Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Employee discounts

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Training & development

Referral program

Free ski lessons

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for winter 2026/27 as part of the Lift Experience team. As a Lift Operator, you will monitor passenger safety, load and unload lifts, and ensure smooth, complimentary guest travel on mountain terrain.

Training is provided, and the position offers full-time hours during the winter season with opportunities for advancement. This role requires alertness in varying weather, the ability to lift up to 40 lbs, and willingness to work weekends/holidays in a high-service

Qualifications

• No experience required; training provided.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while loading/unloading lifts.
• Operate lift to maintain optimal chair capacity per guidelines.
• Notify maintenance/dispatch of repairs or issues.
• Learn operation of lift equipment in collaboration with Lift Maintenance.
• Follow emergency procedures as required and contact Patrol when needed.
• Set up and disassemble lift maze daily per standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe lift area and surrounding shacks.
• Support ticket scanning and assist as needed; flexible within department.

Skills

Safety awareness

Education

Entry level

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, 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

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: [[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 40lbs
• 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.

Nearest Major Market: California
Job Segment: Entry Level