At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate grooming machinery to prepare iconic ski runs and maintain Terrain Parks.
- Company: Join Vail Resorts Australia at Mount Hotham, a premier alpine destination.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff lift passes, discounts, free lessons, and wellness programs.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and camaraderie.
- Why this job: Experience the thrill of working on challenging terrain and making unforgettable mountain memories.
- Qualifications: Minimum two seasons’ experience with snow grooming machinery and strong snow awareness.
The predicted salary is between 2000 - 2800 £ per month.
Location: Hotham
Employment Type: Winter Seasonal
Season Commences: June 2026 (subject to snow conditions)
Application Period: February – March 2026 (or earlier if filled)
Reach Your Peak. Shape the Steepest Terrain. Own the Night at Hotham. When the lifts stop spinning and the alpine village goes quiet, Mount Hotham’s grooming team gets to work. As part of Vail Resorts Australia, our Groomer Operators are the behind-the-scenes professionals who prepare some of Australia’s most challenging and iconic terrain. If you thrive in demanding conditions, enjoy precision machinery, and want to play a key role in delivering unforgettable mountain experiences — this is your moment.
Your Impact on the Mountain
Situated high in the Victorian Alps, Mount Hotham is renowned for its dramatic scenery, steep pistes, and technical terrain. With 320 hectares of skiable terrain — including 245 hectares of lifted terrain — Hotham operates an extensive and capable grooming fleet. This includes Prinoth Bison X and PistenBully winch cats, PB300W, PB400W, PB400 Park Pro, PB400 Free cats, and push cats supporting snowmaking operations. We are seeking Groomer Operators across all disciplines, with a strong emphasis on experienced Winch Cat Operators to prepare Hotham’s steeper runs. Operators are also required to support two Terrain Parks and a Rider/Boarder X track that attract elite training teams from both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
The Night Shift Legends: What You’ll Be Doing
- Groom and maintain ski runs to deliver safe, consistent, and high-quality snow surfaces for guests.
- Operate winch and non-winch grooming machinery across steep and varied alpine terrain.
- Assist in the construction, shaping, and ongoing maintenance of Terrain Parks and freestyle features.
- Apply snow management techniques to enhance snow quality and maximise longevity throughout the season.
- Work primarily overnight in challenging weather and snow conditions.
- Support snowmaking and other mountain operations as required.
- Take ownership of machine care, safe operation, and efficient grooming outcomes.
What You’ll Bring to the Cab
- Minimum two seasons’ experience operating snow grooming machinery.
- Strong snow awareness and the ability to adapt to changing weather and surface conditions.
- A safety-first mindset and commitment to established procedures.
- A sharp eye for detail and pride in producing high-quality grooming outcomes.
- The ability to remain calm, focused, and adaptable during overnight operations.
- Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Why Mount Hotham?
- Work on some of Australia’s most challenging and rewarding alpine terrain.
- Access to an extensive and diverse grooming fleet, including winch cats.
- A Vail Resorts Australia Staff Lift Pass and up to 40% off food, rental, and retail outlets.
- Free group lessons with qualified snowsports instructors.
- Staff events, training opportunities, wellness programs, and employee recognition initiatives.
- A skilled, passionate grooming team that values professionalism, safety, and camaraderie.
- A workplace where you’re encouraged to learn, contribute, and grow.
What We’re About
Vail Resorts Australia operates some of Australia’s most iconic alpine destinations. Our teams bring the mountains to life through professionalism, passion, and genuine care for every guest. Guided by our values — Be Inclusive, Do Good, Be Safe, Have Fun, Serve Others, Drive Value, Do Right — we create workplaces where people feel supported, respected, and part of something bigger.
Your Next Steps
Excited to join the team? Apply now through our Career Center! If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at human.resources@vailresorts.com.au. We’re here to support you. We love your enthusiasm — please ensure this role aligns with your interests and availability before submitting your application.
Accommodation Note
Staff accommodation may be available for successful applicants and is prioritised for full-season team members. Please indicate in your application whether you require accommodation. Apply now and be part of the crew that prepares Mount Hotham for first tracks — one night shift at a time.
Grooming Operator - Hotham (Winter 2026) employer: Hotham Skiing Company
At Vail Resorts Australia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering our Grooming Operators the chance to work in one of Australia's most stunning alpine environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, wellness programs, and a supportive team culture that values safety and camaraderie. Enjoy unique benefits such as a staff lift pass, discounts on food and rentals, and the chance to contribute to unforgettable mountain experiences while working with state-of-the-art grooming machinery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grooming Operator - Hotham (Winter 2026)
✨Get in on Local Events
Check out local sports tournaments and recreation fairs in your area. These events are great for networking with professionals who might be looking for seasonal help. Plus, you can often chat with organisers and find out about unadvertised opportunities!
✨Join Relevant Online Communities
Dive into online groups related to sports and recreation management, like those on Facebook or LinkedIn. There are often posts about temporary roles or internships, and it's a fab way to get your name out there in the industry!
✨Spotlight Your Skill Set
Highlight any relevant experience or skills you have in sports management on your public profiles. If you've coached, organised events, or worked in customer service at sports centres, make it known! Seasonal employers in this field love to see a background in hands-on roles.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget that applying for seasonal roles like Grooming Operator - Hotham (Winter 2026) at Hotham Skiing Company through our website can put you at the forefront! We often have exclusive listings that might not be on job boards, so keep an eye out for those!
We think you need these skills to ace Grooming Operator - Hotham (Winter 2026)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Sports:When you’re applying for a role in sports-recreation-management, it’s essential to let your love for sports shine through. Use your cover letter to talk about your experiences, whether it’s playing, coaching, or organising events. We want to see that you're enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in the sporting community!
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications like first aid, coaching badges, or safety training. These show that you’re not just passionate, but also prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with working in a seasonal role in sports-recreation-management. A quick mention in your CV can really set you apart!
Flexibility is Key:Since it’s a seasonal position, mention your availability clearly in your application. Companies like Hotham Skiing Company want to know if you can accommodate their busy periods, so let them know when you’re ready to jump in. It’ll make you more appealing as a candidate if they see you can fit with their needs!
Use Action Words in Your CV:In the CV section, focus on action-oriented language that reflects your teamwork, leadership, and organisational skills. Words like 'led', 'coordinated', or 'developed' can really make your experience pop. We want to see you’re not just a spectator but someone who actively contributes to the success of any team or event!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hotham Skiing Company
✨Show Off Your Passion for Sports
When applying for a seasonal role in sports recreation management, let your enthusiasm for sports shine through. Share any relevant experiences, from coaching to volunteering at events. Passion can set us apart in a world where everyone’s qualified!
✨Be Prepared for Fast-Paced Situations
Expect scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle large groups and manage chaotic environments, especially if the job involves overseeing events or activities. Practise responses to potential questions about how you'd deal with unexpected challenges—think quick decisions on your feet!
✨Have a Game Plan for Customer Interaction
Since measuring participant satisfaction is crucial in this role, be ready to discuss your approach to interacting with clients and handling feedback. We want to hear about your conflict resolution skills and how you keep the vibe positive, especially in busy settings!
✨Create a Seasonal Availability Strategy
As a seasonal role, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss your availability and how it aligns with peak seasons or events. Show us you're ready to commit your time effectively to meet the demands of Hotham Skiing Company and make a real impact this season!
