Why Join Northern Escape Heli-Skiing?
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing operates in one of the deepest and most reliable snowpacks the world, encompassing over 3400 square kilometers of legendary terrain in the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia. Based near Terrace, BC, we provide a boutique heli-ski experience with exceptional snow conditions, small groups, and a strong focus on personalized guest service.
Our philosophy is simple:
Safety First. Guest Experience Second. Economics Last.
This philosophy guides every decision we make, from daily operational planning to long-term business development. We are committed to delivering world-class heli-skiing experiences while maintaining a progressive and highly respected safety culture.
What sets Northern Escape apart is our commitment to a small-group guiding model. Our guests ski in intimate groups that allow guides to build meaningful relationships, tailor each day to individual abilities and objectives, and consistently deliver a higher level of guest service than traditional large-group operations.
We are seeking an experienced mountain professional to join our leadership team as Assistant Guiding Operations Manager. This position is ideal for a guide who is passionate about operational excellence, mentorship, risk management, and helping lead one of Canada's premier heli-skiing operations.
Position Overview
The Assistant Guiding Operations Manager supports the Director of Guiding Operations in overseeing all aspects of the guiding program, including operational planning, guide leadership, risk management, training, and guest experience delivery.
This is a working leadership position, combining active field guiding responsibilities with operational and administrative duties. The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time participating directly in heli-ski operations while also contributing to the management, development, and continuous improvement of the guiding department. The role is ideally suited to an experienced guide who enjoys both leading guests in the mountains and helping shape the operational success of a high-performing guiding team.
Working closely with guides, pilots, maintenance personnel, lodge staff, and management, the Assistant Guiding Operations Manager helps ensure Northern Escape consistently delivers safe, efficient, and exceptional heli-ski programs.
The successful candidate will lead by example, foster a strong safety culture, support guide development, and contribute meaningfully to operational decision-making throughout the season.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of daily heli-ski operations.
- Support operational decision-making related to weather, avalanche conditions, terrain utilization, aircraft allocation, and resource management.
- Participate in and help facilitate morning and evening guide meetings.
- Assist with guide scheduling, staffing requirements, and operational logistics.
- Support event reporting, investigations, and operational reviews when required.
- Help maintain compliance with company procedures, HeliCat Canada standards, WorkSafeBC requirements, and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with the Director of Guiding Operations on strategic initiatives, annual planning, and operational improvements.
Risk Management & Safety
- Promote and reinforce Northern Escape's safety-first culture.
- Assist in evaluating operational hazards and implementing appropriate risk management strategies.
- Support avalanche forecasting, hazard assessment, and terrain management processes.
- Participate in emergency response planning, training, and preparedness initiatives.
- Contribute to the ongoing review and refinement of operational procedures and safety systems.
- Exercise sound judgment and provide leadership during complex operational situations.
Guide Leadership & Development
- Mentor and support Lead Mountain Guides, Mountain Guides, and developing guides.
- Assist with guide recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development.
- Foster professionalism, accountability, and teamwork throughout the guiding department.
- Help coordinate preseason training, annual certifications, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Encourage a culture of learning, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement.
Guest Experience
- Continue to guide regularly throughout the season and actively participate in daily ski programs.
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences both in the mountains and within the lodge environment.
- Support guides in maintaining Northern Escape's high standards of guest service.
- Assist in resolving guest concerns and operational challenges professionally and proactively.
- Help cultivate a welcoming, engaging, and memorable experience for guests from around the world.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Assist with operational documentation, reporting, and record keeping.
- Support guide credential tracking and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Contribute to annual operational planning, budgeting discussions, and program development.
- Collaborate with other departments to support overall company objectives and guest satisfaction goals.
Qualifications
Required
- ACMG Ski Guide, IFMGA Mountain Guide, NZMGA, CSGA Level 3, or equivalent internationally recognized certification.
- Advanced First Aid certification (80-hour minimum).
- Significant professional guiding experience in heli-skiing or other mechanized skiing operations.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
- Strong understanding of avalanche risk management and mountain operations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to make sound decisions in dynamic and high-consequence environments.
Preferred
- Previous experience in a supervisory, senior guide, lead guide, or management role within a heli-ski, cat-ski, or mountain guiding operation.
- CAA Avalanche Operations Level 2 or higher.
- WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blaster certification.
- Class 4 Driver's License.
- Experience developing operational procedures and guide training programs.
- Additional language skills.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate:
- Places safety above all other priorities.
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Is an effective leader, mentor, and role model.
- Communicates clearly and confidently with staff, guests, aviation partners, and management.
- Thrives in a collaborative team environment.
- Possesses exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Maintains a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Is committed to continuous learning, operational excellence, and the development of others.
Working Schedule
Northern Escape operates from early December through mid-April. The Assistant Guiding Operations Manager works on a rotational schedule throughout the season, with our preferred shift pattern being two weeks on followed by one week off.
Accommodation and meals are provided while on shift, and travel assistance to and from Terrace, BC is available for employees travelling from outside the region.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive seasonal compensation based on qualifications and experience.
- Paid travel and training days.
- Accommodation and meals provided while on shift.
- Travel assistance to and from Terrace, BC.
- Annual professional development funding for ACMG, IFMGA, CSGA, CAA, and other approved industry training.
- Industry pro-deal purchasing opportunities.
- Company-issued uniform and operational safety equipment.
- Opportunity to work alongside an experienced heli-ski guiding team.
- Meaningful involvement in shaping the future direction of Northern Escape's guiding program.
Join Our Team
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is seeking a motivated and experienced mountain professional to help lead our guiding program while remaining actively involved in daily mountain operations.
If you are passionate about mountain safety, leadership, mentorship, professional development, and creating exceptional heli-ski experiences, we encourage you to apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: $500.00-$650.00 per day
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Relocation assistance
Experience:
- Lead Guide: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Mountain Association accreditation (required)
Work Location: In person
