
Where Family Fun Begins!
Lift Operator – Cataloochee Ski Area (Maggie Valley, NC)
Seasonal | Outdoor | Guest-Facing | Team-Oriented
đźš Love the Mountains? Make Them Your Office!
Join the team at Cataloochee Ski Area and turn your passion for the outdoors into a rewarding seasonal job! As a Lift Operator, you’ll be at the center of the action, helping guests get safely up the mountain while enjoying breathtaking views, fresh air, and a fun, fast-paced work environment. If you’re friendly, energetic, and ready to make every ride a great one, we want to meet you!
OVERVIEW:
Lift operators operate an assigned chairlift in accordance with standard procedures and written or verbal instructions to provide safe and quality uphill transport for guests and employees. He/She shall uphold an excellent, positive, and caring professional image and continually strive to exceed our guests’ expectations.Â
Lift operators operate an assigned chairlift in accordance with standard procedures and written or verbal instructions to provide safe and quality uphill transport for guests and employees. He/She shall uphold an excellent, positive, and caring professional image and continually strive to exceed our guests’ expectations.Â
What You’ll Do:
- Greet guests with a smile and assist them in safely loading/unloading chairlifts and carpet lifts
- Educate guests on lift safety and proper procedures
- Maintain snow and staging areas around lifts (shoveling, raking, etc.)
- Perform daily lift inspections and complete logs
- Retrieve equipment and assist other departments as needed
- Help train new team members and support a positive work culture
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Friendly, outgoing personality with a passion for guest service
- Ability to work outdoors in cold, snowy conditions
- Strong communication and multitasking skills
- Safety-conscious and detail-oriented
- Team player with a positive attitude
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:Â
- Able to communicate expectations well
- Aware of the importance of high-quality guest service
- Must be able to follow written and verbal directions
- Ability to work with your hands
- Safety consciousÂ
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work in a mobile capacity, supervising activities indoors and out. Working in and around a chairlift or carpet lift with snowmaking equipment in cold and often inclement conditions. Â
- Must be able to hear and speak clearly to communicate via radios and telephones
- May include: climbing, hiking, pushing, pulling, kneeling, sitting, standing
- May require lifting of 50 or more pounds
🎉 Why Work at Cataloochee?
- Work in a beautiful mountain setting
- Complimentary Slope-Pass & Lessons
- Ski Area Discounts
- Be part of a supportive, energetic team
- Make a real impact on guests’ experiences
- Learn new skills and grow professionally
- Enjoy a dynamic, outdoor work environment
Due to the sensitive nature of this position, a criminal background check will be conducted after the position is accepted. This background check will be done in accordance with standards enacted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. Other jobs will be assigned as needed that may be outside this description. With the evolution of Phoenix Ski Corporation, the responsibilities of this position may change. The job requires the ability to accept new responsibilities and transfer others.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. Other jobs will be assigned as needed that may be outside this description. With the evolution of Phoenix Ski Corporation, the responsibilities of this position may change. The job requires the ability to accept new responsibilities and transfer others.
Compensation: $15.00 - $15.50 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Discover Winter Adventure at Cataloochee Ski Area
Welcome to Cataloochee Ski Area – Where Work Meets the Mountain Lifestyle
Perched in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Cataloochee Ski Area has been a winter tradition since 1961 and is proud to be the first ski area in the state. With stunning mountain views, a welcoming atmosphere, and a passion for snow sports, we’ve built a reputation for combining southern hospitality with mountain adventure.
Our mountain has something for everyone:
- 18 scenic, expertly groomed slopes for all ability levels
- A brand-new quad ski lift to move more skiers and riders up the mountain, faster
- A dynamic freestyle terrain park for adrenaline lovers
- A fully equipped rental department to get guests slope-ready
- A comprehensive Ski & Ride Center offering lessons for beginners to advanced riders
- A cozy gift and gear shop stocked with mountain essentials
- Quick and convenient cafeteria-style dining
- Beverage service to keep the good vibes flowing
- Plus, Tube World — our snow tubing park is just minutes from the base area!
At Cataloochee Ski Area, our mission is simple: deliver unforgettable experiences for every guest, every day. From first-time skiers to lifelong passholders, we take pride in creating moments that keep people coming back season after season. That level of service comes from the heart of our operation — our team.
Why Work at Cataloochee?
- Be part of a tight-knit, family-oriented team that values fun, collaboration, and professionalism.
- Enjoy perks like a free season pass, discounts on rentals and lessons, and the chance to spend your days surrounded by fresh mountain air.
- Gain valuable experience in hospitality, customer service, and outdoor recreation — all in a high-energy, team-focused environment.
- Play an active role in carrying forward a legacy of customer service excellence while helping create unforgettable mountain memories for our guests.
Each winter, Cataloochee comes alive with energy, adventure, and camaraderie. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, high-spirited environment where fun is always part of the job. Though the season lasts just over four months, the memories and friendships built here last much longer.
Whether you're seeking a seasonal adventure or a pathway into the outdoor recreation industry, Cataloochee Ski Area offers more than a job—it’s an experience.Â
👉 Join us this winter and make your season unforgettable — both on and off the slopes.
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Competitive Pay
Flexible Scheduling
Season Pass
Partner Area Pass Discounts
Complimentary Lessons
Rental Equipment Discounts
Food Discounts
Retail Discounts
Complimentary Tubing







