Avalanche Technician

AVALANCHE TECHNICIAN – FULL TIME SEASONAL Position Summary The Avalanche Technician is responsible for supporting the safe operation of Big White Ski Resort through avalanche forecasting, hazard assessment, mitigation, and snow safety operations. Working as part of the Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations teams, the Avalanche Technician monitors snowpack conditions, performs avalanche control work, and provides technical expertise to reduce avalanche risk within the ski area and associated operational zones. This position requires strong technical knowledge, sound decision-making under changing mountain conditions, and the ability to work safely in challenging alpine environments. Key Responsibilities * Monitor weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions through regular field observations and data collection. * Conduct snow stability tests, snow profile analyses, and avalanche hazard assessments. * Plan and carry out avalanche control operations using approved methods and explosives in accordance with provincial regulations, resort procedures, and industry best practices. * Prepare daily avalanche hazard forecasts and communicate operational recommendations to Ski Patrol leadership and Mountain Operations. * Assist with opening terrain following avalanche control work and confirm areas are safe for public access. * Maintain accurate records of weather observations, snowpack data, avalanche occurrences, and control activities. * Collaborate with Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, Grooming, and Mountain Operations to coordinate safe mountain operations. * Participate in emergency response, search and rescue, and incident management when required. * Inspect, maintain, and inventory avalanche control equipment, explosives storage, and safety gear. * Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the resort's Snow Safety Program. * Participate in preseason planning, training, and operational readiness exercises. * Maintain compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations and all applicable safety policies and procedures. Qualifications Required * CAA ITP 1 or working towards it * Current Occupational First Aid Level 3 (or equivalent 80hr+ course). * Valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or authorization to work with explosives, or the ability to obtain required certifications. * Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in advanced alpine terrain under all snow conditions. * Experience performing snowpack observations and avalanche hazard assessments. * Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. * Ability to work outdoors in severe winter weather for extended periods. * Valid Class 5 driver's license. Preferred * Previous experience in ski area avalanche operations. * Experience with avalanche forecasting software and snow observation databases. * Canadian Avalanche Association Professional or Practitioner Membership. * Rope rescue, helicopter safety, or other mountain rescue training. * Experience operating snowmobiles, snowcats, or utility vehicles in mountain environments. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Strong understanding of avalanche science, mountain meteorology, and snowpack evolution. * Ability to assess changing hazards and make informed operational decisions. * Excellent observational and analytical skills. * Strong written documentation and reporting abilities. * Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations. * Commitment to teamwork and a strong safety culture. * High level of physical fitness and endurance. Physical Requirements * Ski or snowboard in steep and variable terrain daily. * Lift, carry, and transport equipment weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs). * Work in extreme winter weather, low visibility, and remote alpine environments. * Travel over uneven snow-covered terrain for extended periods. Working Conditions * Early morning starts, weekends, holidays, and variable schedules throughout the winter season. * Exposure to severe weather, explosives, heavy equipment, and mountain hazards. * Frequent work at elevation in changing environmental conditions. * Participation in emergency response outside regular operating hours when required. What We Offer * Opportunity to work in one of Canada's premier mountain environments. * Collaborative and safety-focused team culture. * Professional development and ongoing technical training. * Seasonal employee benefits and resort privileges, including skiing and snowboarding access (subject to resort policy). Big White Ski Resort is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional working environment for employees and guests alike.

The Avalanche Technician is responsible for monitoring snowpack conditions, performing avalanche control using explosives, and conducting hazard assessments to ensure resort safety. They collaborate with mountain operations teams to manage terrain access and maintain accurate records of weather and avalanche data.

Candidates must possess a CAA ITP 1 certification, advanced wilderness medical certification, and a valid explosives handling license. Strong skiing or snowboarding ability in advanced alpine terrain and the physical fitness to work in extreme winter conditions are required.

• Seasonal employee benefits • Resort privileges • Skiing and snowboarding access • Professional development • Technical training

• TeamworkPreferred
• First AidPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Avalanche forecasting
• Hazard assessment
• Snow stability testing
• Explosives handling
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Mountain meteorology
• Emergency response
• Search and rescue
• Data collection
• Technical reporting
• First aid
• Teamwork
• Decision-making
• Equipment maintenance
• Emergency Response
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Valid Driver's License
• Planning
• Analytical Skills
• First Aid
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Heavy Equipment
• Data Collection
• Forecasting
• Physical Fitness
• Leadership
• Incident Management
• Meteorology
• Operations
• Safety Culture
• Technical Training
• Surface Weather Observation
• Authorization (Computing)

• Security & Safety
• Sports & Recreation
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Hospitality
• Technician
• Physical / Geoscience Technician
• Chemical and Physical Science Technicians
• Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week