Assistant Ski Lift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
 

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
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• 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:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Experienced Ski Lift Mechanic to join our Lift Maintenance team. The successful candidate will be hired into an Intermediate or Advanced role based on experience, technical proficiency, and leadership ability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all aerial and surface lift systems across the resort.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $23.00/hr - $30.26/hr
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes
• Working Conditions:
  • Outdoor alpine environment with exposure to extreme weather
  • Physically demanding tasks including lifting, climbing, and kneeling
  • Early mornings, weekends, holidays, nights and overtime shifts may be required

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and basic electrical issues
• Conduct inspections of grips, towers, sheaves, terminals, drive systems, and braking components
• Complete accurate and timely maintenance logs and inspection documentation
• Ensure work complies with ANSI B77.1, OSHA regulations, local regulations and Vail Resorts safety standards, policies and procedures
• Work collaboratively with Lift Operations and Mountain Operations departments
• Safely operate resort vehicles including snowmobiles and UTVs to access lift locations
• Support seasonal projects such as rope inspections, load tests, and tower work

Additional Responsibilities (Advanced-Level Candidates):

• Lead or coordinate lift maintenance tasks and seasonal overhauls
• Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs of drive systems and lift controls
• Mentor and train Entry Level mechanics
• Assist in lift modifications, retrofits, or new installations
• Provide input for maintenance planning and compliance tracking
• Participate in team safety meetings and contribute to continuous improvement efforts

Job Requirements:

• Technical training preferred
• 2–5+ years of hands-on lift maintenance or related mechanical experience
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with lift systems and tools
• Ability to work safely at heights and in all weather conditions
• Must have or ability to obtain a valid US driver’s license
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Strong work ethic, teamwork mindset, and attention to detail
• Intermediate ski/snowboard ability preferred

Preferred for Advanced-Level Applicants:

• 5+ years of experience in ski lift maintenance
• In-depth knowledge of ANSI B77.1 and lift manufacturer specifications
• Experience in leadership, training, or supervisory roles
• Skills in welding, rope splicing, NDT, or controls troubleshooting
• Familiarity with lift maintenance management software

The expected pay range is $23.00/hr - $30.26/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.

Requisition ID  512409
Reference Date: 11/04/2025 
Job Code Function: Lift Maintenance