Snow Surfaces Manager

Description

Snow Surfaces Manager 

Reports To: General Manager 

Department: Mountain Operations 

Status: Full Time, Year Round, Salary 

Date: 4/17/26 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Snow Surfaces Manager is responsible for leadership, management, and daily execution of all snow surfaces related activities including snowmaking, grooming, terrain parks, may assist with oversight of summer trail crew.  This position requires hands-on execution in the field including nights during snowmaking season (mid Oct-mid Jan).   

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Snowmaking Responsibilities: 
• Execution of safe and efficient production of man-made snow ensuring high quality production for exceptional ski/ride experiences.  Understand system and equipment to maximize production for weather conditions and train and lead team to execute appropriately. 
• Upkeep and maintenance of all equipment, pump stations, and software.  Maintains professional and productive relationship with contractors and suppliers to ensure successful execution. 
• Management and documentation of water usage. 
• Assist GM with capital planning for new equipment and expansion projects including collecting bids, building budget, coordinating contractors and in house departments. 
• Project leader in the field for summer system repairs, expansion/improvements; point person for coordinating contractors as needed for projects. 
• Timely communication of terrain openings, collaborating with Patrol, Marketing, Ski and Ride School, and GM to ensure the needs of the company are prioritized. 
• Grooming and Terrain Park Responsibilities: 
• Provide direction and oversight for grooming and terrain park staff and operations ensuring high quality snow surface, efficient and timely grooming of trails, and beginner/intermediate terrain park features. 
• Ensure daily documentation of terrain park maintenance by all park crew. 
• Assists with Summer Trail Crew: 
• Water run off/ natural spring diversion for trails and lift terminals.  
• Downhill bike trail maintenance and documentation of all activities daily. 
• General Responsibilities: 
• Hire, train, manage, mentor 1 supervisor, 1 lead groomer, 8-10 snowmakers, 3-4 snowcat operators, 3-4 terrain park attendants. 
• Maintain a culture of safety, ensuring PPE is available and used at all times, ensuring proper vehicle training is conducted and documented, daily/weekly safety topics are conducted and documented. 
• Willing and able to communicate expectations and hold staff accountable both verbally and in writing. 
• Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with all levels of staff, business partners, and contractors.   
• Facilitates effective and efficient communication between departments and with Marketing to ensure website and social media feeds are up to date with all necessary Mountain Ops related material – maps, safety messaging, trail conditions, events. 
• Maintain working knowledge of HRIS system (Paylocity) and responsible for timely timecard and PTO approvals and submission of required paperwork to HR. 
• Complete timely, thoughtful, performance evaluations as required by company in a professional manner. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Act as a positive, professional role model, adhering to the company hospitality guidelines and polices. 
• Maintain an exceptional level of guest service in all interaction with guests, fellow employees, and management. 
• Support and participate in employee functions. 
• Support company events as assigned; assist with set up, tear down, and day of execution. 
• Assist and support mountain departments in the field for races, events and operations on high volume days. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Project management skills 
• Working knowledge of water management, pumps, variable frequency drives, flow, intake, filter, management 
• Ability to multi-task, delegate, lead, and manage multiple projects at once 
• Ability to manage a budget, use excel at intermediate level 
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to resolve conflict with professionalism 
• Must work well under pressure and be able to receive and carry out instructions and delegate tasks as appropriate 
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience  
• Ability to interact courteously and honestly with guests and fellow employees 
• Speak, read, write in English fluently 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

• HS diploma or equivalent required; College degree preferred 
• Minimum four (4) years snowmaking, water & pump management required  
• Minimum three (3) years experience in leadership role required 
• Experience operating snowcats preferred 
• Experience building and maintaining terrain parks preferred 
• Summer ski trail maintenance preferred 
• Experience maintaining bike/hike trails a plus 
• Valid Driver’s License, good driving record and be insurable under our company policy required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Overnight shifts with 50+ hour work weeks mid Oct-mid January required 
• Holidays and weekends required during winter season 
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs 
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks at 8000-10,000 feet in all weather conditions both day and night 
• Stand, walk, hike, ski or snowboard, for duration of 10+ hour shift 
• Reaching, bending, sitting, standing, carrying, lifting, reaching, kneeling, squatting 
• Verbal and auditory abilities necessary for communication with people and machines 
• Vision adequate for peripheral, distance, and close up, ability to adjust focus 
• Dexterity for typing, handling small parts and tools 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.  

Pay range: $68,000 - $80,000