Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; California (MO); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Discounts on lodging and gear

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development

Job summary

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is hiring a Lift Operator for the Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 in Kirkwood, CA. You’ll ensure safe loading/unloading of lifts, assist guests, and support Lift Experience operations across mountain terrain.

No prior experience required; you will be trained. The role is outdoors, includes weekend shifts, and offers competitive hourly wages with benefits and growth opportunities within the lift team.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be able to think quickly and make safe judgments.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to multitask and assist guests during peak times.
• Willingness to learn and follow Lift Experience procedures.
• Training provided for all lift operators.

Responsibilities

• Monitor passenger safety during loading and unloading and provide instruction.
• Operate lifts to achieve optimal chair capacity per guidelines.
• Notify maintenance of repairs and work with Lift Maintenance team.
• Follow emergency procedures and assist guests and teammates.
• Prepare lift maze daily and maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Support ticket scanning and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Quick decision making

Safety awareness

Physical ability

Outdoor work

Weekend availability

Job description

Lift Operator

Date: Jul 14, 2026

Location: Kirkwood, CA, US

Company: Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Shift Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027

Overview

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

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. Come enjoy the season in a career full of having and providing an experience of a Lifetime again and again.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: [[otherCaompensation]]
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full 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 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

Job Requirements

• 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.

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 515619

Reference Date: 07/14/2026

Job Code Function: Lift Experience

Nearest Major Market: California

Job Segment: Entry Level