Ski operators perform a variety of tasks to keep a ski resort running smoothly and to ensure that each guest has a positive experience. The ski lift is operated and maintained by lift operators, who ensure that each skier enters and exits the lift chairs safely. They also check each skier’s lift ticket purchase. Ski tour operators book ski vacations at a specific ski lodge or resort, and they frequently sell package deals that include lodging, ski lessons, and lift tickets. A ski area owner is usually in charge of a team of ski operators and makes final decisions about resort operations.
Many ski resort employees begin their careers as lift attendants. They’re usually hired for this seasonal job at the start of each ski season, and their main responsibility is to keep the ski lifts running so that skiers can reach the top of each slope. Although many ski lifts are automated with simple buttons, having some prior experience operating machinery can be beneficial. The number of lift attendants hired at a ski resort is usually determined by the number of slopes available. A ski lift attendant may also have other responsibilities, such as operating a snow machine to keep fresh powder on each of the ski slopes, depending on the size of the resort.
Some ski operators work as supervisors, overseeing teams of lift attendants and slope maintenance workers. They are frequently in charge of onboarding new employees and ensuring that the ski lifts are operated in accordance with all safety procedures. Supervisors are also the first point of contact for customer questions and concerns, and they are often in charge of coordinating prompt repairs when one of the ski lifts malfunctions.
Ski tour operators are travel industry professionals who help clients plan ski vacations. Some work for a specific ski lodge, while others work for a different travel agency. Making ski lodge reservations and scheduling guest activities, such as skiing or snowboarding lessons, are two of their most common responsibilities. These types of ski vacation packages are frequently sold at a lower price than customers would pay if they paid for accommodations and activities separately.
Many ski area owners began their careers as ski operators before deciding to start their own business. Small ski lodges may be owned by a single person or a family, but most larger resorts are owned by a group of people. Owners of ski areas frequently plan and implement new ideas in order to increase the number of annual visitors to their resorts. To achieve these objectives, many resort owners work with teams of public relations and tourism experts.