Company Description

With roots dating back to 1946 and a division of Aspen One, Aspen Skiing Company owns and operates four mountains—Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk—creating premium, sustainable, and transformative experiences in recreation, culture, and nature. In addition, the company runs the award-winning Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and a collection of sustainably sourced on-mountain food and beverage outlets. Aspen Snowmass encompasses 5,680 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains, more than 40 ski lifts and more than 410 trails. Aspen One is the parent company of Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen Hospitality and ASPENX and leverages its influence across all of its business units to advance climate action, community engagement and racial justice. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com or follow @aspensnowmass on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Job Description

The Boot Packer is responsible for preparing avalanche terrain by compacting snow through foot travel in steep starting zones prior to ski area opening. This position performs physically demanding work in severe winter conditions at high altitude and plays a critical role in supporting safe ski area operations. Boot Packers work under the direction of the Ski Patrol and assist in ensuring avalanche mitigation efforts are effective and terrain is ready for public use. This position reports to the Snow Safety Manager.

Job Posting deadline on October 14, 2025

Qualifications

Essential Job Functions/Key Job Responsibilities

• Travel on foot through designated avalanche starting zones to compact snow and prepare terrain for safe ski operations.

• Work in steep, high-altitude environments for extended periods, often in severe winter conditions.

• Follow direct instruction from Ski Patrol regarding assigned zones, safety procedures, and operational timing.

• Use chairlifts or hiking to access terrain, depending on conditions and assignment.

• Carry and use mandatory safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers, at all times while in the field.

• Maintain personal gear, clothing, and equipment to withstand full-day exposure to winter elements.

• Demonstrate sound judgment in hazardous conditions, including potential avalanche terrain.

• Participate & commit to early-season operations, typically lasting 6–8 weeks, working a minimum of 15 required shifts at 8 hours based on snow conditions and operational needs.

• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure safety and coordinated efforts.

• Uphold all safety standards and immediately report hazards or unsafe conditions to supervisors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Prior experience in mountaineering, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or other strenuous outdoor activities strongly preferred.

• Own beacon and footwear with a Vibram sole or equivalent is required.

Additional Information

Supervision Given:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Supervision Received:

Boot Packers work under the direction of the Ski Patrol and assist in ensuring avalanche mitigation efforts are effective and terrain is ready for public use. This position reports to the Snow Safety Manager.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of avalanche safety principles and mountain environments.

• Knowledge of proper use and function of avalanche transceivers and winter safety gear.

• Skill in maintaining physical endurance in high-altitude, strenuous, and adverse weather conditions.

• Skill in following detailed safety instructions and protocols from Ski Patrol leadership.

• Ability to hike, climb, and traverse steep terrain while carrying gear.

• Ability to withstand exposure to extreme cold, wind, and changing mountain weather.

• Ability to use appropriate footwear (alpine touring boots, telemark boots, or stiff snowboard boots) for sustained snow travel.

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-focused safety culture.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in potentially hazardous terrain.

• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors and peers in a high-risk environment.

• Ability to adapt quickly to varying work schedules and weather-dependent operations.

• Ability to demonstrate commitment to personal and team safety as the highest priority.
  

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, stand, walk or be on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Regularly work in wet, hot and humid conditions for extended periods of time and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to continually lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance.
• This position at certain locations will require an employee to ski or snowboard

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