Director of Snowsports

DEPARTMENT: Snowsports

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: General Manager & SVP Snowsports

Overview

At The Summit, we are proud of our history of being Seattle’s Home Mountain and the leading mountain in WA to learn to ski. Snowsports comprise roughly one third to one half of the seasonal employees (approximately 600) with 12,000 lessons and a robust revenue stream.

The Snowsports Director is responsible for the overall operations, planning, and financial health of the Snowsports school, as well as the vision of The Summit at Snoqualmie’s global Snowsports and learning environment. This role oversees four base area schools: Summit West, Summit Central, Alpental and The Summit Nordic Center. Within these 4 locations, the Director will oversee and lead all sliding disciplines and Snowsports educational programs.

The Snowsports Director is a pivotal role at The Summit. As part of the leadership team, they will have input on resort-wide issues, work across departments and collaborate across resorts in the Boyne network. The Director will demonstrate a collaborative approach to business strategy, growth, and resort management, and will shape a best-in-class guest and team member experience that increases the overall long-term value of the resort and school.

The Snow Sports Director reports directly to The Summit’s General Manager and has a dotted line reporting structure to the Boyne Senior VP of Snowsports. This is a full-time year-round role.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership: As the Snowsports director, they are responsible for providing solid and consistent leadership and direction for the department’s vision and programming. This includes se􀆫ng goals, developing strategies, and implementing plans to achieve the objectives of The Summit at Snoqualmie. The director will have the responsibility for achieving resort goals for NPS (Net Promoter Score), TMES (Team Member Engagement Surveys), BSA (Brand Standards Assessment), revenue and EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.)

Program Development: The director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive Snowsports program across all disciplines and product offerings, this includes daily group and private lessons, as well as seasonal programs (mul􀆟-week lessons) which encompass Teams and Advanced Programs; freeride, freestyle, alpine Race, apprentice instructors, Nordic, and snowshoe programming. Ensuring a strong program is created through curriculum development, design of lesson plans, activities and events offered for participants of different skill levels and age groups. They will also oversee the development and growth of the Mountain Bike guide and lesson program.

Staff Management, Certification, and Development: The director will oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of Snowsports leadership, instructors, and other staff members. They are responsible for ensuring evaluations of employees’ performance each season, providing feedback, and conducting regular staff mee􀆟ngs to ensure the smooth operation of all programs. They are responsible for developing onboarding and continuing educational and certification training for staff to grow retention in team as well as strengthen the educational product provided by the school. Working closely with educational leadership and credentialing programs of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) to enhance the product provided to the Summit’s team and guests.

Safety and Risk Management: Ensuring the safety of participants is of utmost importance. As a Snowsports director, they are responsible for implementing and enforcing safety protocols and procedures. This involves conducting regular safety inspections, training, monitoring weather condi􀆟ons, and making decisions regarding the opening, closing, or modification of activities based on safety considerations. The Snowsports director will also ensure legal compliance as well as risk management best prac􀆟ces in all areas of influence. Budge􀆟ng and Financial Management: The director is responsible for managing the financial aspects of the snow sports program. This includes crea􀆟ng and monitoring budgets, se􀆫ng pricing for programs and services, and seeking opportunities for revenue growth and genera􀆟on through new and crea􀆟ve program management and development.

Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial in this role. The director will interact with participants, parents, and other stakeholders on a regular basis, addressing their inquiries, concerns, and feedback in a professional and timely manner. Marke􀆟ng and Promotion: The director is responsible for crea􀆟ng various product offerings with input from marketing and other departments. They will work closely with marketing on pricing strategy as well as promo􀆟ng the Snowsports program through various marketing channels. This can include creating advertising campaigns, managing social media accounts, and collaborating with the marketing department to attract new participants and retain exis􀆟ng ones.

Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration with other departments, organizations, and stakeholders are vital. They will work closely with resort management, marketing, payroll and accounting, mountain operations, li􀅌 operations, ski patrol, rentals and ticketing, food and beverage and other relevant departments and personnel to coordinate operations, product planning, communication, share information, and ensure a seamless experience for guests. Professional Development: Stay current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices. This involves attending workshops, conferences, and relevant training programs to enhance his/her knowledge and skills. As well as maintaining relevant certifications.

Administration: Oversees and builds a high functioning leadership team that manages the department’s administrative requirements such as payroll, scheduling, and staff lesson approvals, reservations and lesson desk sales. Works closely with Guest Services, Accounting, and Product Managers to refine processes and administrative tasks, including end-of-season account reconciliation. They must be able to learn and master various software platforms including Microsoft Office, RTP, Flaik.

Qualifications and Requirements for the role:

Mountain Skills: Passion for the mountain! They can ski and/or ride as well as teach at an intermediate to expert level. The director will also maintain PSIA-AASI Level Two Certification (or higher) and/or equivalent international credentials. They should have at least three full-time seasons (9 months) in professional Snowsports instruction. Experience in mountain bike operations and riding a plus.

Education: bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Knowledge: Strong understanding of budgeting process and Profit/Loss statements (P&L).

Experience: A minimum of 5 years prior management and leadership experience in a Snowsports school of similar size and scope required. Experience with RTP and Flaik or similar resort software systems preferred.

Certifications: PSIA/AASI or similar certification required. Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate (talk or hear). The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. Use of computer and keyboard work often. The employee is frequently required to ski or snowboard. Ability to ski/snowboard with tools, bamboo, signage. Ability to work in deep/variable snow conditions (walking and skiing/snowboarding).

Activity Requirements:

Ski/Snowboard – Often
Manually move snow with a shovel and/or rake, make unsafe, slippery condi􀆟ons safer in variable weather conditions – Often
Hike in variable snow conditions – Often Ride and unload chairlift safely with tools, and signage – Often.
Ability to use power tools safely in the snow and mountain conditions.
Situational awareness with heavy machinery (i.e., groomers on the mountain at night)
Work Remotely – Variable
Work Outdoors – Often
Work Indoors – Often

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Snowsports director works indoors and outdoors in a mountain environment during the winter season and summer. Team members work in a variety of conditions, which include but are not limited to Rain, Snow, Freezing Temperatures, Wind, variable snow conditions (powder, sticky, slushy, icy, etc.), slippery conditions, uneven surfaces.

Boyne Resorts leadership is modeled on the Servant Leadership philosophy and promotes the values of LEAD: Long-term thinking; Excellence in execution; Attitude is everything; Develop great people.