Senior Manager: Ski & Ride School

Vail Resorts • Vail, CO

5d • $70,631 - $94,669

About The Position

The Ski & Snowboard School Senior Manager oversees the guest and employee experience of the Ski and Snowboard School, including quality assurance, financial management, business development, hiring, employee relations, training, guest relations, personal and employee development, and community relations. The role also supports Summer/Winter Adventure Ridge activities and co-manages that line of business with a peer Skier Services Senior Manager.

This is a year-round, full-time position. The expected pay range is $70,631 to $94,669 annually, plus an annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of ski school management experience.
• At least 7 years of ski or snowboard industry experience.
• Experience managing large employee populations, with a minimum of 100 people.
• PSIA/AASI Level 3 certification.
• Fluency in all aspects of English.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• At least 18 years of age.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with MS Office Suite, RPOS, and Guest Connect is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor the quality of products and staff to provide an exceptional guest experience, align with resort and company goals, achieve financial success, and develop future products and programs.
• Manage all operational finances, including budget development, month-end profit and loss, forecasting and reporting, daily financial reports, labor management, and contribution targets.
• Manage personnel, including hiring, professional growth, performance management, and employee relations, with the goal of developing staff and improving retention.
• Directly oversee Supervisors, Product Managers, and Location Managers; provide feedback, development opportunities, leadership opportunities, and training, and ensure accountability for guest and employee experience quality.
• Plan school operations and strategy with direction from the Director of Skier Services and resort General Manager, including a safety business plan that supports positive safety results and revenue opportunities.
• Oversee and develop the ski and snowboard school guest loyalty program and corporate group lesson business.
• Partner with the training manager and lead trainers to align staff training with guest experience and employee development goals, monitor training quality, and adjust as needed.
• Stay current on guest and employee health, safety, and compliance regulations, including MSDS standards, universal precautions, child abuse guidelines, temporary background checks, emergency evacuation, lightning procedures, and other Policy Tech requirements.
• Understand and model the school teaching philosophy and guest service guidelines, and be prepared to lead clinics and teach the public when necessary.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitions, and events, and remain involved with professional organizations such as ISIA and PSIA/AASI.
• Build interdepartmental relationships with Product Sales, Guest Services, VRR, Mountain Operations, Group Sales, SRS Marketing, and Food and Beverage to support a seamless guest experience.
• Meet and greet guests daily, model exceptional service, resolve complaints efficiently, and support full guest recovery.
• Monitor and maintain the quality and appearance of guest- and employee-facing facilities, including on-mountain and base areas, lesson yards, signage, program imaging, teaching terrain, and locker rooms.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide strategic work tracks and best-practice efforts focused on results for the company.
• Participate in capital planning and project management to support investments that improve the guest experience, drive the business, and meet brand standards.
• Co-manage the Adventure Ridge line of business with a peer Senior Manager, supporting safety, compliance, financial results, employee experience, and business success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free employee ski passes.
• Discounted lift tickets for friends and family.
• Free ski lessons.
• Employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Training and professional development.
• Referral Program.
• Health, medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible seasonal employees after 500 hours worked.
• Free ski passes for dependents for full-time roles.
• Critical illness and accident plans for full-time roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED