Ski Patrol

GENERAL PURPOSE
Provides emergency medical services, search and rescue response, hazard mitigation, terrain monitoring, and guest assistance at Howelsen Hill. Responsible for enforcing safe skiing/riding practices, patrolling assigned terrain, responding to incidents, and supporting daily mountain operations to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all mountain users.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Senior Ski Patrol, the Ski Safety Coordinator, and the Howelsen Ski & Rodeo Complex Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds City values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while espousing safety at all times.

• Conducts daily trail checks, monitors mountain conditions, identifies and marks hazards, and ensures terrain is safe for public use.

• Responds promptly and professionally to on‑mountain emergencies; administers OEC/EMT-level medical care and stabilizes injured guests.

• Transports injured guests in rescue toboggans, including maneuvering loads up to 100+ pounds with assistance.

• Performs search and rescue operations and coordinates with senior patrol staff as needed.

• Assists with lift evacuation procedures and participates in evacuation-related trainings.

• Enforces safe skiing and riding practices; educates guests on mountain safety and skier responsibility codes.

• Maintains proficiency with medical kits, oxygen tanks, radios, rescue toboggans, lift evacuation equipment, hazard marking tools, and snowmobiles.

• Completes accurate and timely documentation including incident reports, daily logs, and trail check records.

• Assists with pre-season setup, in-season maintenance, and post-season tear-down of Ski Patrol and EMS work areas.

• Collaborates with Senior Ski Patrol, Mountain Operations, Ski School, EMS providers, and external agencies to support coordinated patient care and operational safety.

• Provides excellent guest service through clear, professional communication and situational awareness.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

May assist with terrain park monitoring, special events, risk mitigation projects, and other winter operations tasks.

WORK TYPE AND SCHEDULE

Seasonal employment (typically November through March) with daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday shift availability.

PERKS

Seasonal Employees who remain until the end of the ski season are eligible for either:

• $1.50/hour end‑of‑season bonus based on total hours worked; or

• A Steamboat Resort Merchant Pass for employees regularly working 20+ hours weekly, paid for by the City of Steamboat Springs.

• All Howelsen Hill employees may participate in the Real Deal, allowing them to ski at most ski areas in Colorado.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification or EMT license.

• Current CPR certification.

• Experience in ski patrol, EMS, outdoor education, mountain operations, or recreation preferred.

• Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Emergency medical response protocols and outdoor trauma care.

• Ski area safety practices, hazard mitigation, and terrain management.

• Use of medical kits, evacuation equipment, and winter rescue tools.

Ability to:

• Ski or snowboard at an expert level in steep, icy, variable, and hazardous terrain; must pass an on‑snow skills evaluation.

• Make quick, sound decisions during medical or mountain emergencies.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with guests, coworkers, EMS personnel, and partnering agencies.

• Maintain accurate incident documentation and follow established reporting procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Current OEC or EMT certification and CPR credentials.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License or ability to obtain one upon hire.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Ski/snowboard equipment, rescue toboggans, trauma kits, oxygen tanks, radios, splints, lift evacuation gear, personal protective equipment, and winter outerwear.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequently required to ski or snowboard on steep, varied, and hazardous terrain in extreme weather conditions. Regularly involves lifting, hauling, and maneuvering heavy loads (including patients and rescue toboggans up to 100+ pounds with assistance), prolonged standing, bending, reaching, dragging, pulling, and other strenuous physical activity. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, night, and peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed outdoors on the ski mountain in extreme cold, snow, ice, wind, and variable light conditions. High physical exposure to steep terrain, high speeds, and high‑risk emergency situations.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; rating of education and experience; on‑snow skiing/riding evaluation; oral interview; reference check; verification of required certifications.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of typical responsibilities. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if similar or logically related. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as operational needs evolve.