If you want to work at a ski resort in California this winter, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is worth a serious look. It's a family-run mountain that's been operating for over 70 seasons — and it's still hiring seasonal staff every year for both winter and summer roles.
This guide walks you through exactly how to apply, what jobs are open, what to expect, and how to improve your chances of getting hired.
What Is Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort?
Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is located in Pinecrest, California, in the Stanislaus National Forest. It operates under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
The resort has been family loved since its opening season in 1950. It focuses on families, excellent guest service, and mountain recreation. It's not a mega-resort — and that's the point. The team is smaller, the culture is tight-knit, and staff actually matter here.
For anyone looking for a seasonal mountain job in Northern California, this is one of the better options available.
Jobs Available at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort in 2026
Dodge Ridge hires for several departments each winter and summer. Here's a breakdown of the roles you can apply for:
Winter Positions
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Lift Operations — Load and unload guests on chairlifts, conveyors, and surface lifts. Must be at least 18. Physical, outdoor work.
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Ski Patrol — Provide guest safety and emergency response on the mountain. Requires OEC or EMT certification plus CPR/AED. Advanced skiing ability required.
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Snowsports Instructors — Teach skiing and snowboarding. Adaptive snowsports instructors are also needed for guests with disabilities.
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Rental Shop Staff — Help guests rent and return equipment. Organize and maintain inventory.
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Terrain Park Staff — Build and groom terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders.
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Food & Beverage — Work in dining areas serving resort guests.
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Retail Staff — Work in the sport shop handling sales and merchandise.
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Snow Play Attendant — Manage the tubing area and help guests on snow play lanes.
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Race Coach — Lead youth race programs. A Level 100 USSA Coaching Certification is required.
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Parking & Base Area Attendant — Direct traffic and manage the base area.
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Heavy Equipment Operator — Operate machinery for slope maintenance and snow removal.
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Marketing Assistant & Events Coordinator — Support daily marketing operations and coordinate events.
Summer Positions
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Campground Host — Manage daily operations at one of many campground locations including Pinecrest, Eureka, Dardanelle, and others. Salary ranges from $16.90–$17.40/hour. Duties include greeting guests, doing light maintenance, enforcing campground rules, and collecting fees at some locations.
Minimum Requirements to Know Before Applying
Different jobs have different requirements. Here's what Dodge Ridge typically looks at:
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Age: Most roles require you to be at least 18. Some roles require 21+. But the resort can hire applicants as young as 14 for certain positions. Work permits are required for those under 18, and hours are limited by law.
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Experience: Most positions listed on VagaJobs require at least 1 year of relevant experience.
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Certifications: Ski Patrol needs OEC or EMT plus CPR/First Aid/AED. Race Coaches need coaching certifications.
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Physical fitness: Many roles are outdoors in cold, wet, or loud conditions. You need to be comfortable with that.
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Appearance: Dodge Ridge has a grooming policy. Clean, neat, and professional at all times while on shift. Uniforms are provided, but some items you supply yourself (approved by your manager first).
How to Apply for a Job at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort
Here's the process, step by step.
Step 1: Browse Open Positions on VagaJobs
Start your search on VagaJobs — Dodge Ridge listings. VagaJobs is one of the best platforms for finding seasonal resort work in the US. You can filter by season (winter/summer), job type (full-time or part-time), and experience level.
Dodge Ridge posts multiple openings across the winter season. Both full-time and part-time roles come up regularly.
Step 2: Create a Free VagaJobs Profile
Before applying, create your applicant profile on VagaJobs. It's free. Your profile makes it easy to apply to multiple jobs without re-entering your info every time. You'll also get job alerts straight to your inbox when new positions open up.
Step 3: Apply Directly Through Dodge Ridge's ADP Portal
Once you find a role you want, Dodge Ridge handles applications through their ADP recruitment system. You can access open positions directly at:
👉 Dodge Ridge Open Positions (ADP Portal)
Step 4: Join the Dodge Ridge Talent Community
Not ready to apply yet? Join their Talent Community to stay informed when new jobs go live. This is especially useful if you're planning ahead for the 26/27 season.
