Ski & Ride Center Director – Cataloochee Ski AreaMaggie Valley
Ski & Ride Center Director – Cataloochee Ski Area
Full Time • Maggie Valley
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Ski & Ride Center Director – Cataloochee Ski Area Location: Maggie Valley, NC Position Type: Annual Full-Time Leadership
Cataloochee Ski Area, nestled in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, is seeking a motivated, experienced, and passionate Ski & Ride Center Director to oversee the operations of our Ski & Ride Center. This role is critical to delivering an exceptional guest experience, fostering instructor development, and ensuring a safe and professional environment for all guests.
Are you ready to lead winter adventures in one of the South’s most beloved mountain communities? Cataloochee Ski Area, nestled in the heart of Maggie Valley, NC, is seeking a dynamic and community-driven Ski and Ride Director to guide our snow sports programs with passion and purpose. As the oldest ski area in North Carolina, Cataloochee Ski Area has a rich legacy of family-friendly fun, mountain hospitality, and deep local roots. We’re looking for a leader who thrives on building connections; someone who can inspire guests, mentor instructors, and foster a welcoming environment that reflects the spirit of Maggie Valley and the Smoky Mountains. If you believe skiing and snowboarding are more than just sports, it's a way to bring people together, then this is your chance to make a lasting impact on the slopes and in our community.
Position Overview:
As the Ski & Ride Center Director, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of our ski and snowboard instruction programs. You will inspire and guide a team of instructors, develop engaging lesson programs for all ages and skill levels, and maintain the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and guest satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all Ski & Ride Center instructors and support staff. Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
Program Development: Design and implement ski and snowboard lesson programs tailored to guests of all ages and abilities, including private lessons, group programs, and specialty clinics.
Operational Oversight: Manage daily operations of the Ski & Ride Center, including scheduling, inventory, equipment management, and staff assignments.
Guest Experience: Ensure all guests receive an outstanding and memorable experience, addressing concerns promptly and maintaining high satisfaction standards.
Safety & Compliance: Enforce safety policies and procedures for lessons, terrain, and equipment usage. Maintain certification standards and compliance with all ski area policies.
Collaboration: Work closely with resort leadership, rental shop, lift operations, and guest services to ensure seamless guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Budget & Reporting: Assist in managing departmental budgets, track performance metrics, and report key operational insights to senior leadership.
Qualifications & Skills:
Proven leadership experience in ski or snowboard school management or equivalent mountain operations role.
Strong technical knowledge of skiing and/or snowboarding; PSIA/AASI certification preferred.
Exceptional communication, coaching, and mentoring skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities; ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for guest service, teaching, and mountain lifestyle.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and peak season demands.
Benefits & Perks:
Competitive salary based on experience.
401 (k) - company match program
Health Insurance
Vacation/PTO
Annual Bonus
Complimentary slope pass for you and your family during the season.
Discounts on food and retail.
Opportunity to lead and grow a team in a beautiful mountain setting.
Be part of a dynamic, guest-focused, and fun mountain resort community.
Cataloochee Ski Area is committed to providing an exceptional winter sports experience for guests of all ages and abilities. If you are a strategic thinker, a skilled instructor, and a dedicated leader passionate about mountain recreation, we want to hear from you!
Compensation: $59,500.00 - $68,500.00 per year
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.