Vail Resorts

Director, Base Area Experience

Vail Resorts • $100K — $130K *
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 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.

Responsibilities

  • Direct and monitor all aspects of Base Experience to ensure exceptional guest service and safety.
  • Develop and execute departmental strategies and revenue generation plans.
  • Partner with Base Experience Directors to implement Vail Resorts SOPs for consistent guest service.
  • Represent the resort on HOAs and community boards to foster collaboration.
  • Build strong relationships with community stakeholders to support resort initiatives.
  • Oversee various operational departments including Parking and Public Safety.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives and ensure financial performance meets budget targets.

Benefits

  • Housing availability for employees.
  • Opportunities for annual bonuses and equity participation.
  • Year-round employment with full-time hours.
  • Engagement in community initiatives and leadership development programs.
Full Job Description
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.

Requisition ID 518059
Reference Date: 10/01/2026
Job Code Function: Base Area Ops

About Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts is a mountain resort company that operates ski resorts and hotels in North America. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado. Vail Resorts' ski resorts include Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Okemo, Mount Sunapee, and Whistler Blackcomb. The company also operates hotels and other lodging properties in these locations. Vail Resorts has a market capitalization of over $10 billion and generated over $2 billion in revenue in 2020.
Learn more about Vail Resorts
Size
6,100 employees
Market Cap
$9.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$7 million
Founded
1992
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$1.5 billion
NASDAQ

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