Ski tour operators are professionals in the travel industry who organize ski vacations for clients.
Ski operators perform a number of roles to keep a ski resort running smoothly and to ensure a good experience for all guests. Lift operators operate and maintain the lift and make sure each skier gets on and off the lift chairs safely. They also verify each skier’s purchased ticket. Ski tour operators are responsible for arranging a ski vacation at a particular lodge or ski resort, and often sell packages that include accommodation, ski lessons, and lift tickets. A ski area owner typically oversees a team of ski operators and makes the final decisions about resort operations.
Ski operators make sure the slopes are safe for skiers.
Many ski operators get their first jobs at ski resorts as lift attendants. They are normally hired for this seasonal role at the start of each ski season, and their main responsibility is to keep the cable car running to take skiers to the top of each slope. Although many elevators are automated with simple buttons, some previous experience operating machinery may be helpful. The number of lifts rented generally depends on the number of slopes in a given ski resort. Depending on the size of a resort, a ski lift attendant may also have other duties, such as operating a snow machine to keep the snow fresh on each of the ski slopes.
Ski skills are essential to work in a ski area.
Some ski operators have supervisory positions and supervise teams of lift operators and slope maintenance workers. They are typically responsible for training new hires and ensuring elevators are operated in accordance with all safety procedures. Supervisors are also often the first contacts for customer questions and concerns, and are often responsible for arranging for timely repairs when one of the elevators breaks down.
Ski operators make sure skiers get in and out of lift chairs safely.
Ski tour operators are professionals in the travel industry who organize ski vacations for clients. Some may be employed by a particular ski lodge, while others work for a separate travel agency. Their most common tasks include booking ski lodges and scheduling activities for guests, such as ski or snowboard lessons. Tour operators often sell these types of ski vacation packages at a lower price than customers would pay if they paid for accommodation and activities separately.
Many ski area owners started out as ski operators and decided to open their own businesses. Some small ski lodges may be owned by an individual or a family, although most larger resorts have groups of owners. Ski area owners often plan and implement new ideas to increase the number of annual visitors to their resorts. Many of the larger resort owners work with public relations teams and tourism experts to achieve these goals.