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.