Why Work at Sugar Bowl | Royal Gorge?

Since its founding in 1939, Sugar Bowl has been consistently recognized as a mountain that delivers great snow, diverse terrain and outstanding customer service. Our unique resort community and the way we work together is an important part of our heritage and is demonstrated in the way we respect and care for our guests, our homeowners, and each other.

Sugar Bowl | Royal Gorge Cross Country enjoys many natural attributes including four distinct alpine peaks, Tahoe’s deepest snow, close proximity to the Bay Area, and a world-class location atop Donner Summit. What really sets us apart from other resorts, however, is our great team. We are known for regularly going above and beyond for our guests, for our genuine, friendly employees, and our desire to help guests create lasting memories. These elements are at the core of our brand and our culture. We call it “Plus One Service,” a commitment to ensuring we exceed our guests’ expectations. 

We hope you choose to join the team!

Our Service Philosophy

We believe (and we are often told) that what sets Sugar Bowl apart from all other resorts, is our genuinely warm and friendly nature –and our commitment to outstanding service shows when we regularly go above and beyond to serve our guests. We embrace the philosophy of always trying to go the extra step to take care of our guests.

Our Commitment

On the mountain, our guests anticipate a day of fun and exciting skiing or boarding on great snow. To ensure we deliver what our guests expect, our values mirror our guests’ expectations:

Safety, Fun, and Excitement

• The slopes are well-groomed
• The lines are hassle-free
• The entire operation is highly safety conscious
• The instruction is sensitive and rewarding, and
• Reliable information is provided on the mountain about current trail conditions.

Deliver an Authentic Alpine Adventure

Sugar Bowl-Royal Gorge is different than other leading ski resorts. Our snow is deeper and our terrain is diverse and challenging, yet intimate and manageable.  We make sure they have such a wonderful winter experience that they’ll be back again and again.

Genuinely Friendly Employees who Respect our Guests

Skiing is a very special getaway for our guests. When they interact with us, they expect genuine, friendly conversation on a first-name basis.  We always share our enthusiasm for Sugar Bowl | Royal Gorge, and we take an interest in our guests’ accomplishments and concerns regardless of their skiing or riding ability, because we share a special bond with them as committed skiers and boarders.

Good Food & Attentive Service

Before, after, and in-between runs, our guests enjoy a total resort experience. They judge our service not only by comparing us to other ski resorts, but also by the standards of restaurants, hotels, theaters and other businesses they frequent.  We focus on making sure we are providing good food, clean facilities, and prompt customer service. Our operations are designed to minimize time spent in lines, and result in more time on the mountain.

Resolve Guest Issues Quickly and Completely

Sometimes guests approach us with questions about their equipment, where to ski, how to navigate the mountain or a hundred other issues. At Sugar Bowl | Royal Gorge we stick with them until their problems and requests are handled beyond their expectations. And we value employees who work together as a team, consistently anticipating our guests’ needs, addressing their concerns and reducing barriers to fun.

Protect our Natural Environment

Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. It’s up to you to do your part.  If you see something that can be improved, tell your supervisor or HR.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and share a ride to your destination whenever you can!

Employee Housing

Housing Options

Donner Summit Lodge (“DSL”)

Located on Donner Pass Road

• Dorm Style (2-4 per room)
• Bathrooms are located in the room for shared use by roommates
• Several informal gathering spaces are on the first floor
• Kitchen accommodations are located on the basement level

This is our largest employee housing complex and most who live here have their own vehicles to get to work.

Summit House

Located on the top of Highway 40

• Approximately 22 beds
• Dorm Style (2-3 per room usually)
• Kitchen accommodations vary by season –but generally basic appliances are available.
• Bathrooms are communal (there are men’s restrooms and women’s restrooms) and are located on each floor.
• Summit House is typically reserved for lead departmental positions.
• Summit House has parking adjacent to the building, however, many employees choose to walk to work.

Kingvale Lodge

Located west of Sugar Bowl, along Donner Pass Rd. (Approximate 10 min. drive)

• These private apartment style units are servered for key management & technical positions. Positions include:
  • F&B Director of Operations
  • Facility Engineer
  • Finance Controller
  • Lift Maintenance Manager
  • Rental/Rental Manager
  • Retail/Rental Supervisor
  • Assistant Manager Village Services
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Assistant Director of Roads and Vehicles
  • Lift Maintenance
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Facility Maintenance (Plumber, Electrician)
• Each unit is a one-bedroon, one-bath apartment with kitchenette.
• Shared on-site laundry in common space
• Personal transportation is needed for living in these units.
• Located on the Yuba River with summer water access.

Safety, fun, and excitement on the mountain.

At Sugar Bowl safe enjoyment of our beautiful resort is the highest priority. Our goal is to provide a safe and positive on-mountain experience for our guests and employees by consistently communicating safety and conduct expectations and if necessary, enforcing personal responsibility, conduct and respect for others and our environment.

Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness and responsibility can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. (Learn More)

To deliver an authentic alpine adventure

One of the oldest ski resorts in California, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special place helped bring skiing to “sunny California” in 1939, was home to the state’s first chairlift, and the west’s first ski gondola.

Today, Sugar Bowl continues to record Tahoe’s deepest snowfall and attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts who are drawn to the incredible terrain and the authentic, community-based experience only offered here. (Learn More)

Find a Position Right for You