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 Epic 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.
Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
Job 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
Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:
- Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
- Free ski passes for dependents
- Critical Illness and Accident plans
Job Summary:
The Senior Manager – Ski Lift Maintenance (Mechanical) is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, and oversight of the resort’s ski lift mechanical maintenance program. This role ensures that all aerial and surface lifts operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and manufacturer standards. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in ski lift mechanics, proven leadership abilities, and a focus on safety, team development, and operational excellence.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $90,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus
- Employment Type: Year Round
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: Yes
Job Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Management
- Provide strategic direction and oversight to the lift maintenance team, including supervisors, lead mechanics, and technicians.
- Lead workforce planning, performance management, training, and professional development initiatives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and team cohesion.
- Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable ANSI B77.1 standards, manufacturer guidelines, OSHA and CPTSB regulations, and Vail Resorts policies and procedures.
- Oversee and enforce proper documentation of inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities.
- Champion a safety-first mindset throughout the department and ensure that all team members are trained and equipped for safe work practices.
- Maintenance Operations
- Develop and oversee preventative maintenance schedules, annual maintenance plans, and long-range upgrade strategies.
- Direct and support troubleshooting, diagnostics, and mechanical repairs for all lift types.
- Ensure lift availability aligns with resort operating schedules and guest experience expectations.
- Budgeting & Resource Planning
- Develop and manage the departmental operating and capital budgets.
- Coordinate the procurement of parts, tools, and equipment and maintain accurate inventory control.
- Assist with capital project planning, including new lift installations and mechanical system upgrades.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Work cross-functionally with electrical, operations, and mountain operations departments to ensure seamless lift operations.
- Serve as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, lift manufacturers, and third-party contractors.
- Provide timely reporting and updates to resort leadership regarding lift status, safety issues, and departmental performance.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum 8–10 years of mechanical ski lift maintenance experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
- Expert-level knowledge of ski lift systems, including detachable and fixed-grip aerial lifts, surface lifts, and conveyors
- Proven experience managing large teams and complex maintenance operations
- Strong understanding of ANSI B77.1 standards, CPTSB and other relevant codes and regulations
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills
- Proficient in maintenance tracking systems and Microsoft Office suite
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Must have or ability to obtain a valid US driver’s license
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak operations
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, or related field
- Prior experience managing lift maintenance in a large-scale resort environment
- Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
- Intermediate ski/snowboard ability preferred
Working Conditions:
- Frequently works in outdoor mountain environments with exposure to extreme weather
- Requires physical agility to access lift machinery, towers, and other mechanical components
- May involve operating snowmobiles, UTVs, and other specialized vehicles
The expected pay range is $90,000 - $110,000 + annual bonus. 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 510548
Reference Date: 08/02/2025
Job Code Function: Lift Maintenance
