Where Family Fun Begins
OVERVIEW:
Are you passionate about skiing and snowboarding? Do you thrive on sharing your love for the slopes with others? Join our team at Cataloochee Ski Area as a Ski & Ride Instructor and help guests of all ages and abilities experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in the beautiful Smoky Mountains!

What You’ll Do:

Teach with Passion: Share your skills and enthusiasm with skiers and riders of all levels, from first-timers to advanced shredders. Tailor lessons to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience on the snow!
Create Unforgettable Experiences: Build rapport with students and guests, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages learning, progress, and confidence on the slopes.
Be a Snow Safety Ambassador: Promote safe skiing and riding habits by teaching proper techniques, mountain awareness, and etiquette. Provide tips and guidance to help guests navigate the mountain with confidence.
Continuous Learning: Participate in training sessions to enhance your own skills and stay current with the latest teaching methods, skiing, and snowboarding trends.
Collaborate and Thrive: Work closely with our passionate team of instructors, sharing insights, tips, and camaraderie. Help create a positive, supportive, and fun work environment that makes Cataloochee Ski Area a great place to work and play!

What We’re Looking For:

A Passion for the Mountains: Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or an enthusiastic snow sports lover, your passion for skiing or snowboarding is what sets you apart.
Strong Communication Skills: You’re a natural at connecting with people and can deliver instructions clearly, adapting your teaching style to suit a variety of learning preferences.
Patience and Positivity: You have a calm and encouraging demeanor, perfect for helping guests build confidence and skills.
Commitment to Safety: You understand the importance of safety and are dedicated to creating a fun-filled environment on the slopes.
Team Player Attitude: You’re ready to jump in, lend a hand, and contribute to the vibrant team atmosphere that makes Cataloochee special.

Perks of the Job:

Free Skiing & Riding: Enjoy complimentary access to Cataloochee Ski Area and discounts for family and friends!
Professional Development: Receive training and certifications to advance your skills and career in snow sports instruction.
Flexible Scheduling: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities to fit your lifestyle.
A Fun, Outdoor Work Environment: Spend your days surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Smoky Mountains and a team that loves the snow as much as you do!

Why Cataloochee Ski Area?

Cataloochee Ski Area is known for its friendly atmosphere, fantastic snow conditions, and breathtaking mountain views. Located in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences for our guests and a supportive, growth-focused environment for our team members.

Ready to hit the slopes and inspire others to do the same? Apply now and join our dynamic team of Ski & Ride Instructors at Cataloochee Ski Area!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Agree to a Full-time or part-time commitment
Put your Availability into “when I work"
Must be on time for your shift and present on time for every lineup during that shift.
required to work holidays, weekends, weekdays, and nights as needed by Snow School.
Part-time Instructors will be scheduled for a minimum of 36 hours per month per commitment agreement.
Will provide students with a full lesson within the prescribed time allotted unless a student wishes to leave early.
Familiar with Employee and Snow School Manuals.
Must be able to work before, during, and after inclement weather (snow/rain/ice etc.)
Will properly wear PPE (helmet) and approved uniform while teaching and representing Cataloochee.
All ski instructors will use skis with properly fitted Knee Bindings while teaching or skiing for work-related activities.
Teaching “Never-Ever Level 1” lessons.
Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to gender, age, and diversity.
Keep Safety and Fun as a priority in all lessons.
Make sure students are directed to where they should practice and how to use lifts safely before releasing them.
Will lead students to the appropriate area for the lesson and manage different learning styles and abilities within the group.
Will notify supervisor on duty promptly of any problems during the class.
Willing to learn and adapt as Cataloochee strives to provide the best experience possible for our guests.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:
This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of Phoenix Ski Corporation, the responsibilities of this position may change. The employee must be prepared to accept new responsibilities and transfer others.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Honesty has the highest degree of character and integrity.
Patient, outgoing, enthusiastic, polite, and tactful.
Open-minded, flexible, willing, and eager to learn.
Excellent communication skills.
Must have a positive attitude and work well with children, teens, and adults.
Willing to accept, work with, adopt, and embrace Cataloochee’s teaching philosophy.
Passionate about skiing, riding, winter sports, and related activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervisory responsibilities applicable depending on position and role within Snow School

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands: The ability to ski/ride from Mid-Station. Must have and wear appropriate cold-weather gear and be able to stand in one location for extended periods in an alpine environment with adverse weather conditions, including cold, snow, and rain.
Must be willing to continually work towards improving your personal ski and riding skills as well as teaching methods and concepts through participation in clinics and discussion, free skiing/riding off the clock,and PSIA/AASI certifications

*Due to the sensitive nature of this position, a criminal background check will be conducted after the position is accepted. This background check will be done following standards enacted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Compensation: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Discover Winter Adventure at Cataloochee Ski Area

Welcome to Cataloochee Ski Area – Where Work Meets the Mountain Lifestyle

Perched in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Cataloochee Ski Area has been a winter tradition since 1961 and is proud to be the first ski area in the state. With stunning mountain views, a welcoming atmosphere, and a passion for snow sports, we’ve built a reputation for combining southern hospitality with mountain adventure.

Our mountain has something for everyone:

18 scenic, expertly groomed slopes for all ability levels
A brand-new quad ski lift to move more skiers and riders up the mountain, faster
A dynamic freestyle terrain park for adrenaline lovers
A fully equipped rental department to get guests slope-ready
A comprehensive Ski & Ride Center offering lessons for beginners to advanced riders
A cozy gift and gear shop stocked with mountain essentials
Quick and convenient cafeteria-style dining
Beverage service to keep the good vibes flowing
Plus, Tube World — our snow tubing park is just minutes from the base area!

At Cataloochee Ski Area, our mission is simple: deliver unforgettable experiences for every guest, every day. From first-time skiers to lifelong passholders, we take pride in creating moments that keep people coming back season after season. That level of service comes from the heart of our operation — our team.

Why Work at Cataloochee?

Be part of a tight-knit, family-oriented team that values fun, collaboration, and professionalism.
Enjoy perks like a free season pass, discounts on rentals and lessons, and the chance to spend your days surrounded by fresh mountain air.
Gain valuable experience in hospitality, customer service, and outdoor recreation — all in a high-energy, team-focused environment.
Play an active role in carrying forward a legacy of customer service excellence while helping create unforgettable mountain memories for our guests.

Each winter, Cataloochee comes alive with energy, adventure, and camaraderie. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, high-spirited environment where fun is always part of the job. Though the season lasts just over four months, the memories and friendships built here last much longer.

Whether you're seeking a seasonal adventure or a pathway into the outdoor recreation industry, Cataloochee Ski Area offers more than a job—it’s an experience.

👉 Join us this winter and make your season unforgettable — both on and off the slopes.

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