Lift Operator, Lead

Sugar Bowl; California; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Paid sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Free ski passes

Free passes for dependents

Discounted food

Free group lessons

Lift ticket discounts

Hotel discounts

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort in California is seeking a Lead Lift Operator to ensure the smooth, safe operation of our lifts. This role steps into Lift Operator and Ticket Checker duties as needed, works outdoors in all weather, and relies on strong guest interaction and problem-solving skills.

As a Lead Lift Operator, you will set up lifts, supervise breaks, assist with snow removal, train others, and enforce safety programs while maintaining a positive guest experience.

Qualifications

• Energetic, friendly, and outgoing with strong customer service.
• Thrives in high-stress, fast-paced environments.
• Safety and courtesy are top priorities.
• Self-starter who acts without being told.
• Intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability.
• Willing to cross-train across departments.

Responsibilities

• Sets up lifts in the morning and assists with powering down at night.
• Shovels the work area and runs the snowblower (training provided).
• Coordinates and schedules timely breaks for Lift Operators.
• Keeps assigned area clean and organized, including lift shacks and supplies.
• Steps into the Lift Operator role and performs its duties as needed.
• Implements and enforces safety programs while maintaining smooth flow.
• Educates guests and employees about safety programs.
• Checks tickets as needed and ensures Lift Logs are completed daily.
• Checks ramp conditions and assists with ramp rebuilds at night.
• Assists with ongoing training of Lift Operators.
• Provides excellent customer service to all guests and employees.
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments.
• Learn new skills across the resort with a team-first approach.

Skills

Customer service

Team player

Conflict resolution

Self-starter

Skiing / Snowboarding

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking a Lead Lift Operator to help ensure the smooth, safe operation of our lifts. This role steps into the Lift Operator and Ticket Checker roles as needed, works outside in all weather conditions, and involves constant guest interaction — so a good balance of people skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution is essential. The ideal candidate takes the work seriously while still having fun on the job.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are

• Energetic, friendly, and outgoing, with strong customer service skills
• Thrives in a sometimes high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Holds courtesy and safety as top priorities
• A self-starter who determines what needs to be done without being told
• Skis or snowboards at an intermediate level
• Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed — a versatile, team-first mindset

What You’ll do

• Sets up lifts in the morning and assists with powering down at night
• Shovels the work area and runs the snowblower as needed (training provided and required)
• Coordinates and schedules timely breaks for Lift Operators
• Keeps assigned area clean and organized, including inside the top and bottom lift shacks, and well stocked with necessary supplies
• Steps into the Lift Operator role and performs its duties as needed
• Implements and enforces the Under 51\" program while maintaining a smooth flow through the lift maze area
• Educates guests and employees about the Under 55\" program
• Checks tickets as needed, and ensures Lift Logs are completed and turned in daily
• Checks top and bottom ramp conditions throughout the day, and assists with ramp rebuilds at night
• Assists with ongoing training of Lift Operators
• Provides excellent customer service to all guests and employees at all times
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.

Physical Requirements

• Stands, walks, and works outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions
• Shovels and clears snow from work areas, sometimes for extended periods in cold, wet conditions
• Frequently lifts, carries, and moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Skis or snowboards at an intermediate level as part of daily operations
• Reports to work as early as 6:00 AM on snow days, and works evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of a rotating schedule
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor lift operations, guest safety, and communicate with staff and guests

Winter Benefits

• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• Free ski passes for dependents
• 50% off food at our restaurants
• Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
• Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
• Hotel discounts
• Employee ski reciprocal programs