.
• Develop and manage team schedules, staffing plans and performance evaluations; support leadership development for supervisors and wranglers.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and resort standards, including snow removal operations using machinery such as trucks, skid steers and snowcats.
• Maintain readiness to drive horse-drawn sleighs in extreme winter conditions and transport horses using trailers; ensure all staff are properly trained and certified.
• Maintain a good working relationship with the USFS. All operations are conducted on USFS land.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Equine knowledge

English fluent

Operations coordination

Tools

Guest Connect

Tock

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vail Resorts is seeking a Stables Manager for Keystone to oversee the stable operations, care for draft horses, and manage the sleigh ride program. You will lead a team of wranglers, supervisory staff, and culinary support to deliver guests an exceptional mountain experience.

The role requires strong equine expertise, winter operation skills, and a focus on safety and guest service. Excellent leadership and coordination with transportation and culinary teams are essential.