Director, Base Area Experience

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free Epic pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons

• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• Excellent training and professional development

• Referral Program

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)

• Free ski passes for dependents

• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Job Summary

The Director of Base Experience at Kirkwood Mountain Resort is responsible for oversight, management, and leadership of all aspects of base operations, including but not limited to Parking, Transportation, Village Grounds, Public Safety, Building Maintenance, Ticket/Pass Offices, and other resort support departments, such as uniforms and resort signage. This role ensures seamless guest experiences from arrival through departure and serves as a key liaison between the resort, enterprise, and community.

As a senior leader, this position drives talent development, team performance, business results, and strategic direction for all Base Experience lines of business. The ideal candidate has senior-level operations management experience, proven ability to lead complex teams across multiple locations, and excels in strategic vision and solution-oriented thinking. This role also includes active participation and leadership on Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and community boards, strengthening relationships and aligning resort priorities with community interests.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $100,000 - $130,000 + annual bonus + equity

• Employment Type: Year Round

• Shift Type: Full Time hours

• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age

• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Direct and monitor all aspects of Base Experience to ensure exceptional guest service, safety, and alignment with resort and company goals.

• Develop and execute departmental strategies, revenue generation plans, and maintain a 5-year capital plan.

• Partner with enterprise-wide Base Experience Directors to implement Vail Resorts SOPs and best practices for consistent guest service.

Community Engagement

• Represent the resort on HOAs and community boards, fostering collaboration and alignment on shared priorities.

• Build strong relationships with community stakeholders to support resort initiatives and enhance guest and homeowner experiences.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee Parking, Transportation, Village Grounds, Public Safety, Building Maintenance, Ticket/Pass Offices, Uniforms, and Signage.

• Ensure financial performance meets or exceeds budget targets.

• Champion sustainability initiatives, including recycling and environmental stewardship.

Talent Development

• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team aligned with company culture and priorities.

• Drive workforce engagement, safety programs, and leadership development through feedback, stretch projects, and cross-functional opportunities.

Guest Experience

• Ensure consistent, exceptional service across all guest touchpoints from pre-arrival to departure.

• Lead Managers and Supervisors to set clear expectations for service quality and safety.

Job Requirements

• College degree or equivalent work experience.

• Proven senior leadership experience in multi-location operations.

• Strong business and financial acumen.

• High emotional intelligence and ability to lead through change.

• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to partner at a senior leadership level and engage effectively with community boards and HOAs.

The expected pay range is $100,000 - $130,000 + annual bonus + equity. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 518059

Reference Date: 10/01/2026

Job Code Function: Base Area Ops