Mountain Operations Manager

Mountain Operations Manager

Location: Northeast Pennsylvania

Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round Reports To: General Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mountain Operations Manager to lead all on-mountain operations at a small Pennsylvania ski resort. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for snowmaking, grooming, lift operations, ski patrol, and mountain safety.

The ideal candidate is a working manager who thrives in marginal weather, understands East Coast snowmaking realities, and is comfortable making real-time operational decisions that directly impact guest experience, safety, and season length.

Core Responsibilities

Snowmaking & Grooming

• Lead all snowmaking operations, including system start-up, shutdown, and production including overnight production
• Maximize limited cold weather windows to build and maintain durable snow surfaces
• Manage water, air, and electrical usage efficiently
• Manage and train staff to operate all types of snowmaking equipment at highest efficiency possible and as practical
• Move snow with grooming equipment to maximize snow coverage with available snow
• Coordinate grooming plans to preserve base, manage surface conditions, and recover from wet, warm, ice and very cold weather conditions
• Work directly with and schedule staff for snowmaking and grooming crews during production periods
• Maintain and repair or supervise repair of snow grooming equipment (Pisten Bully), snowmobile fleet, side by sides, quads, excavator, vehicles and other equipment
• Maintain and repair or supervise repair of snowmaking equipment including, pumps, compressors, airless snow guns, air water snow guns, hydrants, electrical disconnects and switch gear and supply lines for water, air and electric.

Lift Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee daily lift operations, staffing, and inspections
• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Labor and Industry inspections in accordance with AMSI B77
• Coordinate annual inspections, testing, and required documentation required from state and insurance program for lifts and haul lines
• Work with third-party contractors for maintenance and repairs as required
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues as needed
• Oversee fixed-grip chairlifts (Borvig & Partek), surface lifts (Magic Carpet & SunKid) including maintenance and repair of mechanical, electronic and technology related components
• Maintain and repair safety circuits and drives for all lifts
• Maintain and repair the communication lines on all lifts
• Maintain and prepare all unloading and loading areas of all lifts
• Maintain and repair Axess gates at lifts

Ski Patrol & Mountain Safety

• Supervise with General Manager ski patrol operations (paid and/or volunteer)
• Ensure safe trail setup, signage, fencing, and night skiing visibility
• Lead emergency response coordination with Patrol, Mountain operations staff, local EMS and fire departments a required
• Review incidents and maintain accurate safety documentation

Staff Leadership & Scheduling

• Hire, train, and supervise seasonal and year-round mountain operations staff
• Develop and continue training in place for all outside mountain operations
• Develop supervisors and lead by example on the hill
• Manage scheduling with limited staffing and fluctuating weather
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork

Planning, Budgeting & Off-Season Work

• Assist in seasonal operating and capital planning
• Manage departmental budgets and control operating costs
• Prepare for inspections, audits, and seasonal start-up

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 5+ years of ski area operations experience
• Strong background in snowmaking, grooming, lift operations, heavy equipment operation, general construction and equipment mechanics
• Proven leadership experience with small teams
• Solid mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work long, irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Comfortable with operating in cold, wet, and physically demanding environments

Preferred

• Prior experience at a small East Coast or Pennsylvania ski area
• Knowledge of freeze--thaw snow management
• Lift operations, snowmaking and grooming experience
• First responder or emergency management training

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000 -- $95,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Performance-based incentives tied to season length, snowmaking efficiency, and safety
• Season pass and family benefits
• Equipment and food discounts
• Continuing education through industry associations, national, state and regional seminars and conferences and other training as needed.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Reliable, consistent snow surfaces despite variable weather
• Safe, efficient mountain operations
• Maximized skiable days each season
• Strong morale among operations staff
• Positive guest feedback related to conditions and safety
• Strong and Professional Leadership skills

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter to [email protected] outlining relevant ski area operations experience and leadership background.