Lift Operator

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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 stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

• Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• 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

Starting Wage: $20.00/hr

Employment Type:

Winter Seasonal 2025/2026

Shift Type:
Full Time and Part Time hours available

Minimum Age:
At least 18 years of age

Skill Level: Entry Level

Housing Availability:
Yes

Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while providing instruction and customer service in the safe loading and unloading of lifts; manage the speed of lift as needed

Operate lift to ensure that 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 the 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/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

A Lift operator team member is a flexible employee within the Lift Experience department who takes on additional training to support ticket scanning

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 as well as 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 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

The expected pay range is $20.00/hr this is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

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.