Palisades Tahoe

We share the spirit of these legendary mountains with the world. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Job Summary: A Snowcat Operator will prepare and maintain a snow surface that is safe and functional for skiers and snowboarders during all snow and weather conditions.

Applicants must be 18 years of age.

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of the Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC’s hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel. The range listed is just one component of Palisades Tahoe Resort, LLC’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term and long-term incentives and many region-specific benefits.

Base hourly pay range: $23.00 - $40.31 per hour.

A Great Job and Benefits to Match:

• Free skiing + riding privileges to 17 iconic resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, Solitude and more! 

• Healthcare options for both Seasonal & Year-Round employees 

• Generous discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, etc. 

• 401(k) plan with generous company match 

• Free and discounted lift tickets 

• 25%-50% discount at Food & Beverage locations at Palisades & Alpine 

• 40% discount at Palisades Tahoe operated retail stores, including The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, and more! 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential Job Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks includes the following: other duties may be assigned:  

Snowcat and grooming equipment inspection and maintenance.

• Ability to properly park machines and perform pre and post operation inspections of all related equipment.

• Demonstration of safe operation for all equipment, while maintaining proper distances near obstacles, infrastructure, and personnel.

• Adequate operation of snowcats and all machines implements in a manner that doesn’t cause excessive wear or damage to the machine, while achieving desired product efficiently.

• Minimize downtime and prevent machine damage through preventative maintenance, cleanliness, and up-keep of machine.

• Accurately document and report condition of grooming machinery to vehicle maintenance daily.

• Effective communication with the vehicle maintenance personnel regarding machine condition and necessary repairs or service.

Safe and efficient machine operation

• Ability to complete all required grooming tasks with an end result that prioritizes skier safety.

• Navigate and properly operate grooming machine on any required terrain and travel routes.

• Navigate and properly operate on select intermediate terrain and travel routes.

• Ability to follow and groom in a pack as directed.

• Operate machine safely with minimal supervision.

Final Product

• Technical ability to maintain the slope with the proper flow and direction.

• Groom seamlessly from one pass to the next.

• Can groom a smooth finish down fall line with no inconsistencies from operator errors. This includes proper cleanup of turn arounds, and errors from improper use of machine implements.

• Must be able to recognize when repairs or specific work to areas on the slope are necessary

• Able to perform proper and safe tie-ins with other grooming.

Competencies and Job Requirements:

• Maintain snow surfaces to meet professional standards with necessary supervision.

• Effective communication skills, oral & written.

• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Strong sense of customer service & safety awareness.

• Punctual, able to report at scheduled start time.

• Work well as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, see, hear, and ski. Must be capable of sitting for long periods of time, up to 90% or more of a normal 8-hour work shift. Must be capable of occasionally balancing, climbing, reaching, squatting, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crawling. Must be capable of occasionally carrying, lifting. pushing or pulling up to 75bs  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Indoor/Outdoor: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee may encounter extreme winter cold and blizzard conditions.

Hazardous Materials/Noise: The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate, this job may experience hazards such as mechanical, electrical, fumes, odors, dusts, gases.

Equipment Used in Job: Groomer/Snowcat, hand tools, two-way radios

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Valid driver's license with no restrictions.

• Pisten Bully Pro Academy on-line training – Provided by Palisades Tahoe post hire.

• Available to work Graveyard shift (12:00am - 9:00am)

• Prior grooming experience

A Motor Vehicle Record review may be required as part of your job.

For information on Alterra Mountain Company’s Social Responsibility work including our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion actions, please see our webpage at www.alterramtnco.com/social-responsibility.  Among other resources, Alterra has Employee Resource Groups to support the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), disability, LGBTQIA2S+, and women communities within our workforce.