Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Backcountry • Snow Report • Corduroy

Run Rating

Term from Ski Resort Operations industry explained for recruiters

Run Rating is a measure used in the ski industry to classify the difficulty of ski slopes or trails. It helps ski resorts organize and communicate the challenge level of their different ski runs to both staff and guests. The system typically uses colors and symbols (like green circles for beginners, blue squares for intermediate, and black diamonds for advanced runs). For ski resort staff, understanding run ratings is essential because it affects many aspects of operations, from ski patrol placement to snow grooming priorities to instructor assignments.

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily grooming operations for 25 trails based on Run Rating requirements

Trained new ski instructors on Run Rating systems and appropriate lesson placement

Developed safety protocols for different Run Ratings across 40 ski runs

Typical job title: "Ski Operations Managers"

Also try searching for:

Ski Area Manager Mountain Operations Manager Snow Sports Director Ski Patrol Director Trail Maintenance Supervisor Grooming Operations Manager

Where to Find Ski Operations Managers

Professional Organizations

• National Ski Areas Association
• Professional Ski Instructors of America
• National Ski Patrol

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where run ratings need to be adjusted due to changing conditions?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss risk assessment, communication procedures with all departments (patrol, grooming, instructors), updating signage and maps, and ensuring guest safety during the transition.

Q: How do you determine staffing levels based on run ratings across your mountain?

Expected Answer: Should explain how run ratings influence patrol positioning, instructor deployment, and maintenance crew assignments, while considering peak times and weather conditions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when planning grooming operations for different run ratings?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how different difficulty levels require different grooming approaches, timing considerations, and resource allocation.

Q: How do you train staff to properly communicate run ratings to guests?

Expected Answer: Should describe training methods for helping staff explain difficulty levels to guests, including consideration for different skill levels and safety concerns.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic run rating system used at ski resorts?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the standard color-coding system (green, blue, black) and what each level means for skier ability and safety.

Q: What safety considerations are associated with different run ratings?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic safety requirements for each difficulty level and how this affects guest communication and signage.