Senior Director Of Mountain Operations

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free Epic pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program
   

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:

The Heavenly Senior Director of Mountain Operations provides oversight and leadership of all on Mountain Operations departments: ski patrol, mountain safety, lift maintenance, lift operations, grooming, snowmaking, race/events, terrain parks, vehicle maintenance, mountain construction and summer operations support of Adventure Peak operations.  As a member of the Resort’s senior management team the position assists in the development, communication and implementation of overall resort and enterprise goals & initiatives. 

Job Specifications:

• Outlet: Heavenly
• Expected Pay Range: $111,900 - $145,000 + Annual Bonus + Equity
• Shift & Schedule Availability: Full Time / Year Round
• Skill Level: Advanced

Job Responsibilities:

• Accountable for all Mountain Operations goals while contributing to overall resort and corporate goals and initiatives.
• Create and oversee departmental budgets while tracking performance expectations.
• Lead Heavenly Mountain Resort employee and guest safety efforts.
• Develop leaders within the Mountain Operations organization to improve leadership within current roles and to prepare for increased responsibility and succession.
• Directly manage the establishment of goals and development plans and the evaluation of performance for direct reports and oversee these processes for the entire Mountain Operations division.
• Build strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders outside of direct reports; including US Forest Service, TRPA, Lahontan, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Douglas Counties, Village and HOA’s, and neighboring resorts, and other regulatory agencies. 
• Maintain subject matter expert status of Mountain Operations functions, proactively track industry trends and potential impacts on and opportunities for Heavenly Mountain Resort.
• Partner with COO and  Mountain Planning for creating and monitoring master plan, capital planning and implementation.
• Partner with Health and Safety to create and update Emergency Response Plan. Train to the plan and act as Incident Commander for emergency situations.
• Ensure company records are updated and necessary permits are in place for continued operation.
• Increase operational efficiency and effectiveness through on-going intra and inter-departmental communication and cooperation.
• Actively participate in Mountain Operations best practice groups.
• Lead the Mountain Operations efforts to improve employee safety and eliminate employee work comp incidents.
• Lead the effort to eliminate vehicle incidents within the Mountain Operations team, including reducing use of snowmobiles.
• Prioritize and adapt in a constantly changing business and environmental setting.
• Act as Vail Resorts representative with the local community as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, with college degree preferred
• 15 years in the Ski Industry, Advanced skiing/riding ability and Crisis Management experience preferred
• 5 years within Senior Leadership managing multiple departments
• Standard Microsoft Office applications; PeopleSoft and Success Factors preferred
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, written & verbal communication; Strong Public Speaker
• Knowledge of explosives, handling of hazardous materials and compliance of areas of oversight through regulatory agencies.
• Prior Vail Resorts experience preferred

The expected pay range is $111,900 - $145,000 + Annual Bonus + Equity. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  499367
Reference Date: 12/11/2023 
Job Code Function: Leadership