Equipment Operations

Vail Resorts; Keystone (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available

Employee ski passes

40% retail discounts

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Colorado is hiring for the winter season 2026/27 for Equipment Operator roles on Mt. Ops.

You’ll perform maintenance on slopes and operate skid steers, forklifts, backhoes and other equipment, supporting mountain operations and guest safety. The job requires a valid driver's license, 1+ year heavy equipment experience, ability to lift up to 100 lbs, and the stamina to work outdoors in alpine conditions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• 1+ year heavy equipment experience required.
• Read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Ability to lift 100 lbs and perform physical labor.
• Outdoor work in a high alpine environment required.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine maintenance to slopes and operate all Mt. Ops equipment including Skid Steers, Forklifts and Backhoes.
• Monitor equipment and address issues promptly with Vehicle Maintenance.
• Perform physical labor as required by resort operations.
• Take direction and work as part of a team.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems.
• Assist in training new operators and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Guest service experience

English fluency

Physical endurance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Backhoes

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