Equipment Operations

Vail Resorts; Colorado; On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Discounted lift tickets for friends/fm

Free ski lessons

Employee discounts on lodging, food, &

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Training and professional development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Colorado is hiring seasonal Equipment Operators for winter 2026/2027. You will maintain slopes, operate Skid Steers, Forklifts, and Backhoes, and work with the Mt. Ops team on a range of tasks. A strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and reliability is required.

The role requires heavy equipment experience, a valid driver’s license, and fluency in English. Wage ranges from $20.00 to $23.00 per hour, with housing and other employee perks available.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid Driver's License – required.
• Previous heavy equipment experience – required.
• Previous guest service experience – required.
• Read, Write, and Speak English fluently – required.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physical labor.
• Ability to work outside in a high alpine environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine maintenance to slopes and operate all equipment used by the Mt. Ops team including Skid Steers, Forklifts, and Backhoes.
• Monitor all equipment and address issues promptly with Vehicle Maintenance.
• Perform physical labor as needed for the resort projects.
• Take directions and work as part of a team.
• Accurately troubleshoot equipment problems.
• Train new and developing operators and assist with onboarding.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Valid Driver's License

English fluency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more.

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).

Employee Benefits

• 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 Equipment Operator will operate a variety of equipment, trucks, and tractors for the purpose of mountain and utility repair, maintenance, and construction of facilities.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage:$20.00/hr - $23.00/hr
• Employment Type:Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type:Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age:At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability:Yes

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide routine maintenance to slopes and operate all equipment used by the Mt. Ops team including but not limited to Skid Steers, Forklifts and Backhoes.
• Monitor all equipment and make sure that all issues are addressed promptly and communicated with Vehicle Maintenance.
• Physical Labor will be required due to the broad scope of the jobs that will be done for the resort.
• Take directions and work as part of a team.
• Accurately troubleshoot equipment problems.
• Plays a helpful role and constructive role in training of new and developing operators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED - preferred
• Valid Driver's License – required
• Previous heavy equipment experience - required
• Previous guest service experience - required
• Read, Write, and Speak English fluently - required
• Ability to lift 50lbs and perform physical labor - required
• Ability to work outside in a high alpine environment - required

Job Requirements:

• At least 1-year heavy equipment experience -required
• Experience using power tools - preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Able to read, write, speak, understand and comprehend English fluently
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Able to lift and carry 100lbs

The expected pay range is$20.00/hr - $23.00/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

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.

Requisition ID 515753

Reference Date:07/14/2026

Job Code Function:Equipment Ops