Ski Patroller

Job Description

Class/Group: Hourly/Non-Exempt, Group III or IV 

Reports to: Patrol Director

Pay Range: $19.00-$24.00/hour

Supervises: N/A

Status: Winter Seasonal, Full-Time or Part-Time

CENTRAL PURSPOSE: To enrich the lives of our community by providing joy and freedom through exploration

CORE VALUES: Seek first to help - Dedicated to results - Optimism in action - Solution seekers

SKI PATROLLER JOB SUMMARY:

 The Mountain Patrol team at Mission Ridge is responsible for providing rapid-response rescue care in a conscientious and professional manner. This role requires advanced medical skills, strong skiing or snowboarding ability, and the capability to work under high-stress conditions in a variety of terrain and weather environments. In addition to emergency medical response, the Patrol supports search and rescue operations, lift evacuations, avalanche mitigation, and skier/rider education.

Team members are expected to participate in and complete all patrol-related training sessions. Maintaining positive relationships with both paid and volunteer patrollers is highly encouraged. Effective communication and collaboration with other departments, agencies, and government entities are key. Employees are expected to comply with all company policies and maintain both personal and company-issued equipment and uniforms in proper working condition.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Emergency Response: Provide immediate and professional emergency care to injured guests or staff across the mountain.
• Search and Rescue: Participate in locating and recovering missing or injured individuals on the mountain.
• Lift Evacuation: Execute lift evacuation procedures, including climbing towers with rescue equipment when necessary.
• Skier/Rider Education: Promote safe skiing and snowboarding through guest interactions and enforcement of mountain safety policies.
• Training Participation: Complete required training programs and refreshers in medical care, avalanche safety, and rescue operations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain personal and patrol gear, including medical packs, rescue toboggans, and uniforms, in clean and working condition.
• Cross-Department Communication: Work collaboratively with all departments and external agencies to ensure a safe and coordinated mountain environment.

SKILLS PREFERRED:

• Skiing/Riding Proficiency: Must have advanced skiing or snowboarding skills and be able to navigate all terrain and snow conditions while carrying loads.
• Physical Endurance: Capable of lifting 50 lbs. and carrying loads over uneven terrain; able to climb 100-ft. lift towers with 30 lbs. of gear.
• Guest Service: Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on guest care and calm, respectful communication during emergencies.
• Observation and Awareness: Ability to detect abnormal lift or mechanical sounds and respond appropriately.
• Documentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English for accurate incident reporting and documentation.
• Task-Oriented Work Ethic: Dependable, focused, and able to follow instructions through to completion.
• Explosives Handling (Preferred): Willingness and ability to work with explosives for avalanche control, following proper protocols.
• Avalanche Mitigation: Assist in conducting avalanche control measures, including the use of explosives (must be able to obtain a Blaster’s Card).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. An advanced and current medical certification is required—acceptable qualifications include EMT, EMT-P, OEC, WFR, or RN. CPR certification is also required. Previous ski patrol experience is preferred, along with the ability to obtain a Blaster’s Card for avalanche mitigation duties.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role requires a high level of physical fitness, including the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. over distance, ski or ride in extreme terrain and weather conditions, and climb tall structures during lift evacuation scenarios. Candidates must have strong vision and hearing for assessing mountain conditions and responding to emergencies.
 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Mountain Patrol works in an outdoor alpine environment exposed to extreme weather, including snow, wind, cold, rain, and sun. The job involves operating near moving mechanical equipment and handling potentially hazardous materials (explosives).  Visibility can often be limited, and the terrain may be rugged and unpredictable.  The job involves frequent interaction with ski area guests, coworkers, volunteers and sometimes emergency personnel or government agencies.  The role is physically demanding and fast-paced, often requiring coordination with a team under time-sensitive and potentially hazardous conditions. Mission Ridge is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and a non-smoking facility. Seasonal fluctuations may affect hours and schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Rarely (0–12%), Occasionally (12–33%), Frequently (34–66%), Regularly (67–100%)

Seeing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to read reports and use computer

Hearing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers.

Standing/Walking: REGULARLY

-Consistent and constant standing and walking while in operation.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: REGULARLY

-The position requires the ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods. 

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: REGULARLY

-Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: FREQUENTLY

-Must be able to write, type, and use phone system
 

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer