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 Assistant Manager, Lift Operations is responsible for supporting the daily operation of lifts, ticket and pass verification, frontline guest service, and Lift Operations team performance throughout the winter season. This position provides direct leadership to Lift Operations Supervisors and frontline employees while partnering closely with Lift Maintenance, Ski Patrol, Guest Services, and Mountain Operations leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and guest-focused operations. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in hiring, onboarding, training, employee development, staffing strategy, budget oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $52,000.00 - $65,433.00
- Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: No
Job Responsibilities:
Leadership & Employee Development
- Lead, coach, and develop Lift Operations Supervisors and frontline employees.
- Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and retain seasonal team members.
- Ensure employees receive the training, resources, and support needed to succeed.
- Identify and develop future leaders within the department.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Support employee recognition, coaching, performance management, and corrective action processes.
- Partner with Human Resources and Resort Leadership on workforce planning and staffing initiatives.
Operational Leadership
- Support daily oversight of lift operations and ticket/pass verification activities.
- Ensure department standards related to safety, appearance, performance, and guest service are consistently maintained.
- Coordinate staffing plans to align labor resources with business demands.
- Assist with seasonal operational planning, including ramp-up and ramp-down activities.
- Resolve guest concerns and employee issues promptly and professionally.
- Support department goals and continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance operational efficiency and guest experience. Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Promote and model Vail Resorts' safety-first culture.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements including:
- CPTSB
- OSHA
- ANSI
- USFS
- State and local regulations
- Maintain accurate operational records, certifications, and training documentation.
- Conduct field observations to ensure compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Partner with Lift Maintenance and Resort Leadership to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks. Financial & Administrative Management
- Monitor labor expenditures and operating expenses.
- Assist with preparation and management of winter operational budgets.
- Analyze labor, staffing, and operational trends to support business decisions.
- Ensure responsible use of departmental resources and adherence to budget targets.
Training & Communication
- Coordinate departmental training and onboarding programs.
- Ensure timely and accurate communication of department, resort, and company initiatives.
- Support implementation of company best practices, leadership development programs, and operating standards.
- Maintain training records and compliance documentation.
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Develop strong working relationships with:
- Lift Maintenance
- Ski Patrol
- Snowmaking
- Grooming
- Guest Services
- Product Sales & Services
- Resort Leadership
- Participate in resort-wide operationalplanning and readiness activities.
- Support special projects and other duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 3 years of Lift Operations experience
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience
- Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record
- Advanced skiing or snowboarding ability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operating environment
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and variable schedules as business demands require
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work outdoors in varying winter weather conditions for extended periods
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Vail Resorts systems and operational processes
- Experience with scheduling, payroll, purchasing, and workforce management systems
- Experience working in a KPI-driven operational environment
- Budgeting and labor management experience
- Experience developing training, onboarding, and leadership development programs
- Bachelor's Degree or additional post-secondary education
- 5+ years of ski resort operations experience
The expected pay range is $52,000.00 - $65,433.00. 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 516270
Reference Date: 07/30/2026
Job Code Function: Lift Experience
