Terrain Park Snowcat Operator- All Levels

Alterra • Olympic Valley, CA

1d • $23 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

A Snowcat Operator prepares and maintains terrain park snow surfaces that are safe and functional for skiers and snowboarders across snow and weather conditions. The role builds and maintains freestyle terrain features and, depending on level, may also support hailing and dozing needs for other mountain departments, help direct grooming activities, and assist with special projects. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The position operates grooming machines and their implements, performs preventative upkeep and light to medium manual labor, and maintains slope surfaces and terrain features to safety and quality standards. Employees must communicate with vehicle maintenance shops, follow instructions, work as part of a team, and ski or snowboard in variable conditions while carrying equipment. The role involves frequent outdoor exposure, including cold and wet conditions, and may include occasional blizzards and extreme storms.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with no restrictions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and safety awareness.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Punctuality and ability to report at the scheduled start time.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to ski or snowboard in variable conditions while carrying equipment.
• Ability to perform the listed physical duties, including sitting for long periods, occasional climbing and bending, and occasionally carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 75 pounds.
• A motor vehicle record review may be required.

Responsibilities

• Check out and check in snowcats properly.
• Operate snowcats safely near obstacles and personnel, including using machine functions such as the blade, tiller, and other grooming implements.
• Park snowcats safely and properly.
• Minimize downtime and prevent machine damage through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and upkeep.
• Communicate equipment needs to vehicle maintenance shops.
• Perform light to medium manual labor, including changing implements, installing features, vehicle check-outs, and miscellaneous chores.
• Clean up slope turns with a focus on skier safety.
• Navigate and operate grooming machines on beginner terrain and travel routes, and on select intermediate terrain and travel routes.
• Follow and groom in a pack as directed, and operate machines safely with minimal supervision.
• Maintain slope flow and direction, groom seamlessly between passes, and produce a smooth finish down the fall line without blade dives or tiller hops.
• Recognize when slope repairs are necessary and perform safe tie-ins with other grooming.
• Prepare and maintain terrain park features and ski and snowboard surfaces that are safe and functional for all skill levels.
• Maintain snow surfaces to high standards with necessary supervision.

Benefits

• Free skiing and riding privileges to 17 resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, and Solitude.
• Healthcare options for seasonal and year-round employees.
• Discounts on outdoor gear and apparel.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Free and discounted lift tickets.
• 25%-50% discounts at Food & Beverage locations at Palisades and Alpine.
• 40% discount at Palisades Tahoe operated retail stores, including The North Face, Patagonia, and Oakley.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Other region-specific benefits and potential short-term and long-term incentives.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED