Lift Operations Manager

Alterra Mountain Company; Solitude (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Destinations access

Season pass

Ticket discounts

Food/retail discounts

Medical/dental/vision

Pro deals

401(k) plan

Counseling services

Job summary

Alterra Mountain Company is seeking a Lift Operations Manager at Solitude Mountain Resort. This hands-on leader will oversee year-round lift operations, lead a supervisor and operators, and ensure safe, guest-focused service while driving safety and operational excellence.

The role emphasizes staffing, training, and performance management in collaboration with the Lift Operations Director and Maintenance Manager to achieve resort-wide goals.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of ski resort operations, lift systems and operational procedures.
• Proven ability to lead through decision-making, communication, collaboration and guest service.
• Ability to complete documentation and guide staff and cross-functional teams.
• Previous supervisory experience leading large seasonal teams.
• Self-motivation and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and lift up to 50 lbs safely.
• Safe operation of lift-related maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to ski or snowboard to all lifts on the mountain.
• Flexible with early mornings, weekends and extended hours.
• Provide personal outdoor and ski equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Lift Operations team including supervisor and operators.
• Model company values and foster a positive team culture.
• Promote safety, accountability, professionalism, and guest service.
• Own hiring, training, coaching, and performance management processes.
• Plan staffing, scheduling, payroll, and budgets for efficient operations.
• Deliver and document training programs in partnership with leadership.
• Conduct daily meetings and provide coaching and feedback.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with other departments to support operations.
• Oversee lift areas, logs, incident reports and evaluations.
• Monitor performance and implement improvements for safety and service.
• Provide support during startups, avalanche periods and events.
• Perform frontline duties as needed.

Skills

Ski resort operations

Leadership

Documentation

People leadership

Self-motivation

Outdoor work

Equipment operation

Ski/snowboard ability

Flexible schedule

Personal gear

Education

Leadership experience (3+ years)

Tools

Workday

Job description

Year Round

JOB TITLE:

Lift Operations Manager

REPORTS TO:

Lift Operations Director

CLASSIFICATION

Full-Time/Year-Round/Salaried

SALARY RANGE

$65,000 - $70,000

The Lift Operations Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Solitude lift operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and guest-focused service year-round. This role leads and develops a team that includes a Lift Supervisor, Lift Leads, and Lift Operators and is accountable for fostering a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

As a department leader, the Lift Operations Manager is expected to model Solitude's values and leadership competencies, cultivate a positive and engaged team culture, and build a pipeline of high-performing team members and future leaders. This role ensures the consistent application of people practices, including talent selection, onboarding, development, performance management, recognition, and accountability, while establishing and monitoring departmental goals and driving operational excellence.

Working closely with the Lift Operations Director and Lift Maintenance Manager, this position ensures consistent training, reliable lift performance, and the successful achievement of departmental and resort-wide objectives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong knowledge of ski resort operations, lift systems, and operational procedures.
• Proven ability to lead through sound decision-making, effective communication, collaboration, and a commitment to exceptional guest service.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and provide clear direction to staff, management, and cross-functional teams.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading large seasonal teams.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, stand for extended periods, and safely lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely operate lift-related maintenance equipment, snowmobiles, and company vehicles.
• Ability to ski or snowboard to all lifts on the mountain.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
• Must provide personal outdoor and ski/snowboard equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience in Lift Operations, Mountain Operations, or a related resort operations environment.
• Advanced knowledge of aerial lift operations, risk management, and industry safety standards.
• Proficiency with scheduling, payroll, and workforce management systems - Workday preferred.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, develop, and manage the Lift Operations team comprised of Lift Ops Supervisor, Lift Ops Leads, and Lift Operator talent.
• Lead by example in demonstrating and reinforcing company values, fostering a positive team culture.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and exceptional guest service.
• Own hiring, training, coaching, performance management, corrective action, and other management processes.
• Plan and oversee staffing, scheduling, payroll, and departmental budgets to ensure efficient operations and resource allocation.
• Establish, deliver, and document operational and safety training programs in partnership with resort leadership.
• Conduct daily team meetings, communicate operational priorities, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, operating standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with resort departments to support daily operations and achieve organizational objectives.
• Oversee lift operating areas, including loading and unloading zones, mazes, signage, equipment, and facilities, ensuring a safe and efficient guest experience.
• Manage operational documentation, including lift logs, incident reports, training records, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor departmental performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and service quality.
• Provide operational support during lift startups, avalanche mitigation periods, special events, and other critical resort operations.
• Perform frontline operational duties as needed and other responsibilities as assigned.

SUMMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee summer lift operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and guest-focused service delivery.
• Oversee the maintenance, organization, and readiness of lift operations equipment, signage, tools, and work areas.
• Evaluate seasonal performance and partner with the Lift Operations Director to refine training programs, operational goals, and department objectives for future seasons.
• Support summer operational projects and initiatives that advance departmental and organizational goals.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Solitude Mountain Resort is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company to recruit, hire, train, assign, promote, and transfer the best qualified individual for each job opening and provide such employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, nationality, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, sexual preference, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. The Company makes all employment decisions, including selection, training, job assignment, compensation, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and access to benefits without regard to these protected statuses. Solitude Mountain Resort also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the selection process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Perks of Working Here:

Work & Play in the Mountains:

• Embrace the stunning Wasatch Mountains.
• Connect with fellow mountain enthusiasts.

Benefits:

• Access to select Alterra Mountain Company Destinations.
• Free Solitude season pass for you and eligible dependents.
• Discounts on solitude lift tickets for friends and family.
• Discounts on food, rentals, retail, and lessons.

Other Perks:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for eligible employees
• Pro deals with outdoor brands.
• Generous 401(k) plan with company match.
• Free counseling service through Employee Assistance Program.