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 attendanc