Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; Beaver Creek (CO); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes

Free ski lessons

40% retail discounts

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Excellent training and professional开发

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring Lift Operators for the winter season at our mountain location. You will be responsible for safe loading and unloading of lifts, ensuring passenger safety and efficient operations on premier terrain.

No prior lift experience is required; training is provided, and you must be prepared for outdoor, variable weather conditions. Starting wage is $20.00/hr with full-time and part-time shifts available.

Qualifications

• No experience required; on-the-job training provided.
• Strong focus on safety and guest service.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in mountain conditions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor passenger safety during loading/unloading of lifts.
• Operate lift to achieve optimal chair capacity per guidelines.
• Notify maintenance/dispatch of repairs or issues.
• Learn proper lift operation with Lift Maintenance team.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area around lift shacks.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Decision making

Multitasking

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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

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, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Employee Benefits

• Free ski and mountain passes for employees and discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• Free ski lessons
• Additional discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee assistance program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral program

Job Summary

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 on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for the safe operation of a multi‑million‑dollar machine. You are responsible for the safety and friendly, efficient travel of our guests and fellow teammates as they navigate premier mountain terrain.

Job Specifications

• 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

Job Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while providing instruction and customer service during the safe loading and unloading of lifts; manage the speed of the 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 the set‑up of the 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.
• Support ticket scanning as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• No experience is necessary; all lift operators (including returnees) are trained on the job.
• Must be able to make quick decisions and use considerable judgment regarding safety and multitask while anticipating 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, especially during peak periods such as holiday weekends.

The expected pay range is $20.00/hr. 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.

Nearest Major Market: Denver

Job Segment: Entry Level