20 Vail Resorts Interview Questions and Answers

Vail Resorts is one of the largest ski resort operators in the world, so it’s no surprise that they receive a lot of applications for their open positions. If you’re hoping to land a job with Vail Resorts, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Vail Resorts interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Vail Resorts Interview Process

The interview process at Vail Resorts can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like Ski Instructors and Lift Operators, the process is relatively quick and straightforward. For other positions, like Senior Marketing Manager, the process can be much longer, with multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with most interviewers being friendly and helpful. However, some candidates have reported feeling ghosted after the interview process, with no communication from the company about whether or not they got the job.

1. Why do you want to work at Vail Resorts?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know that you have done some research on the organization and are excited about working there. When preparing for this question, make sure to read through the job description and highlight any aspects of the role that excite you. Consider also reading reviews online from current employees to get an idea of what it’s like to work at Vail Resorts.

Example: “I am very interested in working for Vail Resorts because I love skiing and snowboarding. I’ve been going to Vail Mountain since I was a kid, so I’m really excited about the opportunity to work here. I think my experience as a ski instructor would be a valuable asset to the team.”

2. What is your experience working with children?

Vail Resorts offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including skiing and snowboarding lessons for children. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with children and how you interact with them. Use examples from previous jobs or volunteer experiences that show your ability to work with kids and keep them safe.

Example: “I have worked as a ski instructor at a local resort for the past five years. I love teaching kids because they are so eager to learn new things. In my role, I teach children ages six through twelve how to ski and snowboard. I also help parents understand the basics of skiing and snowboarding so they can enjoy the slopes with their families.”

3. If hired, what would be your approach to teaching skiing lessons?

This question is an opportunity to show your teaching skills and how you can help others learn new things. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill that you would teach or the steps you would take when teaching someone to ski.

Example: “I believe in breaking down skiing into smaller parts so students can understand each step before moving on to the next one. I also think it’s important to make lessons fun for students by incorporating games and activities that relate to what we’re learning. For example, if we were talking about turns, I might ask them to pretend they are animals who turn as part of their natural movement.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an upset customer or guest. How did you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and customer service skills.

Example: “In my previous role as a ski instructor, I had a guest who was upset because they didn’t get to ski with me that day. The guest wanted to know why I wasn’t teaching their lesson, but I explained that I was covering for another instructor who couldn’t make it in that day. The guest understood, but asked if I could teach them the next time I was on duty. I agreed and made sure to keep track of when I would be working so I could plan ahead.”

5. Provide an example of a time where you worked as part of a team and how it contributed to the overall success of the project or company.

Teamwork is an important skill to have as a resort employee. Employers ask this question to see if you are able to work well with others and how your team skills can benefit their company. When answering, try to focus on the positive aspects of working in a team and highlight any specific skills or abilities that helped you succeed.

Example: “In my previous role, I worked as part of a large marketing team. We had weekly meetings where we discussed our progress and what we needed from each other. This allowed us to collaborate and share ideas for projects. It also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills from my colleagues.”

6. Do you have any additional certifications that you are currently pursuing?

This question is a great way to gauge your commitment to professional development. If you have additional certifications, be sure to mention them and briefly explain what they are and how they benefit the company.

Example: “I am currently pursuing my Certified Ski Instructor certification through the Professional Ski Instructors of America. This certification requires me to complete an online exam that tests my knowledge of skiing techniques and safety procedures. I believe this certification will help me better serve guests at Vail Resorts because it shows my dedication to learning more about the sport and improving my skills as a ski instructor.”

7. How do you think technology has impacted the way we market products today?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of the marketing industry and how you can apply it to your work. Use examples from your previous experience that show how technology has helped you market products or services in ways that were not possible before.

Example: “Technology has completely changed the way we market products today, especially when it comes to social media. In my last role as an account manager for a digital marketing agency, I worked with several clients who wanted to use social media to promote their brands. We used our expertise to create content that was engaging and relevant to each platform’s audience. This strategy led to increased engagement on all platforms and more sales for our clients.”

8. Are you comfortable learning new computer programs and software?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your comfort level with technology and how quickly you can learn new programs. Use examples from previous jobs where you had to learn a new computer program or software, including the steps you took to become proficient in using it.

Example: “In my last job as an assistant manager at a ski resort, I was responsible for managing our online booking system. At first, I found the system difficult to navigate, but after working with my IT team, we were able to create a cheat sheet of common tasks that helped me learn the system more efficiently. Now, I am comfortable learning new systems and software.”

9. We often work in teams for day-to-day operations. Describe your experience working on a team.

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific experience you had working on a team.

Example: “I have worked in the hospitality industry for five years now, and I’ve always enjoyed working as part of a team. In my last position, I was part of a large team that included servers, bartenders, cooks and other support staff. We all worked together to ensure our guests were having a great time at the restaurant. This teamwork helped us achieve many goals, including high customer satisfaction ratings.”

