Snow Safety Director

The Snow Safety Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive snow safety and avalanche mitigation programs that focus on the safety of guests and employees at Sun Valley Ski Resort. This leadership role involves overseeing the Snow Safety Team, coordinating with various departments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. The Snow Safety Director will report directly to the Ski Patrol Director.  

 Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Snow Safety Program Development: Design and implement a comprehensive snow safety program, including avalanche hazard assessment, mitigation strategies, and emergency response protocols.
•  Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage the Snow Safety Team, as well as Ski Patrol, ensuring all members are proficient in avalanche mitigation techniques, rescue operations, and safety protocols. ​The Snow Safety Director will oversee the avalanche dog program and maintain professional validation. The Snow Safety Director will act as The Responsible Persons for the ATF, oversee the explosive program, ordering and maintenance of accurate records.
•  Avalanche Hazard Assessment: Conduct daily evaluations of snowpack stability, weather conditions, and terrain to identify potential avalanche hazards. Implement appropriate mitigation measures, such as controlled explosive work, to ensure safe terrain access.
•  Collaboration: Work closely with the Ski Patrol Director, Mountain Operations Director, and other relevant departments to coordinate snow safety efforts, including terrain closures, guest education, and incident response.
•  Compliance and Documentation: Ensure all snow safety operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Maintain detailed records of weather data, avalanche incidents, mitigation activities, and training sessions. ​
•  Budget Management: Oversee the snow safety budget, including forecasting expenses, managing resources, and procuring necessary equipment and supplies.
•  Guest and Employee Education: Develop and deliver educational programs to inform guests and staff about snow safety practices, the Skier Responsibility Code, and the risks associated with avalanche terrain. ​
•  Emergency Response: Lead and participate in avalanche rescue operations, including search and rescue missions, first aid administration, and coordination with external emergency services. ​

Qualifications:

•  Education: A Bachelor of Science degree, or a related field, is preferred.
•  Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in snow safety operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role is preferred. Previous experience in avalanche forecasting and mitigation is essential.​
•  Certifications: Professional certifications such as Avalanche Pro 2 or higher, Explosives Handler License, and Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) or EMT.
•  Skills:
  •  Strong leadership and team management abilities.​
  •  Excellent analytical skills for assessing snow and weather conditions.​
  •  Effective communication skills for training and public education.​
  •  Ability to work in high-stress, emergency situations.​

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to ski and navigate in all snow and mountain weather conditions.
• Can safely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to ski, stand, walk, use hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Have strong vision capabilities, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus as needed