Snow Safety Avalanche Tech - Winter 2026/27

Sunshine Village Corporation • Banff, AB

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Avalanche Technicians work to effect avalanche mitigations in accordance with the avalanche safety plan within the scope of their training, certifications, and abilities. The role communicates information, maintains equipment, and performs additional tasks in the Ski Patrol and larger Public Safety environment. Avalanche technicians practice mountain risk management to reduce exposure to the ski area. Avalanche Technicians report to the Snow Safety Supervisor/Lead Forecaster and the Senior Supervisor of Public Safety. Avalanche Technicians work alongside other Avalanche Technicians, Forecasters, and the Ski Patrol team members along with other Mountain Operations staff.

Requirements

• CAA Operations Level 1 certificate.
• Experience as a Blaster’s Assistant on avalanche control work.
• NRCan ERD Approval Letter for unsupervised access to explosives.
• 80-hour Advanced First Aid Certificate or equivalent first aid training.
• Valid BLS CPR certificate.
• Valid Alberta driver’s licence required for any oversnow vehicle operation.
• Must have worked in Ski Patrol for one full winter season at Sunshine Village, or three full winter seasons as a Ski Patroller at a similar resort (minimum 5 months per season).
• Strong skiing ability in all types of snow on challenging alpine terrain. Skiing for work requires completion of a competency test, skiing and riding professionally, and may be restricted to designated areas.
• Able to work effectively under pressure during emergency situations.
• Comfortable working at height or in exposed areas of a mountain environment.
• Positive, friendly, and professional attitude.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally.
• Strong radio communication skills and etiquette.
• Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Prepared to work flexible schedules (weekends, holidays).
• Must be neat, alert, punctual and dependable.
• Effectively provide support and assistance to coworkers.
• Employees must always be of sound mind, exhibit good judgment, and report to work fit for duty.
• Alpine or Telemark downhill skis with releasable bindings
• Ski poles, ski boots, ski helmet (ASTM F2040; CEN 1077; Snell RS-98; Z263.1 certified)
• Digital Avalanche Transceiver (less than 5 years old)
• Avalanche Rescue Shovel
• Avalanche Rescue Collapsible Probe
• Insulated winter boots with rubber sole
• Headlamp

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel) and InfoEx system is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive avalanche control when required, including opening terrain in a timely fashion, and completing all daily duties pertaining to safety.
• Collect pertinent data including weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations.
• Provide prompt, efficient and courteous assessment, treatment and transport to those who require it.
• Become extremely familiar with the Ski Area, its operational boundaries, and nearby backcountry.
• Participate in public and staff education on safe skiing and riding at the ski area and elsewhere.
• Communicate changing weather, closures, and atypical operating conditions.
• Effectively communicate via radio.
• Maintain signage, equipment, and monitor the conditions of slopes.
• Develop a basic understanding of, and understand individual role in, the Sunshine Village Emergency Response Plan and all Emergency Response Assistance Plans, including, but not limited to medical and/or trauma, avalanche rescue, lift and gondola evacuation, high angle rescue, search & rescue and security emergencies.
• Become trained and competent in lift, gondola, and self-evacuation procedures.
• Document all training, explosives use, avalanche control work performed, and complete tasks as part of the Snow safety training checklist and competency tracker along with continuing education programs.
• Effectively handle a toboggan, along with operating a snowmobile and other oversnow vehicles within abilities, after initial or recurrent training is completed in accordance with the Snowmobile Training Program.
• Function within a team environment adhering to all aspects of the Avalanche Safety Plan.
• Timely completion of documentation of avalanche data - weather and avalanche observations and explosives use.
• Assist with maintenance of all equipment that pertains to the avalanche control program.
• Timely and accurate reporting of documentation, and all incidents and deficiencies to appropriate departments/personnel.
• Develop a working understanding of incident report forms and the digital documentation system.
• Basic training and shadowing Dispatcher in the event relief dispatch duties are required or requested.
• Other duties may be requested and assigned from time to time.

Benefits

• FREE - Your staff pass is your ticket to ride Sunshine!
• Ski & Ride – Free days & discounts at ski resorts across Canada
• Staff Events – Staff parties, BBQs, spring night skiing, dog sledding & more
• Career – Recognition programs & career development opportunities
• Wellness – Discounted fitness passes, yoga, onsite support & professional support
• Onsite discounts – Food & beverage, retail, & hotel stays
• Exclusive deals – Brand-named gear & local businesses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed