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Ski Lift Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arapahoe Basin

Lift Operator

Dillon, CO · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets * Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more * Financial assistance and mental health ...

Arapahoe Basin

Lift Operator

Dillon, CO · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets * Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more * Financial assistance and mental health ...

Alterra

Lift Operator

Dillon, CO · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets * Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more * Financial assistance and mental health ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Keystone, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Dillon, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Vail, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Breckenridge, CO · 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 ...

Keystone Resort

Lift Operator

Keystone, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Crested Butte, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Lift Operator

Avon, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Keystone, CO · 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 ...

Vail Resorts

Lift Operator

Breckenridge, CO · 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 ...

Keystone Resort

Lift Operator

Keystone, CO

$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 Mountain

Lift Operator

Vail, CO

$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 ...

Keystone Resort

Lift Operator

Keystone, CO

$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 ...

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Ski Lift Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$19

$24

How much do ski lift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ski lift operator in Colorado is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $21.25 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 Colorado?

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

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

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

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

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

Ski Lift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Lift Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,201 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Lift Operator

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge, CO

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 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.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee 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

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

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: [[otherCaompensation]] 

  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027 

  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available 

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

  • Skill Level: Entry Level 

  • 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 

The expected pay range is $20.00/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  515595
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Lift Experience  

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