Lift Operator

Alterra Mountain Company; Dillon (CO); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 64,472,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free season pass to Arapahoe Basin and

Job summary

Arapahoe Basin is seeking seasonal Lift Operators to load/unload passengers on lifts, manage crowd flow, and maintain lift areas in a high-alpine environment. Start dates include late November through early January, with housing possibly available for full-time staff.

Pay ranges from $20.00 to $22.50 per hour, with a staging program based on experience. Applicants must provide their own ski/snowboard gear and be able to work weekends and holidays in a harsh outdoor setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates interpersonal and guest service skills.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.
• Must provide own ski/snowboard equipment and be ready for outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Assist guests in loading and unloading lifts and coach customers.
• Maintain lift areas by shoveling snow, setting up lift mazes and keeping areas safe.
• Provide excellent guest service and respond to concerns during shifts.
• Complete safety trainings (CPTSB) and follow safety procedures for aerial tramways.
• Communicate information with guests and staff throughout the day.

Skills

Guest service

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Seasonal

Arapahoe Basin is a small ski area 60 miles west of Denver that offers big-mountain challenges and life-changing experiences for our employees and guests alike. Whether you're here for a season or a lifetime, A-Basin is a place where dedicated and hard-working employees have a chance to shine!

We are not your typical big-box resort, and that's what makes the vibe here so awesome - we know you by name. The number-one reason our employees continue to work here is their incredible coworkers.

Perks & Benefits

• Free season pass to Arapahoe Basin and all Alterra Resorts
• Discounted friends & family tickets
• Discounted Ikon Pass for all eligible employees*
• Medical, dental, vision, life, paid parental leave, and more for eligible employees*
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets
• Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more
• Financial assistance and mental health resources through TELUS
• *Check out more of our perks and benefits here! (Scroll down to the "Caring for You" section)

POSITION SUMMARY

Arapahoe Basin Lift Operators enjoy working with guests and aim to provide exceptional customer service every day. We are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, and sharing that passion with our guests. One thing is for sure: we work hard and we play hard.

As a Lift Operator, you will assist in the loading and unloading of passengers on aerial tramways, tow ropes, and surface lifts. Lift Operators are also responsible for crowd management in the lift mazes. Other responsibilities include maintaining lift areas by shoveling and raking snow, removing ice, and setting up lift mazes.

Make skiing and snowboarding part of your daily job! If you are passionate about having a great time outdoors in one of the most beautiful places on earth, A-Basin is the place for you.

Tentative start dates for this position are: November 22, 2026, December 15, 2026, and January 5, 2027.

Housing may be available for Full Time staff.

WAGE

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of Arapahoe Basin's hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors , including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, and responsibilities. The range listed is just one component of Arapahoe Basin's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include many region-specific benefits.

Lift Operators are eligible for a staging program that relates to applicable pay based on experience. See below for specific details.

Hourly pay range: $20.00 - $22.50/hour

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Staff will be responsible for the following after classroom and in the field training and shadowing:

• On time for scheduled shifts, dressed in uniform with snowboard/ski equipment, and ready to head to assigned work station
• Interact positively with guests and seek to assist with any guest concerns to provide a day worth repeating and extensive snow shoveling
• Thrive in an active, outdoor environment, consistently performing physical tasks like assisting guests, maintaining snow levels, and moving around in varied weather conditions
• Embrace the elements, working almost exclusively outdoors in a high-alpine, snowy environment with frequent exposure to heights and machinery noise.
• Assist guests in loading and unloading of ski lifts, including verbally coaching and physically assisting customers who have fallen down
• Complete CPTSB (Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board) specified in-house training requirements to operate aerial tramways safely
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards and applications upon successful completion of training
• Knowledgeably and efficiently administer emergency procedures, including lift breakdowns, evacuation, fire, and accident reporting . Communicate to guests, when appropriate , the status of a lift breakdown .
• Communicate information with guests, co-workers, Ski Patrol, and other ski area personnel throughout the day
• Maintain message board with up-to-date communication
• Maintain a tidy and safe work area, including proper storage of tools
• Maintain lift maze throughout the day, including ropes, snow work, and management of lanes as guest volume dictates
• To communicate and make quick decisions, and be a source of knowledgeable information in dealing with guest needs or questions as they arise
• Maintain clean and tidy locker room
• Ski or snowboard safely to and from lift stations
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrates interpersonal and guest service skills
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English
• Must provide own ski/snowboard equipment, under layers, gloves-the company does have discounts on some brands of gear
• Must be available weekends, holidays, and some evenings
• Must be able to stay focused on the lift and our guests without unnecessary distractions such as the use of cell phones

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Is honest and has the highest integrity
• Ability to show empathy
• Sets the example for others and is above reproach
• Has a friendly and outgoing demeanor
• Can handle fast pace, potentially high-pressure environment
• Is flexible with hours and days of work and is punctual . Expectations of no conflicts with attendance.
• Is able to work any hours of the day, any days of the week (Oct-June)
• Is able to work through the end of the season

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent - Required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to withstand high-altitude conditions at all times
• Ability to ski or snowboard at an intermediate level or higher
• Ability to use a full range of body motion: bend, twist, kneel, pull, push, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders
• Ability to visually and audibly inspect for irregularities in machinery

WORKING CONDITIONS

• You will work almost 100% of the time outside in a cold, snowy, and high-alpine environment. Noise levels of machinery can be high and exposure to heights is frequent. You will work with guests frequently on a daily basis. Riding a chairlift is required for this role.

Lift Operator Staging Program

Lift Operators at A-Basin are eligible for a staging program that starts when hired and continues into employment.

Lift Operator I

Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00/ hr

See requirements above

Lift Operator II

Pay Range: $20.50 - $22.50/ hr

Ability to fulfill all Lift Operator 1 requirements in addition to the following:

• Must successfully complete snowblower training
• Must successfully complete 1 Detachable Grip Drive Terminal, 1 Fixed Grip Drive Terminal, 1 Conveyor, and 1 Rope Tow training checklists
• Must successfully pass the Operator II Test
• Swing and bump chairs on all lifts requiring this technique

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions and responsibilities that an employee may be required to perform in this position. Arapahoe Basin and its affiliates reserve the right to modify, increase, decrease, suspend, and or eliminate any of the essential duties and/or the position in its entirety.

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Arapahoe Basin positions accept applications for a minimum of 3 days from the posting date listed above. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Arapahoe Basin is an equal opportunity employer and maintains drug-free workplaces. All employees and candidates are reminded that Arapahoe Basin adheres to all applicable labor and employment laws, and State, County, and City-specific labor and employment regulations, where applicable.