Specialist Ski Patrol

Vail Resorts•Ludlow, VT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialist Ski Patrol role is responsible for the safety and security of mountain staff and guests. Patrollers promote guest safety across varied terrain and winter conditions, respond to injuries and illnesses, help evacuate guests, maintain trails and closures, and support resort safety programs. The role also coordinates a team of patrollers in daily operations, supports training and development, communicates team expectations and progress, and contributes to the safe and efficient functioning of Patrol operations. This is a full-time winter seasonal position for the 2026/2027 season, working five days a week. Starting pay is $24.64–$35.20 per hour. Housing is available.

Requirements

Effective communication skills and strong guest service skills.
Strong decision-making skills.
Strong leadership skills.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships across and within departments.
Advanced-to-expert skiing ability to safely negotiate any mountain area, whether accessed by chairlift or hiking, in all weather and snow conditions.
Ability to safely handle a toboggan in any terrain; training is provided.
Ability to perform avalanche mitigation duties.
High school degree or equivalent.
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Technician Certification, at minimum.
Ability to access and use technology across multiple platforms.
English speaking, writing, and comprehension ability.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Previous patrol experience.
Availability to work holidays and weekends.
Ability to ski daily for a minimum of two hours and up to eight hours at a time, at an advanced-to-expert level in all snow and weather conditions.
Ability to lift and ski with at least 50 pounds daily, with help as needed.
Frequent ability to lift, stand, walk, sit, and maneuver in all mountain climate conditions at high elevation.
Full dexterity of hands and fingers to feel and maneuver in cold temperatures.
Ability to reach with hands and arms.
Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in all weather conditions at high elevation.
Good vision, corrected or uncorrected, including close-up, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Supervise and promote guest safety on varied terrain and in changing winter weather conditions, including advanced-patroller guest service expectations.
Assist injured or ill guests on the mountain.
Transport injured guests off the mountain using a toboggan or support air-lift operations.
Maintain trails by identifying hazards and setting up closures, safety materials, and other necessary measures related to the resort environment.
Transport supplies and heavy equipment to areas where they are needed.
Perform end-of-day closing procedures to ensure all guests are safely off the mountain.
Enforce the Skier Responsibility Code and resort policies.
Assist with chairlift and guest evacuations.
Operate snowmobiles to mountain locations as needed.
Coordinate patrollers in daily patrol operations and tasks.
Identify and communicate potential AI needs to the Team Lead.
Assist with training and developing assigned team members.
Promptly communicate to the Team Lead when patrollers are not meeting expectations and goals.
Support safety initiatives and contribute to the ongoing safety culture.
Take a leadership role in improving Patrol operations and completing special assignments.
Work with other patrollers in all aspects of the job.
Set a positive workplace example through training, initiative, and the quality and quantity of work.
Interact and assist with other departments in a positive and professional manner.
Communicate team goals, daily expectations, and progress to assigned patrollers, helping improve department metrics throughout the season.
Participate in and support mountain safety programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.