Work Outside, Meet Great People, and Keep the Mountain Moving!

Seat: Lift Operator 

Department: Lift Operations 

Location: Resort Location (Granite Peak, Snowriver, or Lutsen Mountains) 
Reports To: Lift Operations Manager 
Status: Seasonal or Year-Round | Full-Time or Part-Time 
Regular Schedule: Weekends and holiday coverage expected 

Compensation: $18 starting

Seat Overview 

The Lift Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and guest-focused operation of assigned ski lifts. This highly guest-facing role combines safety-critical lift operation with passenger assistance, access control, and the daily upkeep of loading and unloading areas. 

Lift Operators work outdoors throughout the winter season and are expected to remain attentive and engaged in changing weather, snow, and guest conditions. Operators assist guests with loading and unloading, provide clear direction, monitor lift access and rider behavior, and communicate operational or safety concerns promptly. Through consistent execution and positive guest interactions, Lift Operators help create a safe, efficient, and enjoyable mountain experience. 

Seat Purpose 

Safely and efficiently operate assigned lifts while maintaining loading areas, supporting guest flow, and delivering a welcoming mountain experience. 

Core Accountabilities 

1. Safe Lift Operation: Operate assigned lifts in accordance with established procedures, maintaining continuous awareness of lift conditions and ensuring safe, efficient passenger loading and unloading. 

2. Operational Readiness & Inspections: Complete required pre-operation, operating, and shutdown procedures and inspections; identify and promptly report mechanical concerns, hazards, weather impacts, or other conditions affecting safe operation. 

3. Loading Areas & Guest Flow: Maintain ramps, mazes, fencing, signage, and surrounding lift areas to support safe loading and unloading, efficient skier traffic flow, and changing snow conditions throughout the day. 

4. Guest Service & Rider Assistance: Provide welcoming, attentive service by assisting guests on and off lifts, answering questions, providing clear direction, and adapting assistance to individual guest needs. 

5. Guest Safety & Conduct: Monitor rider behavior, reinforce the Skier Responsibility Code and lift-use requirements, and promptly escalate unsafe behavior, incidents, or guests requiring additional intervention. 

6. Access & Revenue Protection: Monitor lift access and pass scanning, identify suspected pass misuse or theft of services, and follow established procedures for reporting and escalation. 

7. Communication & Team Execution: Maintain clear communication with supervisors and team members, respond appropriately to operational changes and incidents, and reliably support assigned duties, training, and overall Lift Operation's needs. 

Qualifications & Competencies 

Required 

• Ability to learn and consistently follow lift operating procedures, safety requirements, and emergency protocols. 

• Strong situational awareness and ability to remain attentive in a safety-sensitive operating environment. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with guests, supervisors, and coworkers. 

• Ability to provide friendly, patient, and solution-oriented guest service. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and respond appropriately to direction and changing operational needs. 

• Ability to work a flexible seasonal schedule, including weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods. 

• Ability to meet the physical and environmental requirements of the position. 

Preferred  

• Previous guest service, outdoor recreation, ski resort, or lift operations experience. 

• Familiarity with skiing, snowboarding, or mountain resort environments. 

• Previous experience working outdoors in winter conditions. 

• Experience working in a safety-sensitive or highly guest-facing environment. 

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

• Work primarily outdoors for extended periods in winter conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, wind, precipitation, ice, and rapidly changing mountain weather. 

• Stand and remain attentive for extended periods throughout the shift. 

• Frequently walk on snow, ice, uneven surfaces, slopes, and around lift loading and unloading areas. 

• Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements associated with lift operation and passenger assistance. 

• Shovel and move snow and perform routine physical upkeep of ramps, mazes, fencing, signage, and lift areas. 

• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to perform assigned duties. 

• Safely assist guests with loading and unloading when required. 

• Maintain visual, auditory, and situational awareness in an active environment involving moving equipment and continuous guest traffic. 

• Work in proximity to operating ski lifts and other mechanical equipment while following required safety procedures. 

Work Environment & Schedule Expectations 

This is a seasonal, outdoor position supporting ski area operations. Lift Operators work in changing winter weather and snow conditions and should be prepared to spend much of each shift outdoors. 

Schedules are based on resort operating needs and may include early mornings, weekends, holidays, extended operating days, and peak visitation periods. Reliable attendance is particularly important because safe lift operation depends on appropriate staffing at each operating lift. 

Operators may rotate between lift assignments and are expected to complete required training for the equipment and responsibilities assigned to them. Participation in departmental safety training, including applicable emergency, evacuation, and unseated passenger response procedures, is required. 

Disclaimer: The statements above describe the general nature of the seat, but they are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required.