Lead Base Area Operator

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

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 Epic 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.

Job 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
• RSP Options (after 12 months or 2000 cumulative hours of service)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary:

The Base Area Operations (BAO) Lead role will oversee all aspects of the departmental functions and employees, including cleaning, roads and parking and snow removal. The Lead will report directly to the department Assistant and Manager.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $22.00/hr - $26.88/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise frontline crews including: orientation and training, conflict resolution, long and short term planning of operation, maintenance of tools and equipment, executing daily meetings, and regular one-on-ones with Lead Hands.

• Provide leadership, promote team spirit and cooperative work ethics; provide the most outstanding examples of friendly, cooperative relationships with our guests, other staff and the rest of the department.

• Show initiative in handling routine matters and quick, thoughtful judgment in emergency situations.

• Understand and safely operate all aspects of the cleaning, roads & parking and snow clearing operations.
• Work effectively with other department’s mountain-wide as part of a large and diverse team.
• Relay work orders, respond to complaints, adhere to preventative maintenance programs and monitor quality of cleaning, reporting to higher management.

• Assist with successful organization of waste/recycling depots and bear-proof bins.
• Ensure proper and complete documentation of all frontline duties performed, reporting any personal incidents or damage involving a company vehicle/equipment to department managers.

• Ensure adherence to all operational and safety procedures, resulting in safe and efficient operation of vehicles and other equipment (Snowplow, Snow Blower, Bobcat, etc.) and providing a safe environment for guests and staff.

• Assist with the selection, training and development of staff, exceeding present standards.
• Understand operational procedures and maintenance for all janitorial equipment.
• Set an excellent example and strive to improve safety, service and job satisfaction.

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrate our core values: Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe, Be Inclusive and Have Fun.

• A strong knowledge of Microsoft Office platforms required.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to work under pressure. A keen eye for detail required.

• Problem solver, self-motivated/self-directed. The ability to work both independently and part of a team.
• Strong communication skills.
• Required to complete a satisfactory criminal record check.
• Operating a vehicle is an essential function of this position and will require the applicant to meet the minimum requirements of the WB Driver’s Standards Policy – Valid BC driver’s license and clean abstract.

Preferred :

• Post-secondary education an asset.
• Proven leadership skills, planning, ability and vision.
• Previous cleaning experience and employment a strong asset.
• First Aid trained an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid trained an asset.

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.

Requisition ID 515403
Reference Date: 07/14/2026
Job Code Function: Base Area Ops