Mountain Guide

Are you passionate about leading guests through guided outdoor experiences? Do you want your next job to put you in the middle of the adventure and surrounded by picturesque nature? If you take pride in your craft and want to be part of a fun dynamic team, then Alyeska Resort is for you! 

We’re looking for Mountain Guide professionals to join our team in Girdwood, Alaska. 
 
What You’ll Do 
 
As an Alyeska Mountain Guide, you will lead guests of all abilities through both physically demanding terrain and thrilling Skybridge crossings while sharing information with them on local geology, wildlife, history, and the natural environment. This position is ideal for someone who has a passion for outdoor adventure, has high-rope and climbing skills, and enjoys engaging with a variety of audiences in both group and individual settings. The role also requires the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a team of guides, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. This role is best suited for people that are active, personable, and have a passion for the outdoors.   

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Skybridge Crossings, General Hiking, & E-Bike Tours:
  • Veilbreaker Skybridge Guiding: Lead guests of various fitness levels on hikes to the Skybridge venue and coach them through the Skybridge crossings. Ensure safe, confident navigation of the Skybridges, which span over 400 feet across Christmas and New Year’s Chutes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and Turnagain Arm. 
  • General Mountain Hiking & Guiding: Lead groups on various hiking trails at Alyeska Resort, including beginner to advanced hikes that span diverse terrain. Guide guests safely over rugged mountain trails, offering both challenges and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Chugach Mountains.  
  • E-Bike Tours: Lead small groups along the Turnagain Arm. Safely guide guests along bike trails ranging from the historic Iditarod trail to Bird Point on the Turnagain Arm or show them around Girdwood and explore the places that give town its history and culture. Guided e-bike trips will offer accessible ways for folks to enjoy Alyeska’s legendary scenery.  
  • Height, edge awareness and Terrain Management: Offer guidance and support for individuals who may struggle with height or physical difficulty of both the Skybridges and mountain trails. Provide mental and physical support to overcome barriers.  
  • Other Duties as Assigned: This may include assisting the Tram Operations team with setup of the Upper Tram Portal, answering guest questions at the Mountain Concierge Desk, or responding to other projects that come up throughout the day as needed.
    
    
• Safety and Risk Management:
  • Safety Protocols: Promote a culture of safety in all aspects of guiding. Ensure proper usage of climbing gear, including harnesses, helmets, safety tethers, and appropriate hiking and climbing equipment.  
  • Risk Management: Guides will work in an outdoor environment and may be exposed to or responsible for guests in situations that have risks including steep terrain, falls from height, inclement weather, wildlife encounters including Moose and Bears, and other unforeseen risks. Guides must be able to manage these risks for themselves and for Guests at all times. Wildlife & Weather are constant factors in the mountains. Guides will follow best practices in wildlife encounters, instructing guests on how to safely observe animals and avoid potential danger. Monitoring weather conditions and adjusting plans as necessary to ensure guest safety and comfort. Communicate weather-related concerns with guests and team members. 
  • Emergency Response: Be prepared to handle emergencies, provide basic first aid, and make quick decisions to ensure guest safety. Adhere to all established safety procedures and protocols.  
  • Relationship with Alyeska Patrol: Guides will work closely with Alyeska Mountain Patrol to report any safety concerns or injuries on the mountain or on tours. May train with patrol so they can act as an extra resource in emergencies. Will help to ensure signage on the mountain is correct and accurate. May help with litter carry outs to transport injured guests. 
    
    
• Customer Service & Guest Experience:
  • Guest Engagement: Ensure each guest receives personalized attention and a memorable experience. Offer helpful guidance and encouragement, whether guiding a Skybridge crossing or hiking a challenging mountain trail. 
  • Education and Interpretation: Share knowledge about the local environment, including the geology of the Chugach Mountains, the flora and fauna of the region, and the history and culture of Girdwood and Alyeska Resort. Provide educational commentary to enhance the guest experience, including fun facts and insights about the surrounding wilderness. 
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Work with other guides, department staff, and resort personnel to ensure a smooth and enjoyable guest experience, including logistics, gear readiness, and trail management. 
    
    
• Physical & Environmental Preparedness:
  • Physical Fitness: Be capable of guiding guests on long, strenuous hikes with uneven, rocky, or slippery terrain, as well as navigating challenging weather conditions. 
  • Adaptability to Weather: Work in all weather conditions, ranging from cold and wet to hot and sunny. Ensure personal and guest comfort by adjusting pace, clothing, and expectations based on the weather. 
  • Preparedness: Dress appropriately for conditions and be able to coach and guide guests in proper layering and clothing for the given conditions.
    
    
• Maintaining Equipment & Area Management:
  • Safety Gear: Ensure that all equipment, including climbing gear, hiking gear, radios, and first aid kits, is maintained and properly stored. Ensure safety gear is clean and in good working order before each outing. 
  • Guest Area Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized meeting area where guests gather, ensuring gear is appropriately stored and easily accessible. Ensure that safety protocols are followed when guests check in and are outfitted with necessary gear. 
  • Trail Management: Follow resort trail maps and signage, ensuring guests stay on designated paths and that trails are well-maintained. Report any trail issues to the appropriate personnel. 

What We Offer 
✅ Staring Wage: From $20 per hour 
✅ Employee Housing for a small fee live and play where you work 
✅ Flexible work schedules 
✅ Paid time off & holidays 
✅ Free Mountain Pass for employees and qualified dependents 
✅ Employee discounts on resort lodging, dining, and spa services 
✅ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  
✅ 401(k) 

What We Need 

• Required Qualifications: 
  • Experience in Outdoor Education, Natural History or Guiding: At least 1–2 years of guiding, or other outdoor leadership experience in mountainous settings. 
  • Rope & Climbing Skills: Strong understanding and practical experience with climbing gear, high-rope systems, and guiding guests in activities involving heights (e.g., Skybridge crossings, rappelling, etc.). 
  • Valid Driver’s License: Ability to operate a 4x4 side-by-side vehicle safely on rugged, steep terrain. 
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Able to engage guests and provide clear instructions, encouragement, and information in a friendly and professional manner. 
  • CPR & First Aid Certification: Have a current CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain.   

• Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Responder (WFR), EMT, or higher-level medical certifications. 
  • Knowledge of Local Natural History: Expertise in the ecology, wildlife, and geology of the region is a plus. 
  • Language Skills: Fluency in a second language (Spanish, French, Japanese, German, etc.) is beneficial. 
  • Additional Guiding Certifications: Any certifications related to mountaineering, avalanche safety, or outdoor adventure guiding.  

What to Expect 
📌 Be on alert and at times, on your feet for long periods, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
📌 Work in a fast-paced, high-energy resort environment. 
📌 Adapt to seasonal changes around the resort and special events. 
📌 Physical demands: The guide must be physically able to navigate a variety of terrains, from steep mountain slopes to rocky trails, while carrying the necessary equipment (up to 50 pounds). You will be required to hike, climb, and lead guests over uneven surfaces, possibly in challenging weather conditions. 
📌 Work Environment:  Most of the work will be outdoors, with exposure to elements such as rain, snow, and sun. Terrain can be uneven, rocky, and muddy, creating potential hazards for both guides and guests. Indoor work involves preparing safety gear, maintaining guest meeting areas, and participating in meetings and training. 

About Alyeska Resort 
Alyeska Resort is a world-class destination nestled in the mountains of Girdwood, Alaska, just 45 minutes south of Anchorage. With a 300+ room hotel, a Nordic Spa, and a renowned ski area, we offer an exciting and dynamic work environment where employees can work hard, play hard, and Live the Adventure! 

Alaska is an incredible place and Girdwood is a friendly, lively town where residents value both outdoor adventure and community spirit. Alyeska Resort offers the type of atmosphere where our employees are able to work hard and play hard, and are encouraged to share their enthusiasm with our guests. Whether you are a seasoned hospitality or ski resort professional, or just starting out with an avid interest in ski area management or travel tourism, If you’re ready to bring your passion to Alyeska Resort, apply today and begin your adventure in the heart of Alaska! 

Alyeska Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.