Lift Operator (Winter 2026/2027)

Granby Ranch; Granby (CO); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free season pass

Free skiing at 15 Colorado resorts

Discounts on food, rentals, lessons, &

Retail discounts

Job summary

Granby Ranch is seeking a Lift Operator for the 2026/2027 winter season. The role involves safe loading/unloading of passengers, ticket scanning, snow work, and maintaining lift areas while delivering excellent guest service.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to work at high altitude in alpine conditions. On-site housing is available for some positions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks at high altitude (8,000–10,000 ft).
• Ability to operate lift controls and ski equipment.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload passengers safely on aerial tramways and surface lifts.
• Provide clear verbal directions and assist passengers as needed.
• Perform ticket scanning, snow work, and maintain lift corrals and shacks.
• Follow safety rules and notify ski patrol of incidents.
• Keep work area clean and maintain friendly guest service.

Skills

Focus on repetition

Situational awareness

Good judgement

Effective communication

Active listening

Adaptability

Proactive help

Education

HS Diploma

Job description

Description

Lift Operator (Winter 2026/2027)

Reports To: Lift Operations Manager
Department: Lift Operations
Status: Full-Time Seasonal
Date: 9/10/2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lift Operator is responsible for the safe loading and unloading of passengers on aerial tramways and surface lifts. This position is highly interactive with guests providing clear verbal directions in a friendly tone and physically assisting passengers in the loading and unloading process as necessary. Lift Operator duties also include ticket scanning, snow work, set up, tear down, and maintenance of lift corrals, keeping lift shacks and areas of trash.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain an organized, clean, efficient workspace and maintain sanitization throughout the day in accordance with company policy.
• Assist every skier/rider with loading/unloading the lift using verbal and physical directions and assistance as necessary.
• Maintain snow work at loading/unloading ramps and surrounding lift station areas using rakes, shovels, and ice chippers as necessary.
• Successfully complete training and required written test for operations of aerial tramways.
• Follow all safety rules explicitly.
• Notify ski patrol of any accident that is seen by you or reported to you during your shift.
• Keep the Lead Operator informed of all situations at your lift.
• Maintain a safe and friendly environment at your workstation at all times.
• Arrive to work in the morning and after lunch break on time.
• Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Lead Operator to perform all necessary checks in the morning, ensuring all safety circuits and switches are functioning properly.
• Participate in incident investigations as needed.
• Ensure familiarity with the ski area terrain and features and be able to give description of the Granby Ranch ski runs when asked by guests.
• Maintain a safe and clean resort area by picking up refuse and other items in and around the resort.
• Act as a positive, professional role model, adhering to the company’s hospitality standards.
• Maintain an exceptional level of guest service in all interaction with guests, fellow employees, and management.

Requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to focus on repetitive action for long periods of time.
• Ability to remain alert and respond quickly and appropriately to situations outside of normal.
• Ability to use sound judgement.
• Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be physically capable of performing strenuous exercise at 8,000-10,000 feet with adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Dexterity for utilizing lift controls, hand tools, and ski equipment.
• Verbal, auditory, and visual abilities are necessary for communication with others and operation of lift controls.
• Ski or snowboard at intermediate level preferred.
• Provide your own ski/ride equipment, clothing and accessories necessary for working outdoors in a high alpine winter environment.
• Walking, kneeling, squatting, climbing (ladders), reaching, grabbing, pushing, pulling, lifting, sitting, standing, skiing.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Granby Ranch is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

All employees earn paid sick time and qualify for a free Granby Ranch season pass, free skiing and riding at 15 other Colorado resorts, and discounts on in-house food & beverage, rentals, lessons, and retail. Positions classified as year-round/full-time qualify for health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability), retirement benefits and two-weeks paid time off per year.

Granby Ranch is located in Granby, Colorado (90 miles northwest of Denver) and all jobs are performed on site. Employee housing is available for full-time seasonal and year-round employees.

A criminal background check will be conducted after an employment offer is accepted and must be successfully completed prior to starting work. The background check will be completed in accordance with standards enacted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.