Lead Ski Patrol

Job Summary:
Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Ski Patrol team is no exception to ensuring this experience of a lifetime. Responsible for promoting the safety and security of staff and guests on the mountain Ski Patrol are alert and dependable professionals focused on promoting safety with the ability to remain calm in a crisis when incidents arise.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage:$24.00/hr - $30.61/hr
• Employment Type:Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type:Full Time
• Minimum Age:At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability:Yes

Job Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Demonstrate professionalismby arriving preparedeach day witha positive attitudeand approachable demeanor.
• Foster a collaborative inclusive and supportiveteam environment whileworking effectively withall members ofthe Ski Patrol.
• Oversee the day-to-day operationsof the assignedpatrol station.
• Lead the dailymorning briefing by:
• Communicating the operationalplan for theday.
• Assigning patrol rolesand responsibilities withinthe assigned station.
• Reviewing operational priorities current conditions hazardassessments and safetyobjectives.
• Conduct end-of-day debriefs toevaluate operational effectiveness discuss lessons learned and share keytakeaways with thepatrol team.
• Partner with PatrolManagement and theTraining Coordinator tosupport training initiatives work projects specialevents and operationalpriorities while balancingstaffing and operationalneeds throughout theday.

Snow Safety Operations

• Maintain a thoroughunderstanding of theKirkwood snow safetyprogram and avalancheterrain.
• Maintain a consistentawareness of operationalgoals current terrainfootprint terrain statusand sign lineconditions.
• Monitor route assignmentsand support theefficient and thoroughcompletion of snowsafety routes andgrooming clearances.
• Coordinate and communicateeffectively to facilitatesafe and timelysnow safety operationsand terrain openings.
• Collaborate with stationpersonnel Patrol Management Snow Safety leadership Grooming Mountain Operations and other departmentsto achieve operationalobjectives.
• Maintain accountabilityfor explosive inventoryand assist withplanning explosive needsfor subsequent operationalperiods.

Leadership and TeamDevelopment

• Lead by exampleand consistently promotea positive respectful and productive workenvironment.
• Provide strong day-to-day leadershipand operational oversightof the assignedpatrol station.
• Effectively delegate responsibilitieswhile empowering patrollersto utilize theirskills take ownershipof assignments andcontribute to operationalsuccess.
• Deliver timely constructivecoaching and performancefeedback to patrolstaff. Communicate relevantobservations and operationalconcerns appropriatelywith Patrol Supervisors Management and partnerdepartments.
• Support Patrol Managementin conducting meaningfulmid-season performancecheck-ins andend-of-seasonperformance evaluations.
• Encourage accountability continuous improvement and adherence toSki Patrol standards policies and safetyprocedures.

Core Expectations

• Demonstrate sound judgment professionalism and integrityin alloperational decisions.
• Prioritize the safetyof guests andemployees while maintainingefficient patrol operations.
• Adapt to changingmountain conditions operationalpriorities and staffingneeds while maintaininga flexibleteam-oriented attitude. Remain calm underpressure make sounddecisions communicateeffectively and demonstratea dynamic solutions-oriented approach.
• Promote a cultureof teamwork communication continuous learningandoperational excellence.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification required
• Valid drivers license required
• 5 years of previous patrol experience required; supervisory experience preferred
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights holidays and weekends
• Ability to use all senses
• Ability to lift and transport 50 to 100 pounds with or without assistance
• Ability to frequently walk/stand sit/climb balance stoop/kneel crouch/crawl and reach throughout the course of work in all climate conditions and at high elevations