Patrol Director - Aspen Highlands at Aspen Skiing Company — Aspen, CO

Lead One of North America's Most Respected Ski Patrols

Aspen Highlands is more than an iconic mountain. It is home to a ski patrol with a long-standing reputation for professionalism, mountain expertise, and operational excellence. From managing complex avalanche mitigation programs to stewarding legendary terrain like Highland Bowl, the Ski Patrol Director has the unique opportunity to lead an experienced team while shaping the future of one of the industry's most respected patrol organizations.

Job Summary

The Patrol Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of patrol on the mountain, ensuring safe, efficient, and guest focused mountain operations. This role leads, develops, and inspires a high performing team while partnering across the resort to deliver exceptional experiences, respond to changing mountain conditions, and uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and service. Through thoughtful leadership, sound decision making, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Ski Patrol Director fosters a culture where employees thrive and guests can confidently enjoy the mountain. This position reports to the Mountain Manager.

• The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000. Actual pay will be dependent on budget and experience; all our salaried roles are eligible for bonus.

Job Posting Deadline: Applications for this position will be accepted until August 7, 2026..

Essential Job Functions

• Lead all day to day Ski Patrol operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and exceptional mountain operations
• Direct mountain response to operational issues, incidents, emergencies, and changing conditions while maintaining clear communication with resort leadership and operational partners
• Partner with local, state, and federal agencies as needed to coordinate responses to on mountain incidents
• Oversee daily snow safety operations, avalanche mitigation, trail maintenance, and hazard management in coordination with internal departments
• Maintain expert knowledge of Aspen Highlands terrain, lift systems, communication networks, operational priorities, and mountain hazards
• Lead lift evacuation planning, training, and execution, ensuring compliance with established procedures and serving as an operational leader during evacuations
• Provide leadership for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, employee development, and disciplinary actions while maintaining timely and accurate documentation
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional guest service through visible leadership and consistent communication
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the Ski Patrol collective bargaining agreement and ensure compliance with all applicable provisions
• Ensure accurate payroll administration and partner with resort leadership to develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets
• Understand medical, legal, and risk management considerations related to mountain operations, including the care and transportation of injured guests
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Current Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification with current American Heart Association CPR certification required
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in ski patrol, mountain operations, emergency services, or a related field required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead clear, timely communication in high-pressure operational environments
• Demonstrated technical expertise in ski patrol operations, mountain safety systems, and emergency response protocols
• Deep understanding of the Ski Area Skier Safety Act, including boundary marking, trail closures, and associated regulatory requirements
• Working knowledge of tramway regulations, lift evacuation procedures, and current best practices in rescue techniques and equipment
• Thorough understanding of Ski Patrol collective bargaining agreements and ability to apply contract language in daily operational decision making
• Strong knowledge of resort policies, procedures, and operational standards, with the ability to ensure consistent application across teams
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships across departments, agencies, and external partners to achieve shared operational goals
• Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership, with the ability to identify risk, enforce standards, and model safe operating practices
• Ability to identify, assess, and address operational inconsistencies and guest feedback with attention to detail and sound judgment
• Strong guest service orientation with the ability to engage positively and professionally with guests in a mountain environment
• Ability to work effectively in adverse weather conditions and physically demanding environments for extended periods of time

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, stand, bend or be on your feet for extended periods of time
• Regularly work in wet, cold, hot conditions requiring the use of protective apparel/equipment to prevent exposure to the elements and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces
• Must be able to frequently lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance

Job Benefits

This position is classified as a seasonal full-time position eligible for the following benefits:

Enrollment dates differ across the various programs.

• Paid Time Off Programs
• Paid Leave Programs
• Employee Ski Pass and Dependent Ski Passes
• Other company perks

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. By accepting a position with Aspen One, Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Ventures or Aspen Hospitality you acknowledge that you are able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. To request accommodation during the application and interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 970-300-7700.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Aspen One is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran). At Aspen One, inclusion, equity, and diversity are fundamental to fulfilling our vision of building a better workplace and better world. From our hiring practices through the entire employee experience, we embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to the workplace. We encourage diverse points of view which allows us to develop innovative solutions to the ever-evolving world of work. Aspen One strives to foster an environment where our employees feel respected, valued and empowered, and our team members are at the forefront of helping us promote and sustain an inclusive workplace that works for all.

For an overview of Aspen One Company's benefits and other compensation visit www.aspensnowmass.com/employment/benefits-and-perks

Aspen One participates in E-Verify.

E-Verify & Right to Work Poster