Ski Lift Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Amount:

Job Summary:

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with the daily start-up and shut-down procedures for aerial and surface lifts following resort procedures and ANSI B77.1 guidelines.
• Performs routine inspections (visual checks, basic functional tests, lubrication, cleaning) on chairs, terminals, towers, carriers, haul rope areas, safety devices, and communication systems as directed.
• Supports Level 2 and Level 3 Technicians with preventative maintenance, including NDT, component replacement, and adjustment of mechanical systems.
• Assists with basic troubleshooting of mechanical and low-voltage control issues; promptly report unusual noises, vibration, or operating conditions.
• Completes maintenance checklists and work orders accurately and on time to support regulatory and internal recordkeeping requirements.
• Works closely with Lift Operations to respond to lift stoppages, misloads, and minor incidents in a safe, calm, and professional manner.
• Maintains clean, organized, and safe work areas, including lift shacks, shops, and motor rooms.
• Follows all resort, OSHA, and state safety rules including fall protection, lockout/tagout, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILL & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude; experience with tools, farm equipment, automotive repair, or similar is helpful but not required. Prior lift operations experience is preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather, at heights, and in physically demanding conditions (lifting, climbing towers, shoveling, etc.).
• Ability to learn and follow written procedures, safety codes, and supervisor directions.
• Valid (or obtainable) driver's license and acceptable driving record for on-site vehicle use.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moving about on foot, snowmobile or UTV to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place on the mountain.
• Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs. regularly, 50-75 lbs. frequently, ability to push, pull up to 200+ lbs. with assistance.
• The ability to follow established policies and procedures when operating a snowmobile and/or UTV on the mountain.
• Ability to perform work in extreme cold, wet and hot weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Reading and writing work-related documents in English.
• Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
• Constantly communicates and receives verbal communication with other employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.
• Must have the ability to engage in a wide variety of physical activities including walking, and working on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders and stairs, kneeling, squatting, etc.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties at heights from 10-60+ feet off the ground.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Variety of off-road transportation vehicles including UTVs, ATVs and snowmobiles.
• Varity of construction equipment including telescopic forklift, skid steer and excavator.
• Various maintenance equipment including hand tools, power tools, electrical system tools.
• Presses
• Rigging Equipment
• Computer

Launch your career in the ski industry with hands-on experience, training, and room to grow!

Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors, tackling mechanical challenges, and being part of a team that keeps the mountain running safely? Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services, is looking for a Level 1 Lift Technician to join our Lift Maintenance team. This is an entry-level opportunity with on-the-job training, mentorship, and clear pathways for advancement into higher-level technician roles.

If you're motivated, mechanically inclined, and eager to learn, this is your chance to build a career in an exciting and unique environment.

No prior lift maintenance experience required - we're ready to train the right person!

Hourly Wage: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour.

What You'll Gain:

This isn't just a job - it's the start of a fun and exciting career.

• Hands-on training in lift maintenance and safety systems.
• Opportunities to advance to Level 2 and Level 3 Technician roles.
• Exposure to specialized equipment and industry certifications.
• A supportive team environment with experienced mentors.
• The chance to work in a dynamic mountain setting every day.

Why Work at Giants Ridge?

• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support. We also offer HSAs, FSAs and more to help you manage healthcare costs.
• Retirement Savings - Play for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan, featuring a company match to help you build financial security.
• Paid Time Off - Take time to rest, relax and recharge with generous PTO.
• Mountain Perks - Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!
• Exclusive Golf Privileges - Hit the greens with complimentary golfing at our two championship golf courses.
• Exclusive Discounts - Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge.
• Work with Friends - Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.
• Flexible Scheduling - We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, but some evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge.
• And More! - Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota. Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota's Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Summer is filled with world-class golf, plus mountain biking, water recreation and more. Winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking and endless miles of snowmobile trails to explore, plus dining, shopping and much more. Spring and fall seasons are the perfect transitions to the next season of outdoor adventure.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.