Lift Operator

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering or re‑discovering a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or build a career. From day one you’ll receive competitive compensation, free lift passes, ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, and wellness benefits to fuel your success. Hiring for seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis, applications accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled.

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

The Lift Experience Team’s mission is to provide employees and guests with a seamless end‑to‑end experience from maze entrance to lift unloading. As a Lift Operator, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for the safe operation of a multi‑million‑dollar machine, ensuring passenger safety and efficient travel across premier mountain terrain.

• Starting Wage: $20.00/hr
• Employment Type:
  
  Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type:
  Full Time and Part Time hours available
• Minimum Age:
  At least 18 years of age
• Skill Level: Entry Level
• Housing Availability:
  Yes
• Expected pay range: $20.00/hr

• Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while providing instruction and customer service during the safe loading and unloading of lifts; manage lift speed as needed.
• Operate lift to ensure optimal chair capacity is achieved as determined by Lift Experience guidelines and performance reporting.
• Proactively notify maintenance/dispatch of repair or maintenance needs.
• Work closely with the Lift Maintenance department to learn proper operation of lift equipment.
• Implement emergency procedures as required, including contacting Patrol.
• Ensure lift is ready for operations prior to set up of maze; set up and disassemble lift maze daily according to maze standards.
• Follow and perform all company and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe work area and cleanliness of lift shacks; remove trash when necessary.
• Take on additional training to support ticket scanning, as a flexible team member within the Lift Experience department.
• Other duties as assigned.

• No experience is necessary; we train all lift operators (including returnees).
• Must be able to make quick decisions, use considerable judgment regarding safety, multitask, and anticipate issues.
• Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather, standing and moving for the entire shift on potentially slippery or uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to handle high guest volumes in a professional manner.
• Must be willing to perform alternate functions from time to time, both within and outside of the assigned area, particularly during peak periods such as holiday weekends.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.