Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for a Lead Bartender to take real ownership of our bar program — the person who sets the standard behind the bar and makes sure every shift runs like clockwork. You’ll own the cleanliness and organization of the bar and its storage/walk-in areas, help shape signature drinks and seasonal specials, and keep inventory, ordering, and scheduling running smoothly alongside the F&B Supervisor. This role calls for real bartending chops and a genuine eye for detail, whether you’re training a newer bartender, dialing in a new recipe, or keeping your cool during a packed àpres-ski rush. If you love the craft, take pride in running a tight operation, and want to help set the tone for the whole bar team, we’d love to have you leading ours.
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
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- 2+ years of bartending experience
- Holds, or is willing to obtain, RBS server certification
- Holds a current CA Food Handler’s Card
- Comfortable with basic math, including addition and subtraction, for accurate costing and pours
- Nimble hands and fingers for operating the POS terminal and beverage guns, handling glassware and ice, and measuring pours precisely
- Friendly, outgoing, and genuinely enjoys connecting with people
- A natural leader with a calm, steady presence, even when the bar is three-deep
- Takes real pride in hospitality and sets a positive tone for the whole team
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while staying calm under pressure
- Strong memory and attention to detail for orders, modifications, and guest preferences
- Clear, friendly communicator who builds rapport quickly with guests
- A natural mentor, comfortable training and setting the example for other bartenders
- Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for a resort operating schedule
- Committed to providing excellent, attentive service to every guest, every time
- Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed; a versatile, team-first mindset
What You’ll do
- Supervise and execute the setup and breakdown of bars, both existing and satellite locations
- Own ordering and inventory of all bar products
- Be the model for demeanor, grooming and professionalism
- Help build and manage the bar team’s schedule alongside the F&B Manager
- Lead the development of signature drinks, seasonal specials, and menu updates
- Own the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the bar and storage/walk-in areas
- Provide wine, liquor, and related bar service to guests at assigned stations
- Ensure exceptional service to guests and beverage servers, keeping the event department running smoothly
- Show up as an exemplary team player and set the tone for the rest of the bar staff
- Mix drinks accurately according to prescribed recipes
- Keep your station fully stocked with liquor, glassware, and accessories
- Account for all charge and tip receipts
- Maintain the integrity of all financial controls and responsibilities
- Handle food service and barista duties as requested
- Assist with setup and breakdown of events as needed
- Maintain and model excellent safety and sanitation standards at all bars
- Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
Physical Requirements
- Comfortable standing and walking for 8–10 hour shifts
- Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working with hands in ice for extended periods
- Nimble hands and fingers for register/beverage gun operation, glassware handling, and precise liquor measurement
- Comfortable working in tight, fast-paced spaces behind the bar
- Basic math skills for accurate cash handling and inventory counts
- Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to manage a busy bar and team, and respond quickly to guest needs
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