Open Position: Sierra Operations Manager
We’re Hiring! Sierra Operations Manager, Alpenglow Expeditions
Location: Olympic Valley (Lake Tahoe), CA
About Alpenglow Expeditions
Alpenglow Expeditions is the leading operator of climbing and skiing adventures, from its home mountains in Lake Tahoe to the highest peaks on earth. Founded by professional climber and skier Adrian Ballinger and based in Olympic Valley, California, Alpenglow guides a diverse range of activities — from backcountry ski tours and avalanche education in the Sierra to summer days on the Tahoe Via Ferrata, to rapid-ascent expeditions on the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest. For two decades, Alpenglow has set the standard for safety, guide quality, and client experience in the mountains.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a Sierra Operations Manager to own the full, year-round breadth of Alpenglow’s Domestic program, from program growth and permit strategy to partner relationships and guide standards. Reporting to the General Manager, and working closely with the Sales and Marketing lead, the guide team, and the Chief Guide, this role is the operational engine behind everything Alpenglow does domestically.
The Sierra Operations Manager works within a small, high-performing domestic team where everyone wears many hats. Sales and Marketing owns demand. The Chief Guide owns guide hiring, training, risk management and curriculums. A front desk lead and team run reservations and scheduling and assist with day-to-day logistics. The Sierra Operations Manager owns everything operational and connects the work across the team: guide scheduling and deployment, capacity strategy across our operating zones, reservation systems, and accountability for program growth, quality, and utilization.
What You’ll Do
Seasonal Program Logistics: Keep every season running smoothly
• Run pre-season, in-season, and post-season logistics across the full domestic calendar, winter backcountry, spring Shasta, summer rock, and Via Ferrata, so each program is staffed, permitted, equipped, and ready before it opens
• Manage a team of 3 office staff, along with a guide staff of 30 seasonal guides ensuring clear direction and good communication between both teams
• Stay fluent in the domestic P&L and manage daily operations to it alongside the General Manager, protecting margin through guide utilization, ratios, and cost discipline, even though the financials themselves sit with the GM
• Collect client and guide feedback every season and turn it into concrete improvements for the next one
Program Management and Growth: Own and grow Alpenglow’s domestic program
• Ensure client prerequisites and guide qualification standards are set for each program, from Via Ferrata ratios to Shasta and backcountry skill requirements, with support from the Chief Guide
• Keep itineraries, gear lists, and operating procedures current across every domestic product line
• Grow the program by putting underused permitted capacity to work and standing up new segments like backpacking, taking each from concept to operational readiness with the General Manager, Chief Guide, and leadership team
• Keep tabs on all marketing and web materials for operational accuracy, flagging anything that doesn’t represent our standards or experiences
Team Alignment and Communication: Keep the Domestic team aligned and ahead of each season
• Communicate up: give the General Manager and leadership a clear read on program performance and bring strategic recommendations worth acting on
• Communicate laterally: keep Sales and Marketing up to date with accurate, current program information to support demand and content
• Communicate down: keep the front desk and guide team clear on schedules, standards, systems, and changes so nothing gets lost between the plan and the field.
• Keep the team aligned on risk protocols, program changes, and partner updates as seasons and priorities shift
Partner Relationships: Be the face of Alpenglow across every local partnership
• Take the commercial relationships the General Manager opens, from Palisades Resort to hotels, shops, large groups and DMCs, and execute, deepen, and grow them into meaningful volume
• Assist Chief Guide in land use permit administration
• Hold partners to Alpenglow’s standards and manage agreements and expectations as programs run
• Spot and develop new partnership opportunities as the domestic program grows
The Position
• Full-time, year-round, salaried
• Based in our Olympic Valley office, this is an in-person role and not available remotely
• Schedule follows the seasons, expect weekend and holiday coverage during peak periods across winter, spring, summer, and fall
• Occasional field days around the Tahoe region
Who You Are
• 5+ years running operations or teams in a dynamic, fast moving environment, ideally with time in the guiding or outdoor industry
• A proven leader who can move fluidly from admin tasks to field ops, earning the respect of front desk staff and guides alike
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-variable operations in mountainous environments
• Working knowledge of the disciplines we guide across the seasons, from Via Ferrata to backcountry skiing to alpine climbing, with a real passion for at least one of them, skiing or climbing
• Calm, decisive judgement under pressure, with the composure to keep a team steady when conditions shift
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• AMGA training/certification is a plus, but not a requirement
• Familiarity with the Tahoe area and its terrain is a plus
Compensation
Base Salary: $65,000–80,000 depending on experience
Benefits and Perks:
• 3 weeks paid time off
• SIMPLE IRA with a 3% company match
• Palisades Tahoe season ski pass
• Pro deals and industry gear discounts across our brand partners
• Domestic & International Trip benefit, take part in Alpenglow programs
Ready to Join Us?
Send your resume and cover letter to recruiter@alpenglowexpeditions.com with the subject line “Sierra Operations Manager”. We’d love to hear from you.