Overview
Position Summary
The Ski Patrol Director leads all operations of the Ski and Bike Patrol at Hilltop Ski Area, including staffing, training, scheduling, team culture and guest experience. They ensure the safety of guests and employees, oversee medical response, and lead rope rescue and lift evacuation. The role requires strong leadership, problem‑solving, creativity, and the ability to build a high‑performing and positive team culture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Leadership
Hires, manages staffing and scheduling, and coaches/mentors ski patrol staff.
Leads all aspects of the Patrol training program to include designing and facilitating training topics, scheduling sessions, documenting training plans and logs, and ensuring safety during training.
Provides direct oversight of the Accident Investigation Team, including training of the team and coordinating communication with senior leadership.
Maintains interdepartmental relations to promote team cohesion.
Promotes and exemplifies a culture of exceptional guest service, teamwork, innovation, and fun.
Works well independently, and with others, and provides resources wherever assistance is needed.
Conducts and demonstrates a high level of professionalism.
Works closely with external organizations to develop policies and procedures.
Partners with leadership and departments to create innovative programs to improve and grow patrol.
Asks questions, shares concerns, or gives ideas on innovation and efficiencies that improve both the guests’ and employees’ experience.
During seasonal closures, the Patrol Director leads departmental advancement by actively developing and delivering targeted improvement initiatives to leadership.
Takes on additional duties to support other departments during the shoulder season as directed by management.
Other duties as assigned.
Safety & Operations
Leads winter mountain setup and maintenance, including trail openings and closures, signage, ropes, and pads.
Ensure that the hill is clear, safe, properly staffed by patrol, and ready to open prior to the public being at Hilltop Ski Area.
Leads the rescue of injured skiers/bikers and renders first aid or transfers them to the Aid Shack and/or Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Notify EMS in cases of serious injury where additional treatment is needed.
Assures that no skiers/bikers remain on slopes or trails at the end of the day or during inclement weather via patrol sweep.
Observes ski lifts to report safety hazards and evidence of damage or wear.
Enforces the Skier/Mountain Bike Responsibility Code.
Maintains records of any incidents on the hill using an incident management system.
Issues warnings and initiates the removal of guests in violation of rules and/or without proper lift tickets.
Makes follow‑up calls to customers who have had serious incidents or accidents at the facility.
Ensures all records and reports are completed
Qualifications:
Minimum of one-year college education or technical school; and/or 3+ years related experience and/or training.
Must have current OEC, WEC, EMT 1 or greater certifications.
Must be at least 18 years of age to work and submit to a background check.
Must work well with adults and children.
High level of energy and enthusiasm for skiing, biking, and patrolling.
Must be able to ski/snowboard at a level to safely complete job requirements.
Previous experience in a leadership capacity
About Hilltop Ski Area
Established in Anchorage in the 1950s, Hilltop focuses on providing recreational and educational opportunities for Anchorage-area youth.