10. Tell me about your experience managing people.

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills. Use examples from previous jobs to show how you’ve helped employees succeed and grow their careers.

Example: “In my last role, I managed a team of five people who worked in different departments. We met weekly to discuss our goals for the week and any challenges we faced. This allowed us to collaborate on projects and support each other when needed. It also gave me an opportunity to learn more about what they did and how I could better support them. As a result, I was able to create a more efficient workflow that benefited everyone.”

11. Which shift would you prefer to work?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your flexibility. They want to know that you are willing to work any shift, including weekends and holidays if necessary. Your answer should include all of the shifts you’re comfortable working.

Example: “I am happy to work any shift as long as I get enough time off in between. However, I prefer to work days because it’s easier for me to be on-call with my family during the day. I also like working nights because I find it more enjoyable than being at work all day.”

12. In what areas do you feel like you need improvement?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and willingness to improve. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention a skill you want to develop or an area where you feel like you need improvement but are actively working on improving it.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my communication skills with employees and customers. I have taken several courses in public speaking and customer service that have helped me become more confident when presenting information to large groups of people and communicating with customers who may be upset about something. I also think there is room for improvement in my time management skills. I am currently taking a course online that focuses on time management and organization.”

13. Give us an example of a time where you went above and beyond for one of our guests.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a guest or coworker.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a regular client who was very particular about the quality of his food. He would often call in advance to make sure that he received exactly what he wanted. One day, he called me before lunch to let me know that he wasn’t happy with his breakfast. I immediately got in touch with our chef to find out what happened. The chef told me that they were aware of the issue and were already working on fixing it. I then personally delivered the new meal to him myself.”

14. What is your ski level certification?

This question is a great way to see if you are qualified for the position. If you have no certification, it’s okay to say that you’re an intermediate skier or snowboarder. You can also mention any other certifications you may have such as first aid or CPR.

Example: “I am a level four ski instructor and I have my CPR certification.”

15. How often do you check the weather forecast?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you enjoy outdoor activities and whether you’re likely to be able to work in a seasonal environment. Your answer should show that you are willing to adapt to changing weather conditions and have experience doing so.

Example: “I check the forecast every morning before I leave for work, as well as throughout the day if there’s any chance of bad weather. In my last position, we had several days where it was sunny in the morning but snowed by lunchtime. We were able to adjust our staffing levels based on the forecasts, which helped us ensure guests could still get out on the slopes.”

16. Skiing can be dangerous. Have you ever dealt with someone getting injured while on the job?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle stressful situations. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “Yes, I have had to deal with this situation before. One time, while working at a ski resort, an older gentleman fell on the slopes. He was unable to get up by himself, so we called for medical assistance. While waiting for them to arrive, I helped him sit upright and made sure he was comfortable. When the paramedics arrived, they were able to take over from there.”

17. What special skills do you bring to the table?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities that make you a strong candidate for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “I have excellent customer service skills, which I developed through my previous role as a ski instructor. In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that all guests had a positive experience on the mountain. This included helping them with their equipment, teaching them how to use the lifts and assisting them when they fell. My communication skills also helped me in this role because I needed to clearly explain safety procedures to my students.”

18. Tell me about a time when something didn’t go according to plan, how did you handle it?

Employers ask this question to see how you respond to challenges. They want to know that you can take responsibility for your actions and learn from mistakes. When answering, be honest about what happened and explain how you fixed the problem or learned from it.

Example: “When I was working as a ski instructor, one day we had an unexpected snowstorm. The resort closed early because of safety concerns, but I didn’t get the message until later in my shift. I immediately told all of my students that we were closing early and helped them with their equipment. I also made sure they understood when they could come back to ski again. In the future, I would make sure to check messages more frequently so I knew about any closures.”

19. Do you speak more than one language?

This question is often asked to determine your communication skills. If you speak more than one language, the interviewer wants to know if you can use those languages in a work setting. Use this opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate with others who don’t speak English.

Example: “I grew up speaking Spanish at home and learned English in school. I am fluent in both languages, but my Spanish is stronger. In my previous role as an assistant manager, I used my Spanish skills to help our Spanish-speaking guests. They were always appreciative of my efforts to communicate with them.”

20. We offer many different types of lift passes. Can you tell me some of the differences between them?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of lift passes offered by Vail Resorts. You can use this opportunity to show that you know how each pass works and what its benefits are.

Example: “There are three main types of lift passes at Vail Resorts. The Epic Pass is the most popular, as it offers unlimited access to all four resorts in Colorado and one resort in California. It also includes limited access to many other ski areas across the country. The Ikon Pass is similar to the Epic Pass but only offers access to the four resorts in Colorado. Finally, there’s the Ikon Base Pass, which only gives you access to one resort.”