Grooming Operator (Winter 2026)
Location: Perisher, NSWEmployment Type: Winter SeasonalSeason Commences: June 2026 (conditions dependent)Season Concludes: Late September 2026 (conditions dependent)
Under the Lights. Behind the Blade. Built for the Mountain.
When the lifts stop spinning, our Grooming Operators get to work. As part of the Perisher Mountain Operations team, you'll help deliver the premium snow surfaces our guests expect each morning. If you thrive at night, love precision machinery, and want to play a key role in the largest snow resort operation in the Southern Hemisphere, this is your moment.
The Mountain Is Your Canvas
Boasting the most reliable snow cover across 1,245 hectares of terrain, Perisher's slopes are meticulously serviced by Prinoth using a comprehensive fleet of park, winch, and general grooming machines. With 5 terrain parks, 2 skier/boarder cross tracks, and over 130 groomed runs, our mountain offers endless opportunities for skilled operators.
We are actively seeking experienced park and winch specialists. Our winch grooming program is essential for maintaining steep, high-traffic terrain, while our dedicated park grooming team shapes and maintains progressive freestyle environments that draw riders from across Australia.
What You'll Do When the Sun Goes Down
* Execute precision grooming across a large and varied alpine footprint, including steep terrain requiring winch machine operation.
* Operate and manage winch cats safely and effectively on advanced slopes, maintaining optimal snow consistency and coverage.
* Shape, build, and maintain Terrain Parks, halfpipes, and specialty features in collaboration with the Terrain Park team.
* Assess snowpack, weather, and skier traffic patterns to inform nightly grooming strategy.
* Utilise advanced snow management techniques to enhance snow quality and maximise longevity throughout the season.
* Work safely and efficiently in challenging alpine weather conditions during overnight operations.
What You Bring to the Cab
* Previous heavy vehicle or plant equipment operating experience (snow grooming experience highly regarded).
* Experience operating winch grooming machinery and/or park grooming equipment (strongly preferred).
* A demonstrated understanding of steep terrain management and freestyle feature shaping (for winch and park applicants).
* A strong commitment to safety and adherence to established operating procedures.
* The ability to adapt to changing snow, terrain, and weather conditions.
* Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a high-performing overnight team.
Why Join the Perisher Grooming Crew?
* Live and work in the heart of the Snowy Mountains at Australia's largest ski resort.
* Operate a modern grooming fleet, including winch and park machines, maintaining steep slopes, terrain parks, and cross tracks.
* Be part of a close-knit, skilled grooming team that values safety, professionalism, and camaraderie on the mountain.
* Visa support may be offered for eligible international applicants.
* A Vail Resorts Australia Staff Lift Pass and up to 40% of food, retail and rentals.
* A supportive, inclusive team that works hard and enjoys mountain life.
* 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, energy, 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 via the HR Help Centre. 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 is limited and prioritised for full-season team members. Be sure to include your availability and whether you will require accommodation in your application.
Join the crew that builds Perisher from the ground up each night — from steep winch lines to perfectly shaped parks.
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