Ever wonder what it might be like to be a first season Lift Operator at Deer Valley?

Me, too — and I was one.

This week sixty eight new Lift Operators begin their 2012-13 winter season the ones you’ll be seeing all day long and just might get to know on a first-name basis if you happen to ski a favorite lift most days.

My first year as a Lift Operator was back in 1990-1991. I was planning ahead for at least three months, getting fit, begging mom and dad to help me out with buying gear, and truly, honestly nervous.

It took about five minutes during my first day of training to be A.) entirely overwhelmed with the amount of information and expectation of being part of the Deer Valley Team and B.) thoroughly excited — the thought “Coolest Job Ever” kept running through my mind.

How many times I’ve had people say to me: “Nice Office” as they get off the chair at the top shack, I’ve lost count, but each time I smile and say: “Absolutely, can’t beat the view.”

I’m sure these new Lift Operators will share much of these same sentiments, and I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know them as you ski through the lift lines this season.

I guess I do remember what it’s like to be a first year Operator. Some memories are just too good.

Cheers,

Shytei Corellian, still a very excited Deer Valley Team Member

This season, 68 new lift operators started training this week.  With 21 chairlifts, Lift Operators are an essential piece of running Deer Valley Resort.  A week-long training program, with both classroom and on-site training, prepares Lift Operators from interacting with guests to safely operating chairlifts.