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theabortionator
April, 2025

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How to get a job as a snowcat operator?

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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
Hey, just wondering if any operators can give me some insight on how they got a job as a cat driver.

i have no certifications but I do have lots of experience running heavy equipment (Hoes, loaders, dozer, etc)

is it really as simple as just dropping off a resume at the resort?
3 years ago
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5469 - Karma: 12,374
sexyjulianHey, just wondering if any operators can give me some insight on how they got a job as a cat driver.

i have no certifications but I do have lots of experience running heavy equipment (Hoes, loaders, dozer, etc)

is it really as simple as just dropping off a resume at the resort?


That’s a good start. Depending on the resort it, that might be enough or it may be helpful to do a season on snowmaking or lifts first to get to know the crew. Previous experience operating heavy machinery will go a long way though.
3 years ago
4 0
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a_burger
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 21,137
depends on the resort but yeah. lot of places are pretty desperate rn so having other equipment experience pretty much guarantees a job
3 years ago
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
a_burgerdepends on the resort but yeah. lot of places are pretty desperate rn so having other equipment experience pretty much guarantees a job


Thanks man. I was thinking that but wasn’t sure if resorts generally look for certain certifications. It’s mainly just experience running equipment then?
3 years ago
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
SkibumsmithThat’s a good start. Depending on the resort it, that might be enough or it may be helpful to do a season on snowmaking or lifts first to get to know the crew. Previous experience operating heavy machinery will go a long way though.


Thanks, I have worked at said resort for 2 seasons before as a ski instructor so hopefully that will help. I’ll look at applying for next season
3 years ago
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a_burger
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 21,137
sexyjulianThanks man. I was thinking that but wasn’t sure if resorts generally look for certain certifications. It’s mainly just experience running equipment then?


Most places will require a drivers license, some maybe a CDL but I've never heard of places requiring certs. They probably will make you get the pistenbully pro-academy cert but its like a 6 hour online class type thing
3 years ago
2 0
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
a_burgerMost places will require a drivers license, some maybe a CDL but I've never heard of places requiring certs. They probably will make you get the pistenbully pro-academy cert but its like a 6 hour online class type thing


Right on, thanks burger
3 years ago
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5469 - Karma: 12,374
sexyjulianThanks, I have worked at said resort for 2 seasons before as a ski instructor so hopefully that will help. I’ll look at applying for next season


Then you’re set. Are you homies with them?
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61935 - Karma: 126,480
Everyone I know who worked as a cat driver started as a snowmaker, if you have no experience with snowcats but have a decent head on your shoulders, you could drive a cat after the snowmaking season ends.
3 years ago
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
SkibumsmithThen you’re set. Are you homies with them?


Lol, I’m homies with the instructors but never spoke to the snowcrew before
3 years ago
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,244
eheathEveryone I know who worked as a cat driver started as a snowmaker, if you have no experience with snowcats but have a decent head on your shoulders, you could drive a cat after the snowmaking season ends.


10-4, I’ll try to get on the snow making crew for next season then and go from there.
3 years ago
1 0
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eheath
Posts: 61935 - Karma: 126,480
sexyjulian10-4, I’ll try to get on the snow making crew for next season then and go from there.


Definitely doesn't hurt to try this season, just connecting with the snowmaking or snowcat manager could turn out well, definitely shortages at big resorts.
3 years ago
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5469 - Karma: 12,374
sexyjulianLol, I’m homies with the instructors but never spoke to the snowcrew before


When I worked on the hill, moving departments was all about making friends first. People hire their friends. Never forget that.
3 years ago
6 0
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Casey
Posts: 8015 - Karma: 26,891
SkibumsmithWhen I worked on the hill, moving departments was all about making friends first. People hire their friends. Never forget that.


It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. They could train literally anyone to drive a cat around, gotta convince em to choose you!
3 years ago
2 0
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PimpChimpin
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 12,579
Be sexy
3 years ago
2 0
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Paul.
Posts: 1653 - Karma: 11,522
sexyjulian10-4, I’ll try to get on the snow making crew for next season then and go from there.


Go talk to them asap. Let them know you are interested in driving a cat now and get the conversation started. It might be that they are short staffed and you'll get the job on the spot, worst case it's a no for now but they'll be aware of your interest and you'll be much more likely to be thought of when a spot opens up. Heavy equipment experience is huge and people always want to hire employees that seem actually interested in the work. Don't wait and try to work your way in slowly, jump in and make them hire you if you want it that bad.
3 years ago
2 0
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12696 - Karma: 119,777
Show up to the interview in a rented cat. Really be about that life.
3 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,814
eheathEveryone I know who worked as a cat driver started as a snowmaker, if you have no experience with snowcats but have a decent head on your shoulders, you could drive a cat after the snowmaking season ends.


Really good advice right here for getting into park crew or cats.

Both jobs can be hard to get, snowmaking easier to get. Snowmaking shows you csn work and you're already trusted to do somethings. When season ends mtns are good about putting people into other roles. Just do ride alongs and tslk to grooming manager while snowmaking to help make it seamless.
3 years ago
3 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,814
Pulling my post over from the photo thread

The referenced post has been removed.


It's a cool job. It goes unappreciated a lot and noghts csn be tough but cool to do for a season or two. Even if you don't pick it up or the night life isn't for you, you still will have done it, and you'll always have that experience.



There's more places hiringnow than ever so a good time even now to throw in a resume at the local spots. Maybe you dont hear back, maybe you do.

It's not for everyone but I really like it. This is my 23rd? Maybe idk season in the ski industry. Only 6th season full time in a cat though. Aot of larm crew roles and 3 years teaching in there.

Idk I've worked at a ski area every winter since i was 14, and done several souther hem seasons and a hood season.

It's a decent job.
3 years ago
2 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,814
Also i mentioned in other thread to someone. If you dont really want the job but want to run a cat. Create Butte CO and a few other places prolly offered a "snowcat experience " or something. It was like 200 which seems expensive but is pretty cheap.

Have a legit person there to show you how to run a 300k machine and then skt with you while you give it a go for a couple hours. Since CB got bought by vail this may not exist but it was going as of 2018 still i believe.

Also make friends with groomers, do ride alongs, if you seem semi competent dude may let you groom a pass or so and see how it goes.
3 years ago
1 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,814
Obligatory pic of blade of snow while stacking a jump yesterday or two days ago. I listen to podcasts and all types of questionable music kf various genres. I drive forward i drive backward. I pick things uo, i set things down. Snowcat go brrr.
3 years ago
4 0
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oldmanski
Posts: 3595 - Karma: 26,825
theabortionatorObligatory pic of blade of snow while stacking a jump yesterday or two days ago. I listen to podcasts and all types of questionable music kf various genres. I drive forward i drive backward. I pick things uo, i set things down. Snowcat go brrr.


Gonna come take some laps with you, learn your ways. Possibly get into grooming if opportunity rises.
3 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,814
oldmanskiGonna come take some laps with you, learn your ways. Possibly get into grooming if opportunity rises.


Let me know dude. I'll be here
3 years ago
1 0
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3606 - Karma: 3,972
walk into any ski area and want to run a cat right now, and you are hired.
3 years ago
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