Lift Operator

Seasonal Arapahoe Basin is a small ski area 60 miles west of Denver that offers big-mountain challenges and life-changing experiences for our employees and guests alike. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, A-Basin is a place where dedicated and hard-working employees have a chance to shine!

We are not your typical big-box resort, and that’s what makes the vibe here so awesome – we know you by name. The number-one reason our employees continue to work here is their incredible coworkers. Apply now to be part of The Legend!

Perks & Benefits:

• •Free season pass to Arapahoe Basin and all Alterra Resorts
• •Discounted friends & family tickets
• •Discounted Ikon Pass for all eligible employees*
• •Medical, dental, vision, life, paid parental leave, and more for eligible employees*
• •401(k) plan with generous company match
• •Ski Area discounts for Rentals, Retail, Silverthorne Rec. Center, and our food and beverage outlets
• •Discounted equipment rentals, pro-deals, and more
• •Financial assistance and mental health resources through TELUS
• •*Check out more of our perks and benefits here! (Scroll down to the “Caring for You” section)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Arapahoe Basin Lift Operators enjoy working with guests and aim to provide exceptional customer service every day. We are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, and sharing that passion with our guests. One thing is for sure: we work hard and we play hard.

As a Lift Operator, you will assist in the loading and unloading of passengers on aerial tramways, tow ropes, and surface lifts. Lift Operators are also responsible for crowd management in the lift mazes. Other responsibilities include maintaining lift areas by shoveling and raking snow, removing ice, and setting up lift mazes.

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

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions and responsibilities that an employee may be required to perform in this position. Arapahoe Basin and its affiliates reserve the right to modify, increase, decrease, suspend, and or eliminate any of the essential duties and/or the position in its entirety.

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position, however, all Arapahoe Basin positions accept applications for a minimum of 3 days from the posting date listed above. This position is open and still acceptin