Director of Mountain Operations
Job Title: Director of Mountain Operations
Department: Operations
Reports To: Chief Mountain Operations & Development (CMOD)
Location: Lutsen Mountains
Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Compensation:
- Salary: $90,000-100,000 per year
- Bonus: $10,000 potential based on resort EBIDA
Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | PTO (Paid Time Off) | Season Pass
TO APPLY EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO Caitlin@midwestfamilyskiresorts.com
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Lutsen Mountains Mountain Resort is a part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, a multi-generational family-owned and operated mountain resort with 3 of the oldest and largest resorts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our company culture reflects family focused values due to our family ownership, our management team, and our guests, who are primarily Midwest families. We rely on team members who are excited about taking ownership of their role, adapting to change, and working collaboratively with our family of team members.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Mountain Operations is responsible for the planning, upkeep, and daily operation of all physical systems that power resort operations. This role provides strategic and operational leadership over the infrastructure that supports safe, efficient, and high-performing mountain environments which includes snowmaking, grooming, lifts, vehicles, facilities, and mountain safety systems.
As a core leader, this position stewards the Mountain Operations branch, working in close partnership with the Director of Guest Operations to deliver an integrated and high-functioning resort experience.
Reporting to the Chief of Mountain Operations & Development, this director leads the Infrastructure & Expense Branch of resort operations. Their leadership ensures operational reliability, capital stewardship, and long-term sustainability across resort properties. While largely behind-the-scenes, this role is critical in delivering safe, consistent, and guest-ready mountain experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Lead all teams responsible for the physical systems and infrastructure that support resort operations.
- Maintain operational readiness and reliability across snowmaking, lifts, terrain, facilities, vehicles and equipment fleets.
- Ensure systems are staffed, maintained, and operated to meet seasonal needs and guest expectations.
- Drive consistent daily execution and response protocols to weather events, mechanical issues, or emergency situations across the resort property.
Capital Asset Management & Maintenance Strategy
- Partner with the CMOD to develop and implement proactive maintenance plans and lifecycle strategies for capital assets.
- Protect resort infrastructure through strong SOP discipline and preventive maintenance systems.
- Partner with Human Resources and the Chief Legal Officer to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal safety protocols.
- Track and report asset performance, uptime, and ROI on capital equipment and infrastructure.
Safety, Reliability & SOP Standardization
- Champion safety and reliability across all mountain systems.
- Standardize operating procedures, maintenance systems, and safety programs across all resort locations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives in maintenance efficiency, equipment performance, and safety culture.
- Ensure lift operations, snow surface quality, and mountain access systems meet internal benchmarks.
Strategic Collaboration & Development
- Collaborate with the Director of Guest Operations to meet and exceed guest needs.
- Support development and expansion projects by advising on infrastructure capacity, feasibility, and readiness.
- Partner with the CMOD on long-term infrastructure planning and capital investment strategies.
- Prepare for and manage peak periods through capacity planning and weather response coordination.
DEPARTMENTS UNDER DIRECT OVERSIGHT
- Snowmaking & Snowmaking Maintenance
- Grooming
- Terrain Parks
- Lift Operations & Lift Maintenance
- Vehicle & Fleet Maintenance
- Facilities Maintenance
- Housekeeping
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Lead planning, maintenance, and execution of all physical resort systems.
- Ensure mountain systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.
- Steward capital assets through long-term planning and SOP discipline.
- Implement and uphold standardized safety and maintenance procedures.
- Collaborate on long-term infrastructure and capacity planning.
- Maintain terrain readiness, snow quality, and lift uptime during operating seasons.
- Drive continuous improvement in operational safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of leadership in resort operations, mountain systems, infrastructure, or facilities management.
- Proven expertise in lift operations, snowmaking systems, equipment maintenance, and capital asset management.
- Strong technical understanding of safety regulations, mechanical systems, and resort infrastructure.
- Ability to lead diverse operational teams across multiple disciplines and locations.
- Skilled in strategic planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and system standardization.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- On-site leadership required with regular presence in mountain environments and operational areas.
- Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and during weather events.
- Physical capacity to access all skiable terrain, mechanical systems, and outdoor work environments on skis/snowboard, foot and/or via a variety of all-terrain vehicles.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
