Winter Lift Operator - Giants Ridge

Guest Services Inc; Biwabik (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee passes

Employee discounts

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Guest Services, Inc. is hiring Lift Operators for Giants Ridge in Minnesota for the 2026-2027 winter season. The role focuses on safe, courteous operation of ski lifts, loading and unloading guests, and maintaining orderly lift lines to ensure a great mountain experience.

Applicants must be 18+, able to work outdoors in winter weather, and possess strong customer service and communication skills. Flexible day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are available in a friendly resort environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in winter weather and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Monitor guests using lifts and check tickets.
• Maintain lift loading/unloading areas and ramps for safe access.
• Provide a welcoming environment for staff and guests.
• Enforce Giants Ridge policies and safety procedures.
• Conduct daily inspections of lifts and equipment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Outdoor work

Safety procedures

Tools

Lift equipment

Job description

Compensation

Compensation Amount: 17.00 USD Hourly

Job Summary

The Lift Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and courteous operation of ski lifts, conveyors, and tows while providing exceptional guest service. This position plays a critical role in ensuring guests have a safe and enjoyable mountain experience by monitoring lift operations, assisting passengers with loading and unloading, maintaining orderly lift lines, and responding appropriately to operational or safety concerns. Lift Operators are expected to maintain a high level of situational awareness, follow all safety procedures, communicate effectively with guests and team members, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the winter season.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors guests use of lifts, including checking tickets and denying use of lifts.
• Maintain lift loading / unloading areas, ramps, lift entrances and mazes in such a manner as to ease the guests use of the lift.
• Provide a welcoming environment for all staff and guests.
• Be knowledgeable about, follow and enforce all Giants Ridge policies, procedures and protocols.
• Follow all established opening, on-shift and closing policies and procedures.
• Conduct and legibly document daily inspections of lifts, tows and conveyors.
• Effectively communicate problems to Supervisors and/or lift maintenance personnel.
• Instruct participants in the proper use of Giants Ridge facilities, equipment and activity offerings.
• Assists in the evacuation of a disabled lift.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be dependable.
• Ability to understand verbal and written instructions effectively.
• Must have strong customer service and communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work outdoors in variable, adverse weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, shovel, rake and engage in repetitive pushing and pulling motions.
• Must have the ability to stand for the entire duration of shift.
• Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
• Constantly communicates and receives verbal communication with other employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Rakes
• Shovels
• Hand tools

Be part of one of the most important roles in our winter operations - getting guests safely and efficiently up the mountain so they can enjoy the slopes! Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services, is hiring both full-time and part-time Lift Operators for the 2026-20267 winter season. Lift Operators are the heart of the ski hill experience. They help keep the lifts running smoothly, assist guests as they load and unload, and make sure everyone enjoys their day on the mountain. It's a role that combines steady responsibility with the fun energy of a winter resort - some moments are fast-paced, others calm and quiet, but every day comes with great views and great people. We're looking for team members who are reliable, energetic, and outgoing - people who can provide friendly, helpful service in all types of winter weather. Enjoy the flexibility to build a schedule that fits your lifestyle. With part time and full time opportunities, we can work together to a create a schedule that works for you while helping us meet the needs of our guests. Positions may include a mix of day, evening, weekend and occasional holiday shifts.

What We’re Looking For

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work in a guest-facing role within a resort setting
• Ability to work outdoors in all winter weather conditions
• Flexible availability, including some evenings, weekends and holidays

Why Join Giants Ridge?

• Mountain Perks - Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!
• Exclusive Discounts - Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge.
• Work with Friends - Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.
• Flexible Scheduling - We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge.
• And More! - Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota. Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season, family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Summer features world-class golf and lift-served mountain biking, while winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking, and more. Guests and employees alike can enjoy the Pool & Sauna Haus, along with dining, lodging, and a variety of year-round recreational amenities. Employees also have access to discounted lesson opportunities to help them develop new skills and make the most of the Giants Ridge experience. Beyond the resort, the Iron Range region offers abundant outdoor recreation, including lakes and waterways for boating, fishing, and paddling, as well as extensive trail networks for hiking, snowmobiling, and other seasonal activities. Spring and fall provide the perfect transition between seasons, showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that make the region a great place to live, work, and play.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.