Assistant Area Manager

Alterra • CMH - British Columbia (Pacific), BC

7d • Remote

About The Position

The Assistant Area Manager works in close partnership with the Area Manager to support all aspects of operations and guiding within their assigned CMH area. This role is integral to maintaining consistency, communication, and leadership alignment across all facets of the operation, ensuring CMH’s world-class standards for safety, guest experience, and staff well-being are upheld. The Assistant Area Manager reports directly to the Area Manager and assumes leadership responsibilities when the Area Manager is away, ensuring seamless continuity of operations. This position requires exceptional communication, collaboration, and mutual trust with the Area Manager, alongside strong coordination with other department leaders to maintain an effective and respectful workplace. As a certified guide, you are responsible for safely guiding guests and staff through backcountry terrain. You will use your risk management, mentoring, and leadership skills to support and develop members of the guiding team in guest experience, snow science, safety, environmental awareness, and professional performance.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in guiding or operational leadership, preferably within heli-skiing or mountain environments.
• ACMG Ski Guide/CSGA Level 3 certification required.
• CAA Level 2 (or equivalent), required
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Lead or Senior Ski Guide.
• Prior supervisory or team-lead experience required.
• Strong communication, coordination, and collaboration skills, especially with the Area Manager and cross-departmental teams.
• Proven leadership presence with the ability to motivate, guide, and mentor others.
• Expert-level risk management and decision-making ability.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strategic thinking and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn other software systems.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced, and seasonal environment.
• Confidence in facilitating team briefings, meetings, and training sessions.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership style that values respect, teamwork, and accountability.
• Guides must be capable of lifting and transporting equipment multiple times per day, including up to 12 pairs of skis/snowboards (weighing up to 20 lbs each) and 12 guest packs (approximately 5 lbs each), potentially repeated up to 30 times daily.
• Daily operational requirements include skiing between 6,000 and 14,000 vertical metres through variable snow and terrain conditions while maintaining group safety, pace, and energy.
• Guides are required to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -35°C, limited visibility, and high alpine environments.
• The role demands rapid response to emergency situations, including avalanche rescue, injury response, and helicopter-assisted evacuation, requiring physical and mental readiness at all times.
• Work is physically demanding and performed while wearing cold-weather gear, avalanche safety equipment, and carrying a professional guiding pack containing safety and medical gear.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or relevant specialized training preferred.
• ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide or ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide certification preferred.
• CAA Level 3, preferred
• Level 2 Ski Instructor (or equivalent) preferred.
• WCB Avalanche Control Blaster’s Certification preferred.
• Basic Chainsaw Operator Course preferred.
• British Columbia Commercial Class 4 (restricted) driver’s license, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Area Manager in overseeing all aspects of area operations, ensuring alignment with CMH policies, standards, and values.
• Act as the primary leader when the Area Manager is away, maintaining seamless continuity of operations and communication across all departments.
• Build a strong, positive, and communicative partnership with the Area Manager to ensure consistent direction, expectations, and decision-making.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and engaged work culture that supports guest satisfaction, employee well-being, and operational excellence.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and feedback to guides and other staff to support skill development and teamwork.
• Assist in coordinating day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to CMH’s safety and operational procedures, the License of Occupation, and area boundaries.
• Collaborate with the Facility/Maintenance and Hospitality leadership teams to support their departmental goals and ensure smooth lodge operations.
• Participate in planning and implementation of run development, maintenance, and other off-season initiatives.
• Support the budgeting process for both operating and capital expenditures.
• Maintain thorough working knowledge of all technical systems related to field and lodge operations.
• Act as a professional and welcoming host for guests, ensuring their experience reflects CMH’s world-class hospitality and guiding standards.
• Represent CMH with professionalism and integrity when interacting with guests, colleagues, government agencies, suppliers, and the local community.
• Demonstrate expert-level risk management, terrain assessment, and decision-making skills in all field activities.
• Lead or assist in emergency response training and live responses as required.
• Support the implementation of CMH’s safety systems, OHS programs, sustainability, and DEI initiatives.
• Assist in developing, communicating, and executing operational goals, strategies, and performance objectives.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of operations, personnel, and compliance-related documentation.
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively to meet timelines and goals.
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to continuous improvement across CMH’s guiding and hospitality operations.
• Support cross-functional projects and company-wide initiatives that enhance safety, guest experience, and employee engagement.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
• Group savings plan.
• Food and accommodation are provided while on shift.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Travel reimbursement (within CMH policy) for travel to remote lodges and events.
• Discounts with brand partners and on CMH merchandise.
• Opportunities to heli-hike and heli-ski, as available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager