Skilled Lift Maintenance

Vail Resorts; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski passes

Free ski lessons

40% retail discounts

401(k) Retirement Plan

Training and development

Wellness benefits

Referral Program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring for the winter season 2026/27 for an Entry-Level Ski Lift Maintenance Assistant/Mechanic. You will join our mountain operations team, performing hands-on maintenance on chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts in our outdoor alpine environment, with safety and learning as a core focus.

Starting wage is $22.99/hr - $27.05/hr, with full-time winter seasonal hours. No prior lift experience is required—just a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and mechanical aptitude.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude or experience with tools, equipment, or outdoor machinery.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid US driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine maintenance and inspections of chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts.
• Support mechanics with daily start-up procedures and pre-operational checks.
• Perform basic tasks such as cleaning equipment, tightening bolts, and monitoring equipment under supervision.
• Learn to identify and report signs of mechanical wear or abnormal operation.
• Respond to lift stoppages and assist with mechanical troubleshooting under supervision.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork & communication

Willingness to learn

Job description

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

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.

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

We are seeking a motivated and safety-focused Entry-Level Ski Lift Maintenance Assistant/Mechanic to join our mountain operations team. This role provides a hands-on opportunity to work alongside experienced lift maintenance personnel to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all aerial and surface lift systems. No prior lift maintenance experience is required—just a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and mechanical aptitude.

Job Specifications:

Starting Wage: $22.99/hr - $27.05/hr

Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027

Shift Type: Full Time hours available

Early mornings, weekends, holidays, nights and overtime shifts may be required

Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age

Housing Availability: No

Working Conditions:

Physically demanding tasks including lifting, climbing, and kneeling

Outdoor alpine environment with exposure to extreme weather

Job Responsibilities:

Assist in routine maintenance and inspections of chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts

Support mechanics with daily start-up procedures and pre-operational checks

Perform basic tasks such as cleaning equipment, tightening bolts, and monitoring equipment under supervision

Learn to identify and report signs of mechanical wear or abnormal operation

Transport tools, materials, and equipment to and from lift locations

Maintain clean and organized workspaces in lift shacks and maintenance areas

Adhere to all safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Participate in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop skills and advance to higher-level mechanic roles

Assist with snow removal around lift terminals and access areas as needed

Respond to lift stoppages and assist with mechanical troubleshooting under supervision

Job Requirements:

Mechanical aptitude or experience with tools, equipment, or outdoor machinery

Comfortable working outdoors in alpine weather and at heights

Able to lift and carry 50 pounds

Able to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members

Must have or ability to obtain a valid US driver’s license

Intermediate ski/snowboard ability preferred

The expected pay range is$22.99/hr - $27.05/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.