Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; Leavenworth (WA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free passes

Lift tickets for friends/family

Free ski lessons

Retail discounts

Training & development

Wellness benefits

401(k)

Employee assistance program

Housing

Job summary

Vail Resorts in Washington state is hiring a Lift Operator for the Winter Seasonal 2026/2027. You’ll monitor passenger safety, provide instruction, and operate the lift to maintain optimal chair capacity while delivering friendly, efficient service on mountain terrain. Starting wage is $20/hour.

Full-time and part-time shifts are available, with housing offered. No experience is required—training is provided.

Qualifications

• No experience required; we train all lift operators.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather.
• Must be physically able to lift up to 40 lb.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Able to handle high guest volumes professionally.
• Willing to perform alternate functions during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor passenger safety during lift loading/unloading.
• Operate lift to meet chair capacity and report performance.
• Notify maintenance of repair or maintenance needs.
• Work with Lift Maintenance to learn proper operation.
• Implement emergency procedures as required.
• Ensure lift is ready for operations and set up maze daily.
• Follow company policies and maintain a safe work area.
• Assist with ticket scanning as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Decision making

Customer service

Multitasking

Teamwork

Job description

Lift Operator

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 and lessons, 40% retail discounts, training and development opportunities, and wellness benefits.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15 or until the positions are filled, whichever comes 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 you are the copilot and concierge responsible for the safe operation of a multi‑million‑dollar machine, ensuring the safety, friendliness, and efficient travel of guests and teammates across the mountain terrain.

Job Specifications

• Starting wage: $20/hr
• Employment type: Winter Seasonal 2026 / 2027
• Shift type: Full time and part‑time hours available
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Skill level: Entry level
• Housing availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor passenger safety while providing instruction and customer service during lift loading/unloading; manage lift speed as needed.
• Operate lift to achieve optimal chair capacity according to Lift Experience guidelines and performance reporting.
• Proactively notify maintenance/dispatch of repair or maintenance needs.
• Work closely with Lift Maintenance to learn proper lift operation.
• Implement emergency procedures as required, including contacting Patrol.
• Ensure lift is ready for operations before maze setup; set up/disassemble lift maze daily per standards.
• Follow all company and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe work area and clean lift shacks; remove trash when necessary.
• Assist with ticket scanning as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• No experience necessary; we train all lift operators, including returnees.
• Must be able to make quick decisions, use judgment regarding safety, multitask, and anticipate issues.
• Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lb.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all inclement weather, standing and maneuvering on slippery or uneven surfaces for entire shift.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to handle high guest volumes professionally.
• Must be willing to perform alternate functions as needed, especially during peak periods.

The expected pay range is $20/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 or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired for 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: 515559

Reference Date: 07/14/2026

Job Code Function: Lift Experience

Nearest Major Market: Seattle

Job Segment: Entry Level