Why join us? We work and play in Canada’s most beautiful playground, Banff National Park, and you can too. Sunshine Village is the premier ski resort in Western Canada. If you want to be part of making our guests’ ski experience unforgettable and think a winter season skiing and riding on the best powder in the Rockies would be great too, then read on for more information... What can you expect? Avalanche Technicians work to effect avalanche mitigations in accordance with the avalanche safety plan within the scope of their training, certifications, and abilities. The role communicates information, maintains equipment, and performs additional tasks in the Ski Patrol and larger Public Safety environment. Avalanche technicians practice mountain risk management to reduce exposure to the ski area. Avalanche Technicians report to the Snow Safety Supervisor/Lead Forecaster and the Senior Supervisor of Public Safety. Avalanche Technicians work alongside other Avalanche Technicians, Forecasters, and the Ski Patrol team members along with other Mountain Operations staff.

This job might be right for you if you think you would really enjoy

The primary responsibility of this role is to provide, within the ski area’s avalanche safety plan, comprehensive avalanche control when required, including opening terrain in a timely fashion, and completing all daily duties pertaining to safety. Collecting pertinent data including weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations. Providing prompt, efficient and courteous assessment, treatment and transport to those who require it. Becoming extremely familiar with the Ski Area, its operational boundaries, and nearby backcountry. Participating in public and staff education on safe skiing and riding at the ski area and elsewhere. Communicating changing weather, closures, and atypical operating conditions. Effectively communicate via radio. Maintaining signage, equipment, and monitoring the conditions of slopes. Developing a basic understanding of, and understanding individual role in, the Sunshine Village Emergency Response Plan and all Emergency Response Assistance Plans, including, but not limited to medical and/or trauma, avalanche rescue, lift and gondola evacuation, high angle rescue, search & rescue and security emergencies. Becoming trained and competent in lift, gondola, and self-evacuation procedures. Documenting all training, explosives use, avalanche control work performed, and completing tasks as part of the Snow safety training checklist and competency tracker along with continuing education programs. Effectively handling a toboggan, along with operating a snowmobile and other oversnow vehicles within abilities, after initial or recurrent training is completed in accordance with the Snowmobile Training Program. Function within a team environment adhering to all aspects of the Avalanche Safety Plan.

Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities

Timely completion of documentation of avalanche data - weather and avalanche observations and explosives use. Assist with maintenance of all equipment that pertains to the avalanche control program. Timely and accurate reporting of documentation, and all incidents and deficiencies to appropriate departments/personnel. Developing a working understanding of incident report forms and the digital documentation system. Basic training and shadowing Dispatcher in the event relief dispatch duties are required or requested. Other duties may be requested and assigned from time to time.

And you have

CAA Operations Level 1 certificate. Experience as a Blaster’s Assistant on avalanche control work. NRCan ERD Approval Letter for unsupervised access to explosives. 80-hour Advanced First Aid Certificate or equivalent first aid training. Valid BLS CPR certificate. Valid Alberta driver’s licence required for any oversnow vehicle operation. Must have worked in Ski Patrol for one full winter season at Sunshine Village, or three full winter seasons as a Ski Patroller at a similar resort (minimum 5 months per season). Strong skiing ability in all types of snow on challenging alpine terrain. Skiing for work requires completion of a competency test, skiing and riding professionally, and may be restricted to designated areas. Able to work effectively under pressure during emergency situations. Comfortable working at height or in exposed areas of a mountain environment. Positive, friendly, and professional attitude. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally. Strong radio communication skills and etiquette. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel) and InfoEx system is desired. Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Prepared to work flexible schedules (weekends, holidays). Must be neat, alert, punctual and dependable. Effectively provide support and assistance to coworkers.

Additional Considerations

Employees must always be of sound mind, exhibit good judgment, and report to work fit for duty. This position is very physical and requires the ability to ski for long periods of time, constant trunk rotation, and lifting equipment and individuals, when and where required. There will be exposure to extreme environments (temperature and wind) and remote work. Requires working at heights, occasionally climbing ladders, travelling on steep slopes and extreme terrain. This position requires the ability to work around and travel in helicopters to perform certain tasks. This role operates machinery (snowmobiles) and may work around moving equipment. Patrollers deal with sensitive, confidential information and are expected to adhere to high standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Required uniform pieces (jacket, pants) are provided. Certain equipment must be provided and maintained by the employee in advance, and during employment: Alpine or Telemark downhill skis with releasable bindings Ski poles, ski boots, ski helmet (ASTM F2040; CEN 1077; Snell RS-98; Z263.1 certified) Digital Avalanche Transceiver (less than 5 years old) Avalanche Rescue Shovel Avalanche Rescue Collapsible Probe Insulated winter boots with rubber sole Headlamp Ski equipment used for work must be in good operating condition, meet Sunshine Village equipment requirements, and may be tested throughout the season. This position is subject to all terms and conditions of the Sunshine Village Employee Handbook, HR Policy Manual, and the Alberta Employment Standards Code.

The Perks

FREE - Your staff pass is your ticket to ride Sunshine!

Ski & Ride – Free days & discounts at ski resorts across Canada

Staff Events – Staff parties, BBQs, spring night skiing, dog sledding & more Career – Recognition programs & career development opportunities Wellness – Discounted fitness passes, yoga, onsite support & professional support Onsite discounts – Food & beverage, retail, & hotel stays Exclusive deals – Brand-named gear & local businesses And much, much more! Can’t wait to get started? Great, because we can’t wait to hear from you! Click the Apply Online button below tell us why you’re the next awesome member of our team. Remember, we’re looking for people who will wow our guests, so start now and wow us.