Assistant Avalanche Technician / Ski Patroller
The Assistant Avalanche Technician / Ski Patroller is an integral member of the Ski Patrol Team and supports the resort's Avalanche Safety Program while contributing to the safe daily operation of the ski area.
Reporting to the Patrol Director and the Avalanche Consultant (CAA Level 3), the successful candidate assists with avalanche forecasting, snowpack monitoring, hazard assessment, and avalanche control operations. When avalanche-related duties are not required, the Assistant Avalanche Technician functions as a Ski Patroller, providing guest assistance, emergency medical response, hazard mitigation, mountain safety, and rescue services.
This position requires a highly motivated individual who is committed to safety, works well in a team environment, and can make sound decisions in a dynamic mountain setting.
Key Responsibilities
Avalanche Operations
- Assist with daily avalanche hazard forecasting and snowpack assessments.
- Conduct weather observations, snow profiles, stability tests, and field assessments.
- Collect, record, and maintain accurate snowpack, weather, and avalanche data.
- Participate in avalanche control operations under the direction of the Avalanche Consultant (CAA Level 3) or their designate.
- Assist with the preparation, transport, handling, and inventory of explosives in accordance with all applicable legislation, industry standards, and resort procedures.
- Monitor avalanche terrain and communicate changing conditions to the Avalanche Team and Mountain Operations.
- Inspect and maintain avalanche safety equipment and control routes.
- Participate in daily operational meetings and contribute field observations and recommendations.
- Assist with avalanche incident response and rescue operations as required.
- Maintain knowledge of current avalanche forecasting techniques, industry best practices, and safety standards.
Ski Patrol Operations
When not actively engaged in avalanche-related duties, the Assistant Avalanche Technician will work as a fully integrated member of the Ski Patrol Team and will:
- Patrol assigned terrain to maintain a safe environment for guests and staff.
- Respond to accidents and medical emergencies, providing appropriate first aid and patient care.
- Perform lift evacuations and participate in mountain search and rescue operations when required.
- Identify, mark, and mitigate hazards throughout the ski area.
- Assist with daily terrain opening and closing procedures.
- Install and maintain signage, fencing, ropes, bamboo, and other mountain safety infrastructure.
- Communicate mountain conditions and operational concerns with Lift Operations, Grooming, Mountain Operations, and other departments.
- Provide professional, courteous guest service while promoting safe skiing and riding practices.
- Participate in patrol training, emergency response exercises, and continuing education.
Qualifications
Required
- Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 2.
- Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Operations Level 1 (or equivalent) or actively working toward completion.
- Valid Alberta Blaster's Permit (or eligibility to obtain).
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence.
- Current Wilderness First Aid (80-hour minimum) or equivalent.
- Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in advanced alpine terrain.
- Experience travelling safely in avalanche terrain.
- Ability to work in severe winter weather and physically demanding environments.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts during storm cycles.
Preferred
- Previous ski patrol experience.
- Canadian Avalanche Association Active Member status.
- Experience conducting avalanche hazard mitigation work.
- Rope rescue or technical rescue training.
- Snowmobile operation experience.
Physical Requirements
- Ski confidently in challenging ski terrain while carrying equipment.
- Lift and carry loads of up to 25 kg.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in severe winter weather, including storms, cold, and low visibility.
- Travel safely on steep, rugged, and snow-covered terrain.
Working Conditions
This is a dual-role position combining avalanche safety and ski patrol responsibilities. The proportion of avalanche-related work and patrol duties will vary depending on weather conditions, snowpack stability, operational priorities, and staffing requirements.
During periods of elevated avalanche hazard, the Assistant Avalanche Technician will primarily support avalanche forecasting and control operations. At other times, they will perform the full range of Ski Patrol duties and remain an active member of the patrol team.
The position requires early morning starts, weekend and holiday work, storm response, and participation in emergency incidents. A commitment to professionalism, teamwork, continuous learning, and safe work practices is essential.
Reports To
The Assistant Avalanche Technician / Ski Patroller reports jointly to the Patrol Director and the Avalanche Consultant (CAA Level 3).
- The Patrol Director provides leadership for ski patrol operations, scheduling, training, guest service, emergency response, and day-to-day patrol responsibilities.
- The Avalanche Consultant (CAA Level 3) provides technical leadership and oversight of the resort's Avalanche Safety Program, including avalanche forecasting, snowpack analysis, hazard assessment, avalanche control planning, and operational risk management.
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