Ski Patroller

Description

Ski Patroller 

Job Title:  Ski Patroller 

Reports To:  Ski Patrol Director  

Job Status:  Seasonal Full-Time or Part-Time (Winter 26/27) 

Pay Rate:  Hiring rate of $19.50 - $25.50 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Estimated Start Date: November 6, 2026
 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The winter ski patroller provides medical care and emergency services to guests and/or employees on the mountain.  The patroller is also responsible for guest safety, search and rescue support, trail maintenance, lift evacuation, equipment maintenance, and other assigned duties. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Patrols (on skis) ski trails and slope areas to aid and protect skiers and reports conditions of trails, ski lifts, and snow cover on slopes.
• Performs trail sweeps, marks obstacles, and updates trail signage. 
• Completes Patrol opening and closing procedures to ensure trails are compliant with all current safety standards and company safety policies.  
• Provides proficient medical care or first aid in emergency operations and notifies medical personnel in case of serious injury.  
• Be visible and accessible to guests for skier information.
• Understands all medical transport procedures and transports injured skiers using a toboggan when necessary.  
• Trains continuously on Granby Ranch Ski Patrol operational standards and maintains knowledge of, complies with, and educates on the Colorado Ski Safety Act and Granby Ranch safety policies.
• Participates in practice drills, including lift evacuation. 
• Responsible for promptly and accurately conducting an incident investigation, including taking witness statements, preservation of the facts, creating diagrams, and documentation, while maintaining confidentiality. Completes all incident forms and engages an Incident Investigator or Specialist, as necessary.  
• Enforces the Colorado Ski Safety Act, including boundary management, safe skiing, and speeder control.  Provides a high level of guest service and demonstrates a high level of confidence with guest interaction, including when corrective actions are necessary.
• Training/development: All patrollers participate in training and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of patrolling. This constant and ongoing process includes medical preparation (medical lectures), lift evacuation, snowmobile certification, mountain/company policies, inter-company relations, and contacts, etc. Ski improvement through all terrain with varying technical terrain and conditions.
• Construction, maintenance, preventive maintenance inspections of equipment (duty stations, toboggans, medical, search and rescue, radios, emergency medical vehicle, and snowmobiles). 
• Duty station assignments: PHQ, TOW, FAR, Patrol Dispatcher(s), Patrol Room Attendant and snowmobile driver.
• Use a computer for input and the development of reports submitted to the insurance carrier, weather and snow safety factors, forms and records, and word processing.  

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Functions as an ambassador of Granby Ranch, modeling and sharing the company culture with guests and employees. Upholds the most professional image. Continually strives to exceed guest expectations; creating positive memories for guests and employees.
• Carry and use a two-way radio effectively. 
• Appropriately handles and manages sensitive and confidential information. 
• Support other departments as requested, during races and special events. 
• Snow removal around specific areas as needed, including the PHQ/Food Truck Deck and Bridal Yurt Deck. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES: 

• Ski at an advanced or expert level – able to ski all Granby Ranch terrain with good judgment, control, and confidence. 
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize 
• Possesses strong interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Fluent in speaking, writing, and reading in the English language. 
• Prior experience operating a snowmobile safely, effectively, and with good judgment is preferred. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must hold current OEC, EMT, NREMT nurse or medical doctor certification. 
• Must hold current CPR/AED card that is valid through March 2027. 
• Must be at least 18 years old. 
• High school diploma or equivalent is required. 
• Prior professional patrolling experience is preferred. 
• Prior ski industry experience is preferred. 
• Prior medical/EMS field experience is preferred. 
• Outdoor leadership and mountaineering skills are preferred. 
• U.S.D.A Forest Service S-212 sawyer certification preferred. 
• Must have valid US driver’s license and be insurable under the company’s insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is primarily performed outside while standing or skiing in a high alpine, winter environment, for up to 10+ hour shifts. 
• Requires skiing in difficult conditions, working in cold and often inclement conditions, high elevations, carrying and transporting unwieldy materials such as tower pads, medical equipment, etc.
• Must be able to lift and carry toboggans weighing as much as 70 lbs. (with assistance).
• Must be able to hear and speak clearly to hear requests for assistance, and for communication using radios and telephones.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Most work is performed in view of guests and guest interaction is frequent. 
• Must be able to ride a chairlift safely. 
• Must use personal protective equipment, including wearing a helmet while working. 
• Position requires frequent walking, using hands to finger/feel, reaching with hands and arms, climbing/balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. 
• Weekends, holidays, and occasional evening work (Night Ski) is required. 
• This position is a seasonal position (generally November to early April, if weather & business conditions permit) and may have fluctuations in scheduled hours, based upon overall business volume and weather conditions.

Granby Ranch Ski Patrol levels include Rookie, Level 1 and Level 2. Level and pay rate is dependent on qualifications, certifications and experience:  

1. Rookie – starting at $19.50 per hour 
2. Level 1 – starting at $21.50 per hour 
3. Level 2 – starting at $23.50 per hour 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Granby Ranch is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.  

All employees earn paid sick time and qualify for a free Granby Ranch season pass, free skiing and riding at 15 other Colorado resorts, and discounts on in-house food & beverage, rentals, lessons, and retail. Positions classified as year-round/full-time qualify for health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability), retirement benefits and two-weeks paid time off per year.  

Granby Ranch is located in Granby, Colorado (90 miles northwest of Denver) and all jobs are performed on site. Employee housing is available for full-time seasonal and year-round employees.  

A criminal background check will be conducted after an employment offer is accepted and must be successfully completed prior to starting work. The background check will be completed in accordance with standards enacted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.