What are the responsibilities and job description for the Snowcat Operator position at Lone Mountain Ranch?
Lone Mountain Ranch
Located in Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch situated on 148 acres in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. First homesteaded in 1915, the Ranch has grown into one of the premier guest ranch destinations in the American West, offering a unique blend of authentic hospitality, rich history, thoughtful luxury, and year-round outdoor adventure.
The property features 25 hand-hewn cabins, the renowned Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, Nordic ski trails, event spaces, and expansive access to the surrounding Montana landscape. Lone Mountain Ranch is proud to be recognized as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a longtime member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
Our team is passionate about creating genuine and memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a workplace culture centered around hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, and respect for the history and spirit of the Ranch.
Create World-Class Nordic Trails. Shape Every Ski Experience.
Every morning begins with trails that are smooth, scenic, and ready for adventure—and that starts long before sunrise. As a Snowcat Operator, you'll help create the exceptional trail conditions that make Lone Mountain Ranch one of the premier Nordic skiing destinations in the country.
If you enjoy working independently, operating specialized equipment, and take pride in precision, craftsmanship, and working outdoors, this is an opportunity to spend your winter in one of Montana's most beautiful settings while making a direct impact on every guest's experience.
What You'll Do
You May Be a Great Fit If You
Required
At Lone Mountain Ranch, you'll join a team that takes pride in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests while supporting one another along the way. We offer competitive pay, employee meals during shifts, opportunities for employee housing (when available), team member discounts, and the chance to spend your winter working in one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Located in Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch situated on 148 acres in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. First homesteaded in 1915, the Ranch has grown into one of the premier guest ranch destinations in the American West, offering a unique blend of authentic hospitality, rich history, thoughtful luxury, and year-round outdoor adventure.
The property features 25 hand-hewn cabins, the renowned Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, Nordic ski trails, event spaces, and expansive access to the surrounding Montana landscape. Lone Mountain Ranch is proud to be recognized as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a longtime member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
Our team is passionate about creating genuine and memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a workplace culture centered around hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, and respect for the history and spirit of the Ranch.
Create World-Class Nordic Trails. Shape Every Ski Experience.
Every morning begins with trails that are smooth, scenic, and ready for adventure—and that starts long before sunrise. As a Snowcat Operator, you'll help create the exceptional trail conditions that make Lone Mountain Ranch one of the premier Nordic skiing destinations in the country.
If you enjoy working independently, operating specialized equipment, and take pride in precision, craftsmanship, and working outdoors, this is an opportunity to spend your winter in one of Montana's most beautiful settings while making a direct impact on every guest's experience.
What You'll Do
- Groom and maintain the Ranch's Nordic ski trail system using snowcats, snowmobiles, and specialized grooming equipment.
- Monitor trail and snow conditions to deliver safe, consistent, and enjoyable skiing surfaces.
- Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance on grooming equipment.
- Maintain trail corridors by repairing hazards and assisting with trail maintenance as needed.
- Communicate trail conditions and equipment needs with the Nordic team.
- Complete grooming logs and equipment inspections accurately.
- Follow all safety procedures while contributing to an exceptional guest experience.
You May Be a Great Fit If You
- Enjoy working outdoors in all winter conditions.
- Take pride in producing high-quality work with attention to detail.
- Are dependable, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently.
- Stay calm and make good decisions in changing weather conditions.
- Enjoy operating specialized equipment and learning new skills.
Required
- Three or more years of experience operating snowcats, heavy equipment, or similar machinery.
- Experience operating snowmobiles in winter conditions.
- Mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Valid U.S. Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and throughout the winter season.
- Experience grooming Nordic ski trails.
- Familiarity with classic and skate ski trail standards.
- Chainsaw and trail maintenance experience
At Lone Mountain Ranch, you'll join a team that takes pride in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests while supporting one another along the way. We offer competitive pay, employee meals during shifts, opportunities for employee housing (when available), team member discounts, and the chance to spend your winter working in one of the most beautiful places in the country.