Senior Specialist: Avalanche Forecaster

Whistler Blackcomb

  • Whistler, BC
  • $80,904-107,845 per year
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
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.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
  • RSP Options (after 12 months or 2000 cumulative hours of service)
  • 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 Avalanche Forecaster (Senior Specialist) of Patrol will oversee the Snow Safety Program at Whistler Blackcom b. This role is classified as a Senor Specialist tasked with performing ata high level of leadership, capable of prioritizing and strategizing all facets of the job. The job requires strong leadership qualities, the ability to problem solve, think creatively, and have the ability to build a positive culture while building a high performing team.Job Specifications:
  • Starting Wage: $80,903.68 - $107,844.88
  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2025/2026
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
  • Housing Availability: Yes
Job Responsibilities:
  • Lead with the Vail Leadership Competencies and Values, using the behavioral anchors as a guidance on leadership style
  • Demonstrates Vail Resorts Competencies: Re-Imagine, Out Front, Drive, Develop, Connect, Passion
  • Exhibits Vail Resorts Values: Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe, Be Inclusive, Have Fun, Holds self and team accountable to these company core values. Actively participates in maintaining a culture of equality and collaboration within the department. .
  • Implement and update the Avalanche Safety Plan
  • Supervise the collection of weather data
  • Conduct snow pack analysis in study plots and other selected areas
  • Supervise field operations including slope testing
  • Supervise avalanche control operations; develop daily control strategy, assign control teams and control routes
  • Facilitate avalanche related training programs including regular refresher training
  • Ensure that all training certificates are up to date and valid
  • Update Explosives Charge Hand list and review/resubmit Fire, Safety, and Security plans with annual Explosives Magazine License application
  • Resubmit procedures to various Federal and Provincial government agencies as req'd
  • Organize triannual NOT testing of Avalauncher guns as req'd
  • Facilitate annual Blasting Exams in conjunction with Patrol Training Supervisor
  • Maintain an ongoing avalanche hazard evaluation
  • Ensure the maintenance of the following records:
  • Daily avalanche hazard assessment and summary/ infoex submissions
  • Snowpack profiles and stability evaluations
  • Avalanche occurrence sheets/ blasting logs
  • Incident reports
  • Training Logs
  • Competency Profiles
  • Supervise Snow Safety Technicians and Assistant Avalanche Forecasters
  • Oversee all facets of the Explosives and PPE Ministries
  • Supervise and contribute to daily weather forecasts
  • Oversee the training of all levels of patrol staff in avalanche control routes and AvSAR response
  • Maintain a good working relationship with Avalanche Canada and the CAA
  • Work closely with the Supervisor, Patrol Mangers, and Mountain Manager in respect to mountain opening/closing strategy.
Job Requirements:
  • CM Professional Member w/ declared CPD compliance
  • 5 seasons (min) experience avalanche operations
  • 3 seasons (min) experience ski area avalanche operations
  • Introductory avalanche mapping course (preferred)
  • CM Avalanche search and rescue course
  • CM Mountain Meteorology course or equivalent
  • WorkSafeBC Blasting Certificate - Safety Fuse Avalanche Control (hand/ avalauncher /heli /cornice)
  • Detailed understanding of the Whistler Blackcomb avalanche program standard operating procedures
  • Knowledge of Mountain Operations including other departments procedures that may be affected by avalanche control operations.
  • Level Ill OFA or OEC certification
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proof of clear criminal record check
In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.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 510933
Reference Date: 08/21/2025
Job Code Function: Patrol

Whistler Blackcomb