Lift Operator

Vail Resorts; Town of Hunter (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes for employees

Employee discounts (lodging, gear)

Housing availability

Job summary

Vail Resorts in the Albany area is hiring Lift Operators for the 2026/27 winter season. Earn $20.00 per hour with full- and part-time shifts, housing availability, and employee benefits including free passes and discounts. Starting wage is $20.00/hr for winter seasonal roles.

Training is provided; no experience is required. Applicants should be able to work outdoors in all weather, weekends, and holidays, with responsibilities spanning safe loading/unloading and customer service on mountain

Qualifications

• No experience is necessary; training is provided.
• Must be able to make quick decisions and use good judgment re safety.
• Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather, standing and moving for long shifts.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor passenger safety during loading/unloading of lifts.
• Operate lift to meet capacity and safety requirements per guidelines.
• Notify maintenance/dispatch of any repair needs.
• Work with Lift Maintenance to learn operation of lift equipment.
• Follow all company policies and procedures; maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Cross-trained in ticket scanning to validate rider products.

Skills

Customer service

Decision making

Stamina

Job description

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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 witha seamlessend-to-end experience from maze entrance to lift unloading. As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experienceteam,you are the copilot and concierge responsible for the safe operation of a multi-million-dollar machine. Youare responsible forthe safety andfriendly,and efficient travel of our guests and fellow teammates as theynavigatepremier mountain terrain.Come enjoythe season in a career full of having and providing an Experience of a Lifetimeagain and again.

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

Job Responsibilities:

• Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while providing instruction and customer service in the safe loading and unloading of lifts
• Operate lift to ensure that optimal chair capacity and safety are 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 is cross-trained in ticket scanning, including validating tickets to ensure all riders have their own valid product before loading our lifts
• 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 judgmentregardingsafety as well as multitask andanticipateissues

Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; maylift upto 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: Albany
Job Segment: Entry Level

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more.