Grooming Operator (Winter 2026)

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 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 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.