Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; South Lake Tahoe (CA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski/Mountain Perks

Employee discounts

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Vail Resorts is looking for a Lift Operator for the 2026/2027 winter season. You will help ensure safe loading and unloading of lifts, while delivering excellent guest service and operating a multi‑million‑dollar lift system.

No prior experience is required as we provide training. This full/part‑time seasonal role requires outdoor work in varying weather, weekend and holiday availability, and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs as needed.

Qualifications

• No experience required; we train all lift operators.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to multitask and make quick safety judgments.

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 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 setup of the 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.
• Support ticket scanning and other additional training as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

Lift Operator

Join our team for the winter 2026/2027 season. 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.

Job Specifications

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

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 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 setup of the 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.
• Support ticket scanning and other additional training as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• No experience is necessary; we train all lift operators (including returnees).
• Must be able to make quick decisions and 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 under 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.

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.

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.

Requisition ID 515796

Reference Date: 07/14/2026

Job Code Function: Lift Experience

Nearest Major Market: Sacramento

Job Segment: Entry Level