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Strategic Resort Planner - Job Opportunity at Vail Resorts Corporate

British Columbia, CA
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
Hybrid
USD 93,000-110,000 per year plus annual bonus

Benefits

Comprehensive ski and mountain recreation benefits including free employee passes, discounted lift tickets for family and friends, and complimentary ski lessons
Extensive employee discount program covering lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles across the resort network
Robust retirement planning through 401(k) plan with professional development opportunities
Complete health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans for full-time employees
Family-friendly benefits including free ski passes for dependents and critical illness protection
Employee assistance program providing comprehensive support services
Flexible remote work options across 16 US states, Washington D.C., and British Columbia

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic coordination of real estate and mountain planning initiatives, ensuring alignment between design vision, operational requirements, and long-term corporate growth objectives
Drive development of comprehensive planning documents, feasibility studies, and master plans that shape the future guest experience and revenue generation across resort properties
Manage complex project timelines and permitting schedules, ensuring multi-million dollar initiatives remain on track and within scope while meeting regulatory requirements
Conduct strategic research on zoning regulations and land use policies, preparing critical entitlement applications that enable resort expansion and development
Create high-impact presentations and reports for executive leadership and community stakeholders, influencing key decisions on resort development projects
Orchestrate relationships with external consultants, architects, engineers, and municipal authorities to navigate complex regulatory environments and secure project approvals
Represent the company at public hearings and planning commission meetings, advocating for development projects while maintaining positive community relations
Maintain comprehensive project documentation systems that ensure regulatory compliance and support decision-making across multiple development initiatives
Analyze guest flow patterns, circulation, and infrastructure utilization to inform data-driven planning recommendations that enhance operational efficiency
Identify strategic opportunities for guest and employee experience improvements, driving infrastructure upgrades and enhanced resort navigation systems

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, real estate development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex development projects, ideally with a mix of public and private sector experience

Required Skills

Strong understanding of resort and mountain planning processes Environmental impact assessment knowledge Sustainability considerations expertise Public agency coordination capabilities Master planning experience Entitlements and early-stage real estate development Project management and stakeholder coordination Zoning and land use regulations knowledge

Certifications

AICP or other professional certification in planning, real estate, or development is a plus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The ski resort and mountain recreation industry is experiencing significant consolidation, with major operators like Vail Resorts expanding their portfolios through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, creating increased demand for experienced resort planners who can integrate diverse properties into cohesive networks. This trend is driving the need for professionals who understand both individual resort operations and portfolio-wide strategic planning. Sustainability and environmental stewardship have become critical differentiators in resort development, with increasing regulatory requirements and guest expectations around climate-conscious operations. Resort planners must now balance traditional development goals with carbon neutrality targets, renewable energy integration, and environmental impact mitigation. The post-pandemic shift in recreation patterns has accelerated demand for outdoor experiences and destination resorts, leading to increased investment in resort infrastructure and amenities. This trend is creating opportunities for strategic planners who can design experiences that cater to evolving guest expectations while maximizing operational efficiency.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $93,000-$110,000 plus annual bonus is competitive for mid-level resort planning positions, particularly considering Vail Resorts' market leadership position and the specialized nature of mountain resort development. This compensation aligns well with urban planning roles in recreational development sectors and reflects the unique skill set required for resort portfolio management.

Role Significance

The role typically operates within a small, specialized planning team of 3-5 professionals, working closely with executive leadership, operations teams, and external consultants. The planner serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies, municipal authorities, and community groups.
This is a mid-level strategic role with significant influence on multi-million dollar development projects across Vail Resorts' extensive portfolio. The position carries substantial responsibility for coordinating complex stakeholder relationships and driving planning initiatives that directly impact the company's growth strategy and guest experience delivery.

Key Projects

Master planning initiatives for resort expansion and redevelopment projects ranging from $10-100 million in investment Integration planning for newly acquired resort properties into the Vail Resorts network and operational standards Sustainability and environmental impact planning for resort infrastructure upgrades and new construction projects Community engagement and regulatory approval processes for high-profile development initiatives that may face public scrutiny

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining positive relationships with municipal authorities and community stakeholders, as resort development often faces significant public scrutiny and environmental concerns Strong project management capabilities to coordinate multiple concurrent development initiatives across different geographic markets, each with unique regulatory requirements and community dynamics Strategic thinking skills to balance short-term operational needs with long-term portfolio growth objectives, ensuring that individual resort developments align with corporate strategic goals Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively advocate for development projects with diverse stakeholder groups, from executive leadership to community planning boards

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced resort planners as the industry continues to consolidate and major operators expand their portfolios. The specialized knowledge required for mountain resort development, combined with increasing regulatory complexity and sustainability requirements, creates a relatively small talent pool for these positions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Master planning and entitlement expertise is essential as resort development projects require navigation of complex regulatory approval processes that can span multiple years and involve numerous stakeholder groups. This skill directly impacts the company's ability to execute growth strategies and generate returns on development investments. Project management capabilities are crucial for coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex timelines, and ensuring that development initiatives remain on schedule and within budget. The scale and complexity of resort development projects make strong project management skills indispensable for success. Stakeholder coordination and communication skills are vital for building consensus among diverse groups including executive leadership, operational teams, regulatory authorities, and community organizations. The ability to effectively manage these relationships often determines the success or failure of major development initiatives.

Beneficial Skills

Sustainability and environmental planning expertise is increasingly valuable as resort operators face growing pressure to demonstrate environmental stewardship and meet carbon neutrality goals. This knowledge helps differentiate candidates and aligns with industry trends toward sustainable development practices. Data analysis and guest experience optimization skills are becoming more important as resort operators leverage technology and analytics to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Understanding how to integrate data insights into planning decisions provides competitive advantage in role performance.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on planning initiatives for some of the world's most prestigious ski resorts and mountain destinations, providing exposure to high-profile development projects that set industry standards
Access to Vail Resorts' extensive network of properties and industry relationships, offering unique insights into resort development trends and best practices across multiple geographic markets
Integration of advanced technology and data analytics into traditional resort planning processes, reflecting Vail Resorts' innovation leadership in guest experience optimization
Exposure to international resort development standards and practices through Vail Resorts' global portfolio, particularly valuable given the British Columbia location's proximity to both Canadian and international markets

Career Growth

Career progression to senior management roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing planners, with advancement to director-level positions possible within 5-7 years given the specialized nature of resort development expertise.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Resort Development Manager overseeing multiple resort planning initiatives and leading larger development teams Director of Resort Planning with portfolio-wide responsibility for strategic development across all Vail Resorts properties Vice President of Development with executive responsibility for acquisition integration and major capital projects Independent consulting roles specializing in resort and recreational development for hospitality and real estate development companies

Company Overview

Vail Resorts Corporate

Vail Resorts is the largest ski resort operator in North America and a global leader in mountain resort experiences, operating over 40 premier destinations across multiple countries. The company has established itself as an industry innovator through strategic acquisitions, technology integration, and the development of the Epic Pass system that connects resort experiences across its network.

As the dominant player in the destination ski resort market, Vail Resorts maintains a strong competitive position through its portfolio of world-renowned properties including Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, and Park City. The company's market capitalization and consistent growth trajectory reflect its successful strategy of creating integrated resort experiences and maximizing guest lifetime value.
The British Columbia location positions this role at the intersection of Vail Resorts' Canadian operations, particularly Whistler Blackcomb, and provides access to unique regulatory environments and development opportunities in both Canadian and international markets.
Vail Resorts emphasizes creating 'Experience of a Lifetime' for both employees and guests, fostering a culture that values outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and service excellence. The company's commitment to professional development and internal mobility creates opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
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