How to hire a ski lift operator

How to hire a ski lift operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step ski lift operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a ski lift operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new ski lift operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The ski lift operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a ski lift operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a ski lift operator that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of ski lift operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Ski Lift Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Ski Lift Operator		$11-20
   Gate Attendant	A gate attendant works at an airport and ensures that flight schedules are respected. Their duties may include signing visitors in and giving them directions... Show more	$10-17
   Recreation Attendant	Recreation attendants assist instructors and visitors with various recreational activities. The basic duties of the position involve monitoring the front desk of recreation centers and usage of its facilities, making for a vital component of its operations... Show more	$6-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Customer Safety
   • Ski Lifts
   • Lift Operations
   • Snow Removal
   • Emergency Situations
   • Safety Checks
   • Safety Procedures
   • Crowd Control
   • Greeting Guests
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Guest Safety
   • RAN
   • Customer Satisfaction

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
   • Practice and successfully attempt CPR and emergency procedures.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your ski lift operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A ski lift operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, ski lift operators' average salary in alabama is 44% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level ski lift operators 43% less than senior-level ski lift operators.
   • Certifications. A ski lift operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a ski lift operator's salary.

   Average ski lift operator salary

   $15.34hourly

   $31,907 yearly

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   Entry-level ski lift operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a ski lift operator job description

   A ski lift operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a ski lift operator job description:

   Ski lift operator job description example

   Must interact with guests in a safe, friendly, and positive manner. Tolerable of working outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather conditions. Considered applicants must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

   This is Seasonal Full Time or Part Time positions. Position will begin late November/early December and will end mid-March

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

   Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and capable to stand for extended periods of time.

   SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES

   • Report to work on time for all scheduled shifts.
   • Must be in uniform when on duty.
   • “Lead by example” for a safe work environment.
   • Follow all opening, closing, and daily operating procedures.
   • Greet guests in a friendly manner.
   • Advise and assist passengers as required.
   • Maintain an orderly passenger traffic flow in a safe manner.
   • Maintain surveillance of work area and adhere to ANSI B-77 code.
   • Keep work area neat and clean.
   • Must follow policies and procedures outlined in the Wintergreen Handbook and departmental training.
   • Able to take on additional tasks and assignments assigned by the manager.

   BENEFITS OF WORKING AT WINTERGREEN:

   Wintergreen Resort is a place for mountain lovers, adventure seekers and outdoor explorers. A place to chase new experiences, marvel at the unexpected, and build new relationships that will keep you coming back for more. We work to play! We work in a fun-filled, beautiful resort setting and have a competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefit portfolio for full time associates: (medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurances as well as Paid Time Off and a 401K plan). Our unique recreational benefit package offers associates free and/or discounted resort activities, services and products.

   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

   We have many fantastic opportunities available from our spectacular, sweeping mountain slopes to our beautiful valley and lake. If this position isn’t quite what you are looking for, please visit our career page for even more open positions: Wintergreen Resort: Premier Blue Ridge Mountain Ski, Golf, Tennis, Spa and Family Vacation Resort in Virginia

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find ski lift operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your ski lift operator job on Zippia to find and recruit ski lift operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit ski lift operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new ski lift operator

   Once you've found the ski lift operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new ski lift operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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