Nordic Ski Instructor

Looking for a seasonal opportunity that balances rewarding work with the chance to live your best mountain lifestyle? Join us at Devil’s Thumb Ranch for winter employment, available from late November through early April. With perks designed to satisfy your winter adventure dreams—like affordable housing, discounted ski passes, and complimentary access to our Nordic trails—you’ll find the Ranch is more than a workplace, it’s an experience.

Principle Purpose of Job

The Nordic Ski Instructor is responsible for consistently delivering exceptional service that supports the mission and success of Devil’s Thumb Ranch. The Nordic Ski Instructor will provide cross-country skiing lessons for all skill levels, guiding guests on technique, safety, and equipment use. In addition to instruction, the Nordic Ski Instructor will assist in X-Country Center operations, including retail sales of ski equipment, clothing, and accessories. This role is expected to uphold the resort's guiding principles and service standards, ensuring an inviting and memorable experience for every guest.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instruct guests of all skill levels in Nordic skiing, providing guidance on technique, safety, and equipment use.
• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate varying abilities, ensuring a positive and enjoyable learning experience.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages guests to explore and improve their Nordic skiing abilities.
• Provide exceptional customer service, following resort etiquette and service standards.
• Assist guests with retail purchases, equipment rentals, and trail ticket sales.
• Handle cash and credit transactions, set up and count cash drawers, and complete daily reports.
• Open and close the store per procedures, maintaining a clean, organized sales floor.
• Conduct basic ski repairs, maintain rental equipment, and teach Nordic skiing lessons.
• Stay informed on new ski products, resort programs, and inventory across store locations.
• Support environmental initiatives, including waste reduction and energy conservation.
• Act as a resort ambassador, embodying Devil’s Thumb Ranch values in and out of work.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in instruction or customer service, preferably in the ski industry.
• Background in Recreation, Sales, or Coaching is preferred.
• Experience in cash handling, retail sales, and basic ski equipment maintenance is highly desirable.
• Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with guests.
• Flexible availability to accommodate varied scheduling needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and teamwork in a professional setting.

Compensation Description:

$16.00 - 18.00/hr tips Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits and Perks:

• Affordable Housing – starting as low as $196.15 per paycheck
• Winter Park Resort Ski Pass – starting as low as $250 with employer match
• Grand County Rec Center – $137.50 for a 6-month pass
• Employee Discounts – on lodging, food, gear, and lessons
• Retail/Gear Discounts – savings on essential equipment
• Discounted Resort Room Rates – for self, friends & family (as availability allows)
• DTR Winter Passes – complimentary Nordic ski passes & equipment (based on availability)
• Discounted Spa Treatments – unwind with reduced-rate services at Ranch Creek Spa
• Free Mountain Bike Trail Pass – plus 25% off rentals (great for shoulder season)
• Free Employee Shuttle – from staff housing to work and key county locations
• Employee Events – social activities, gatherings, and community celebrations

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.