Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; Mount Crested Butte (CO); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free passes & ski lessons

40% retail discounts

Epic Service training & development

Wellness programs

Housing availability

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for winter 2026/27 as a Lift Operator. This seasonal, full-time position offers the opportunity to work on a premier mountain terrain with safety as a priority and a starting wage of $20.00 per hour.

Housing may be available, and staff receive lift passes, discounts, and training opportunities. Responsibilities include monitoring passenger safety during loading/unloading, operating lifts to optimize capacity, and coordinating with maintenance and dispatch for repairs.

Qualifications

• No experience necessary; training provided for all lift operators.
• Ability to make quick decisions and use good judgment regarding safety; multitask as needed.
• Physical ability to assist guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, standing and moving for long periods.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor passenger safety during loading/unloading of lifts and manage lift speed as needed
• Operate lifts to optimize chair capacity per Lift Experience guidelines
• Notify maintenance/dispatch of repairs or maintenance needs
• Collaborate with Lift Maintenance to learn proper operation of lift equipment
• Implement emergency procedures, including contacting Patrol
• Prepare lift area for operations; set up/disassemble maze daily per maze standards
• Follow company and departmental policies and procedures
• Maintain a safe work area and cleanliness of lift shacks; remove trash when necessary
• Be flexible to support ticket scanning and other duties as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Quick decision making

Safety judgment

Multitasking

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Weekend/holiday availability

Training provided

Job description

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 – Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more. Apply today!

Join our mountain team and discover 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 for a season or build a long-term career. Benefits include competitive compensation, free passes and ski/snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, Epic Service training and development, and wellness programs.

Hiring for 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, discounted lift tickets for friends and family, and free ski lessons
• Additional 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 provides a seamless end-to-end guest experience from maze entrance to lift unloading. As a Lift Operator, you are responsible for the safe operation of a multi-million-dollar machine and the safety, friendliness, and efficient travel of guests and teammates as they navigate premier mountain terrain.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $20.00/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time
• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Skill Level: Entry Level
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities

• Monitor passenger safety during loading/unloading of lifts and manage lift speed as needed
• Operate lifts to optimize chair capacity per Lift Experience guidelines
• Notify maintenance/dispatch of repairs or maintenance needs
• Collaborate with Lift Maintenance to learn proper operation of lift equipment
• Implement emergency procedures, including contacting Patrol
• Prepare lift area for operations; set up/disassemble maze daily per maze standards
• Follow company and departmental policies and procedures
• Maintain a safe work area and cleanliness of lift shacks; remove trash when necessary
• Be flexible to support ticket scanning and other duties as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• No experience necessary; training provided for all lift operators
• Ability to make quick decisions and use good judgment regarding safety; multitask as needed
• Physical ability to assist guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, standing and moving for long periods
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Ability to handle high guest volumes professionally
• Willingness to perform alternate functions during peak periods

The expected pay range is $20.00/hr. Compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors. Applicants may redact information identifying age or dates of attendance on applications.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors will not be asked to engage in activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Requisition ID 515769

Job Code Function: Lift Experience