Lift 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 Lift Experience Team’s mission is to provide employees and guests with a seamless end-to-end experience from maze entrance to lift unloading. As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for the safe operation of a multi-million-dollar machine. You are responsible for the safety and friendly, and efficient travel of our guests and fellow teammates as they navigate premier mountain terrain. Come enjoy the season in a career full of having and providing an Experience of a Lifetime again and again.  

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $20.00/hr
• Employment Type: Summer Seasonal 2026
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

• Continuously monitor the safety of passengers while providing instruction and customer service in the safe loading and unloading of lifts; manage the speed of lift as needed 
• Operate lift to ensure that optimal chair capacity is achieved as determined by Lift Experience guidelines and performance reporting 
• Proactively notify maintenance/dispatch of repair or maintenance needs 
• Work closely with the Lift Maintenance department to learn the proper operation of lift equipment 
• Implement emergency procedures as required, including contacting Patrol 
• Ensure lift is ready for operations prior to set up of maze; set up/disassemble lift maze daily according to maze standards 
• Follow and perform all company and departmental policies and procedures 
• Maintain a safe work area and cleanliness of lift shacks; remove trash when necessary 
• A Lift operator team member is a flexible employee within the Lift Experience department who takes on additional training to support ticket scanning 
• Other duties as assigned 

Job Requirements:

• No experience is necessary, we train all lift operators (including returnees) 
• Must be able to make quick decisions/use considerable judgment regarding safety as well as multitask and anticipate issues 
• Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 40 lbs 
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather, standing and moving for entire shift on potentially slippery or uneven surfaces. 
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed 
• Must be able to handle high guest volumes in a professional manner 
• Must be willing to perform alternate functions from time to time, both within and outside of the assigned area, particularly during peak periods such as holiday weekends 

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 514342
Reference Date: 04/15/2026
Job Code Function: Lift Experience