Step 5: Reach Out to HR Directly
If you have specific questions about a role or your application, contact the HR team:
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: (209) 536-5386
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Mail: Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 1188, Pinecrest, CA 95364
What It's Actually Like to Work There
A few things worth knowing before you apply:
You'll work holidays and weekends. That's non-negotiable. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times of the season. If you need those days off regularly, this probably isn't the right fit.
You get a free season pass. As an employee, you get a free employee ski and snowboard pass. There's also a ticketing program for discounted passes for friends and family.
There's no employee housing. Dodge Ridge doesn't provide housing right now. But there are options in the area. Contact HR at [email protected] for recommendations.
Transportation help is available. The resort partners with the Tuolumne County Ski Bus. It runs on weekends and most holidays. If you're scheduled to work those days, you may get reimbursed for your ride. There's also a carpool app called Pave that connects employees who need rides.
Pay is biweekly. Pay periods run Monday to Sunday over two consecutive weeks. Paychecks go out every other Friday for the previous pay period.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
These aren't secrets — just practical advice.
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Apply early. Winter season hiring starts well before the snow does. Don't wait until December.
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Be honest about your skill level. If you say you're an advanced skier, you'll be expected to prove it. Ski Patrol in particular has strict ability requirements.
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Have your certifications ready. For Ski Patrol or Race Coach roles, your paperwork needs to be in order before you start.
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Get your work permit sorted if you're under 18. This is required and it takes time to process.
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Check VagaJobs regularly. New listings appear throughout the pre-season. Setting up job alerts means you won't miss new openings.
Why Use VagaJobs to Find Seasonal Work
VagaJobs is built specifically for seasonal and adventure-based jobs. If you want to work at a ski resort, national park, ranch, or summer camp — this is the right platform.
Here's what makes it useful:
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Free applicant profiles
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Listings filtered by season, age requirement, and job type
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Jobs with housing options clearly labeled
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Employers like Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort post directly on the platform
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You can browse other similar employers like Shore Lodge Whitetail Club in Idaho or Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado
Whether you're just starting out in seasonal work or you've done it before, VagaJobs makes the search cleaner and faster. Browse all seasonal job listings here.
5 Most Asked Questions About Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort Jobs
1. Do I need skiing experience to work at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort?
It depends on the role. Lift operators, rental staff, food and beverage, and campground hosts don't require skiing ability. But Ski Patrol requires advanced skiing or snowboarding, and snowsports instructors obviously need to be able to teach on the mountain. Check the specific job listing for what's required.
2. Does Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort provide housing for employees?
No. The resort does not provide employee housing at this time. There are options available in the surrounding area. Reach out to HR at [email protected] and they can point you in the right direction.
3. What is the minimum age to work at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort?
The resort can hire applicants as young as 14 for some positions. That said, most jobs require you to be at least 18, and a few roles require 21+. Work permits are required for anyone under 18, and your hours will be limited by California labor law.
4. Do Dodge Ridge employees get free ski passes?
Yes. Full employees receive a free employee ski and snowboard pass. There's also a ticketing program that offers discounts for your friends and family. It's one of the better perks of working at a mountain resort.
5. When does Dodge Ridge hire for the winter season?
Hiring typically begins before the season opens. The earlier you apply, the better — competitive roles like Ski Patrol and Snowsports Instructor fill up quickly. Keep an eye on VagaJobs and the Dodge Ridge ADP portal for the latest openings.
Ready to Apply?
If a winter job on the mountain sounds right for you, start here:
Questions? Email Dodge Ridge HR at [email protected] or call (209) 536-5386.
VagaJobs connects job seekers with seasonal employers at ski resorts, national parks, ranches, and summer camps across the US.
Start your job search today.
