Grooming Operator – Level I

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are

• Punctual, energetic, and self-motivated
• A genuine team player who works well with others
• Follows employee handbook policies and sets a professional example for fellow employees
• A quick learner, comfortable picking up new equipment and techniques
• Comfortable working in extreme weather conditions on extreme terrain
• Reliable attendance for all scheduled shifts, in all weather conditions
• Willing to work day, swing, or night shifts
• Comfortable in a sometimes high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Treats courtesy and safety as top priorities
• Willing and able to provide excellent customer service to all people, at all times
• No prior grooming experience required - we’ll train you
• Prior equipment operation experience (snowcat, heavy machinery, or similar) is a plus
• Comfortable operating equipment under direct supervision while learning the trade
• Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed - a versatile, team-first mindset

What You’ll do

• Perform daily inspections and light servicing of equipment
• Monitor and report equipment condition daily
• Complete all objectives safely and efficiently
• Successfully groom all assigned runs each night, to the level appropriate to your training
• Attend all training and safety meetings, including orientation
• Maintain open communication with your shift leader and supervisor
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
• Learn snowcat operation and grooming technique under the direction of a Lead Groomer or Supervisor
• Groom beginner and intermediate terrain as assigned, building skill and confidence
• Assist more experienced Groomers with equipment checks and basic maintenance
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable sitting for extended periods while operating a snowcat, with frequent climbing on and off the machine
• Capable of working outdoors in extreme, cold winter weather conditions, often during late evening and early morning hours
• Able to shovel and clear snow, including heavy, wet snow, as needed
• Comfortable working in proximity to moving mechanical parts and heavy machinery
• Manual dexterity for equipment inspection, basic maintenance checks, and machinery operation
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely operate machinery and monitor changing weather and trail conditions
• Steady footing and balance for navigating icy, uneven, or steep terrain on and off equipment

Winter Benefits

• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• Free ski passes for dependents
• 50% off food at our restaurants
• Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
• Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
• Hotel discounts
• Employee ski reciprocal programs