Senior Manager: Snow Surfaces

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free Epic pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• RSP Options (after 12 months or 2000 cumulative hours of service)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Mountain Operations Director, the Senior Manager, Snow Surfaces leads the year-round operation of the Snow Surfaces Department at Whistler Blackcomb. Scope includes full leadership of slope grooming in winter and oversight of the summer trail crew maintenance teams in summer, all in service of safe, efficient, and exceptional mountain conditions for guests and employees.

This hands-on leadership role oversees daily Snow Surfaces operations, setting priorities with the Director of Mountain Operations and allocating labor and equipment to achieve operational and budget objectives. The Senior Manager leads all Snow Surfaces functions, manages summer capital projects and budgets, develops and mentors team members, promotes a strong safety culture, and ensures compliance with all company policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is a motivated operational leader with a passion for mountain operations, employee development, and best-in-class safety. They move comfortably between the mountain and the office and thrive in a dynamic, year-round resort environment.

In summer, alongside summer trail maintenance, the Senior Manager supports infrastructure projects, inspections, event activations, trail improvements, facility maintenance, and other mountain operations work as assigned

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $79,253.00 - $113,219.00 + annual bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities:

• Champion a positive, engaged workplace culture aligned with Whistler Blackcomb and Vail Resorts values.
• Model and reinforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with Vail Resorts, WorkSafeBC, and industry standards.
• Lead daily operations of the Snow Surfaces Department in partnership with the Mountain Operations Director.
• Provide direct leadership to the Grooming and Trail Crew teams.
• Own hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, accountability and discipline for the department.
• Set goals, development plans, and performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Develop leaders and support succession planning across both operational areas.
• Plan, assign, and prioritize daily work across all Snow Surfaces operations.
• Coordinate schedules, staffing, and labor allocation to meet operational demands within budget.
• Oversee departmental budgets, capital projects, inventory control, purchasing, and performance tracking for winter grooming and summer bike park operations.
• Be on the mountain daily for meetings, assessments, and crew check-ins, regardless of conditions.
• Monitor weather, snow quality, and slope conditions to inform operational planning and guest experience.
• Ensure all grooming and trail crew training is completed in line with company policies and safety standards.
• Partner with the Terrain Park Manager and Event/Race Services Manager, providing snowcat operator support for design, build, and maintenance of park and event features.
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of the resort's snowmaking system to support trail progression planning and operational decisions during snowmaking windows.
• Support fleet readiness, including inspection logs, and preventative maintenance effectiveness.
• Coordinate closely with all Mountain Operations teams, and other departments for transport and related support.
• Serve as Mountain Operations Manager on Duty in the absence of the Director.
• Respond to operational emergencies, weather events, and changing mountain conditions.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships with all levels of staff, business partners and contractors.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• High level of energy and enthusiasm for skiing, riding and mountain biking.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college or university – preferred.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft 365 apps and related Vail Resorts applications.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English (read, write, speak, understand).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in snow, ice, wind, and extreme temperatures.
• Availability of working nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during storms and peak periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in winter alpine operations, including avalanche-aware terrain, extreme weather response, and 24/7 operational readiness at a large-scale ski resort.
• Previous leadership experience in slope grooming, summer trail maintenance and resort operations.
• Experience with Pisten Bully snowcat and mini excavator operation.
• Strong working knowledge of Whistler Blackcomb's terrain.
• Experience leading large teams (75+ employees), coaching staff, and building a positive safety culture.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 517332
Reference Date: 09/05/2026
Job Code Function: Leadership - Mtn Ops