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Winter Lift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Team Lead Lift Operations

Newbury, NH · On-site

... extend employment into the winter season as well, in a season-to-season capacity. Job ... Monitor and document scanner and lift operator performance and behavior to provide meaningful ...

Southwire Company LLC

Operator, Coiler

Denton, TX · On-site

$28.85 - $31.52/hr

Inform the lift operator of the supplies that will be needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly work ... Exposed to cold in winter and heat in summer. * Job requires a large percentage (95%) of standing ...

Southwire Company LLC

Operator, Coiler

Denton, TX · On-site

$28.85 - $31.52/hr

Inform the lift operator of the supplies that will be needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly work ... Exposed to cold in winter and heat in summer. * Job requires a large percentage (95%) of standing ...

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How much do winter lift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for winter lift operator in the United States is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Winter Lift Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Winter Lift Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ski lift machinery, two-way radios, and safety equipment is typically required, and some resorts may prefer CPR or first aid certification. Excellent customer service, strong attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure passenger safety, efficient lift operations, and a positive guest experience in challenging winter conditions.

What are some typical challenges Winter Lift Operators face during the ski season, and how can they prepare for them?

Winter Lift Operators often work in cold, snowy, and sometimes rapidly changing weather conditions, which can pose physical and mental challenges. They must remain alert for long periods to ensure the safety of guests and handle any equipment malfunctions or emergency situations calmly and efficiently. To prepare, operators should dress in proper layered winter gear, stay informed about safety protocols, and develop strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and guests. Staying proactive and adaptable helps make the role both safe and rewarding.

What is the difference between Winter Lift Operator vs Ski Lift Technician?

AspectWinter Lift OperatorSki Lift Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, sometimes first aidTechnical certifications, electrical or mechanical training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, cold weather, on the lift or at stationsIndoor/outdoor, maintenance and repair of lifts
Employer & IndustryResorts, ski areas, winter recreationResorts, ski areas, specialized lift maintenance

Winter Lift Operators primarily operate and monitor ski lifts in outdoor winter conditions, focusing on guest safety and lift operation. Ski Lift Technicians perform maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of lift systems, requiring technical skills and certifications. While both roles work in ski resorts and outdoor environments, Lift Technicians have a more technical focus, whereas Operators handle daily lift operation and guest assistance.

What are Winter Lift Operators?

Winter Lift Operators are staff members who operate and monitor ski lifts at ski resorts during the winter season. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring the safe loading and unloading of passengers, maintaining the efficient operation of lift machinery, and providing assistance or information to skiers and snowboarders. They also perform routine safety checks and may help clear snow or ice from loading and unloading areas. This role requires a strong focus on safety, good communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in cold conditions.
More about Winter Lift Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Winter Lift Operator jobs? Cities with the most Winter Lift Operator job openings:
What states have the most Winter Lift Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Winter Lift Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Winter Lift Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Winter Lift Operator jobs are:
Winter Lift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Winter Lift Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,182 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Team Lead Lift Operations

Mount Sunapee Resort

Newbury, NH

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 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 June 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. Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts, and our Lift Experience Team is no exception to this experience of a lifetime. As a Lift Operations Team Lead, you will be responsible for the safe operation of resort lifts, oversee employees in the Lift Experience Team, while being courteous and efficient guest service champions with a proven ability to lead. The position being hired is for a summer seasonal role beginning immediately with the intention to extend employment into the winter season as well, in a season-to-season capacity.
 
 
Job Specifications:
  • Starting Wage: $ 23.00/hr - $ 24.73/hr
  • Employment Type: Summer Seasonal 2026
  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available
  • Skill Level: Team Lead
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
  • Housing Availability: No
 
Job Responsibilities:
  • Lead daily operations of resort lifts such as scheduling staff and procedures for opening and closing lifts
  • Assist with hiring, support, and training of operators and scanners in daily operations and safety
  • Monitor and document scanner and lift operator performance and behavior to provide meaningful feedback and direction, providing recognition or correction action if necessary
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of and enforce all applicable laws, policies, and procedures to ensure the safety of all guests
  • Work closely with ski patrol, mountain safety, lift maintenance, and lift electric to assist and resolve any problems that may arise on the mountain
  • Promote clean and organized workstations
  • Receive and assess guest questions, comments and complaints providing timely resolutions
  • A Team Lead Lift Operator is a flexible employee within the Lift Experience department who takes on additional training to support ticket scanning
  • Other duties as assigned
 
Job Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required
  • 1-2 years of previous lift or mountain operations experience required
  • Must be physically capable of assisting guests while loading lifts; may lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather, standing and moving for entire shift on potentially slippery or uneven surfaces.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends

The expected pay range is $ 23.00/hr - $ 24.73/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  514806
Reference Date: 05/08/2026 
Job Code Function: Lift Operations  

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