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Ski Lift Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sugar Bowl Resort

Lift Operator

Norden, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $24/hr

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking energetic Lift Operators to operate lifts in a safe and efficient ... Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Northstar California Resort

Lift Operator

Truckee, CA

$20/hr

Employee Benefits • Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Northstar California Resort

Lift Operator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Employee Benefits • Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Lift Operator

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Employee Benefits • Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Lift Operator

Kirkwood, CA

$20/hr

Employee Benefits • Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Sugar Bowl Resort

Lift Operator

CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Description Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking energetic Lift Operators to operate lifts in a safe and ... Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and ... As a Lift Operator on the Lift Experience team, you are the copilot and concierge responsible for ...

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Lift Operator

Big Bear Lake, CA · On-site

$19 - $20.88/hr

Lift tickets for friends & family * Free skiing at other Alterra Mountain Company owned resorts ... Free staff ski/snowboard lessons * Exclusive employee and family events * Free local bus pass ...

Alterra

Lift Operator

Big Bear Lake, CA

$19 - $20.88/hr

Lift tickets for friends & family * Free skiing at other Alterra Mountain Company owned resorts ... Free staff ski/snowboard lessons * Exclusive employee and family events * Free local bus pass ...

TAHOE DONNER ASSOCIATION

Lift Operator (52464)

Truckee, CA · On-site

$18.74 - $25.86/hr

Tahoe Donner Association is looking for fun and personable Lift Operators to join our Downhill Ski Resort operations! The Lift Operator is responsible for operating chair lifts and maintains terminal ...

Tahoe Donner

Lift Operator (52464)

Truckee, CA · On-site

$18.74 - $25.86/hr

Tahoe Donner Association is looking for fun and personable Lift Operators to join our Downhill Ski Resort operations! The Lift Operator is responsible for operating chair lifts and maintains terminal ...

Powdr

Winter Lift Operator

Truckee, CA · On-site

$18/hr

As a Lift Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe, friendly, and efficient operation of our ski and snowboard lifts. You'll be the person guests see first in the morning and last on their way ...

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Ski Lift Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$22

How much do ski lift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski lift operator in California is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ski lift operator?

A Ski Lift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of ski lifts at a resort. They assist guests with loading and unloading, monitor lift functions, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Operators conduct routine inspections, report mechanical issues, and provide customer service to skiers and snowboarders. This role requires attentiveness, good communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ski lift operator?

To thrive as a Ski Lift Operator, you generally need mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and basic physical fitness, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lift operation panels, radios, and safety equipment, as well as CPR or first aid certification, is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills are important for interacting with guests and coworkers in a dynamic outdoor setting. These qualities ensure safe, efficient lift operation and a positive experience for resort guests.

What are the typical work hours and environment for a ski lift operator?

Ski Lift Operators usually work in outdoor environments at ski resorts, where shifts can start early in the morning and may last 8–10 hours, depending on resort hours and weather conditions. The role often involves standing for long periods, working in cold temperatures, and occasionally assisting guests in challenging weather. Operators typically work as part of a team, coordinating with other operators, maintenance staff, and ski patrol to ensure lifts run smoothly and safely. Being adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment is important for success in this role.

How much money do ski lift operators make?

Ski lift operators typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and season length. They often work outdoors in cold environments and may need certification or training to operate lift machinery safely.

What are popular job titles related to Ski Lift Operator jobs in California?

For Ski Lift Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ski Lift Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ski Lift Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ski Lift Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ski Lift Operator job openings:

Ski Lift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Lift Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,669 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Lift Operator

Sugar Bowl Resort

Norden, CA • On-site

$20.25 - $24/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking energetic Lift Operators to operate lifts in a safe and efficient manner. This role instructs guests on the proper way to ride a lift and assists guests on and off, working outside in all weather conditions, including frequent shoveling of the work area. Strong people skills are essential, as this position involves constant guest interaction. The ideal candidate takes work seriously while still having fun on the job. On-the-job training and certification are required and provided.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to "sunny California" since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are:

Energetic, friendly, and outgoing with strong customer service skills

Ability to work in a sometimes high-stress, fast-paced environment

Must consider courtesy and safety high priorities

Must be at least 18 years old

Must be able to pass certification course (training provided)

What You'll do:

Be ready to begin work each day at scheduled time

Prepare loading and unloading areas; shovel snow, set signs, clean chairs, set lines, etc.

Perform routine checks of all lift functions

Shovel and/or rake work area as needed; keep area clean and organized

Operate the lift and assist guests onto/off of the lift as needed

Be willing and able to provide excellent customer service to all guests at all times

Act as a courtesy guide for guests; answer questions, handle small problems, and provide general information

Check and scan tickets/passes as needed

Conduct line control to facilitate organized and efficient loading

Complete daily records accurately, as they are legal documents

Implement and enforce the Kids on Lifts program, while maintaining a smooth flow through the lift maze area.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods, often in cold and snowy conditions

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for full shifts

Ability to shovel and rake work areas frequently, including before, during, and after storms

Ability to assist guests with loading and unloading from lifts, including occasional lifting or stabilizing of equipment

Ability to safely operate lift equipment after completing required certification training

Winter Benefits:

Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service

Paid sick time

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional development opportunities

Free ski and tubing passes for employees

Free ski passes for dependents

50% off food at our restaurants

Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees

Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends

Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations

Hotel discounts

Employee ski reciprocal programs

Sugar Bowl Resort believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, hair, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

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