Lift Operator

Crested Butte Mountain Resort; Crested Butte (CO); On-site; USD 57,859,200 - 71,635,200; Full time

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Colorado is seeking Lift Operators for the Lift Experience team. You will monitor passenger safety, assist guests with loading and unloading, and help provide a seamless, friendly ride on our mountain terrain during the winter season.

No experience is required—training is provided. Applicants must be able to work outdoors in all weather, stand and move for long shifts, lift up to 40 lbs, and be available weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• No experience is necessary; we train all lift operators (including returnees).
• Ability to make quick decisions and use sound judgment regarding safety, and multitask.
• Physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs.
• Work outdoors in all types of inclement weather; stand and move for entire shift.
• Weekend and holiday availability.
• Handle high guest volumes in a professional manner.
• Willing to perform alternate functions during peak periods.

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.

Skills

Safety judgement

Multitasking

Guest assistance

Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

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 passes 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.

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, and 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: $20.00/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time
• 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.

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.