Lift Operator

Make skiing and snowboarding part of your daily job! If you are passionate about having a great time outdoors in one of the most beautiful places on earth, A-Basin is the place for you. 

Tentative Start Dates for this position are: November 22, 2026, December 15, 2026, and January 5, 2027. Please indicate on your application which tentative start date works best for you. Housing may be available for Full Time staff.

WAGE: 

The base hourly pay range below represents the low and high end of Arapahoe Basin’s hourly pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to experience, education, training, location, merit system, quantity or quality of production, and responsibilities. The range listed is just one component of Arapahoe Basin’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include many region-specific benefits. 

Lift Operators are eligible for a staging program that relates to applicable pay based on experience. See below for specific details.  

Hourly pay range:   $20.00 - $22.50/hour 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Staff will be responsible for the following after classroom and in the field training and shadowing: 

• On time for scheduled shifts, dressed in uniform with snowboard/ski equipment, and ready to head to assigned work station 

• Interact positively with guests and seek to assist with any guest concerns to provide a day worth repeating and extensive snow shoveling    

• Thrive in an active, outdoor environment, consistently performing physical tasks like assisting guests, maintaining snow levels, and moving around in varied weather conditions 

• Embrace the elements, working almost exclusively outdoors in a high-alpine, snowy environment with frequent exposure to heights and machinery noise.  

• Assist guests in loading and unloading of ski lifts, including verbally coaching and physically assisting customers who have fallen down 

• Complete CPTSB (Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board) specified in-house training requirements to operate aerial tramways safely 

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards and applications upon successful completion of training 

• Knowledgeably and efficiently administer emergency procedures, including lift breakdowns, evacuation, fire, and accident reporting.  Communicate to guests, when appropriate, the status of a lift breakdown.  

• Communicate information with guests, co-workers, Ski Patrol, and other ski area personnel throughout the day 

• Maintain message board with up-to-date communication  

• Maintain a tidy and safe work area, including proper storage of tools 

• Maintain lift maze throughout the day, including ropes, snow work, and management of lanes as guest volume dictates 

• To communicate and make quick decisions, and be a source of knowledgeable information in dealing with guest needs or questions as they arise 

• Maintain clean and tidy locker room 

• Ski or snowboard safely to and from lift stations 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Demonstrates interpersonal and guest service skills  

• Ability to speak, read, and write in English 

• Must provide own ski/snowboard equipment, under layers, gloves—the company does have discounts on some brands of gear 

• Must be available weekends, holidays, and some evenings 

• Must be able to stay focused on the lift and our guests without unnecessary distractions such as the use of cell phones 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: 

• Is honest and has the highest integrity 

• Ability to show empathy 

• Sets the example for others and is above reproach 

• Has a friendly and outgoing demeanor 

• Can handle fast pace, potentially high-pressure environment 

• Is flexible with hours and days of work and is punctual.  Expectations of no conflicts with attendance. 

• Is able to work any hours of the day, any days of the week (Oct—June) 

• Is able to work through the end of the season 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent – Required 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to withstand high-altitude conditions at all times 

• Ability to ski or snowboard at an intermediate level or higher 

• Ability to use a full range of body motion: bend, twist, kneel, pull, push, and lift up to 50 lbs. 

• Ability to ascend and descend ladders 

• Ability to visually and audibly inspect for irregularities in machinery 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily- reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• You will work almost 100% of the time outside in a cold, snowy, and high-alpine environment. Noise levels of machinery can be high and exposure to heights is frequent. You will work with guests frequently on a daily basis. Riding a chairlift is required for this role.  

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Lift Operator Staging Program 

Lift Operators at A-Basin are eligible for a staging program that starts when hired and continues into employment.  

Lift Operator I: Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00/hr 

See requirements above 

Lift Operator II: Pay Range: $20.50 – $22.50/hr 

Ability to fulfill all Lift Operator 1 requirements in addition to the following: 

• Must successfully complete snowblower training 

• Must successfully complete 1 Detachable Grip Drive Terminal, 1 Fixed Grip Drive Terminal, 1 Conveyor, and 1 Rope Tow training checklists 

• Must successfully pass the Operator II Test 

• Swing and bump chairs on all lifts requiring this technique