Barista
Vail Resorts · Vail · $12.14/hr (stated in the posting)
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 Coffee Barista is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality coffee, espresso beverages, teas, and other menu items while providing exceptional guest service. This role ensures a clean, organized, and welcoming coffee bar environment, maintains product quality standards, and contributes to a positive guest experience.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $12.14/hr - $16.04/hr
- If hired into a tipped position, guaranteed to make a minimum of $20/hour, inclusive of tips
- Employment Type: Year Round (10-month)
- Shift Type: Full Time and Part Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: No
Job Responsibilities:
- Greet guests promptly and professionally.
- Take food and beverage orders accurately.
- Provide recommendations and answer questions regarding menu items.
- Ensure guests receive timely and friendly service.
- Resolve guest concerns or escalate issues to management when necessary.
- Build positive relationships with regular and repeat guests.
Beverage Preparation
- Prepare espresso-based drinks, coffee beverages, teas, and specialty drinks according to established recipes and standards.
- Operate and maintain espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and brewing equipment.
- Ensure beverage presentation and quality meet company standards.
- Monitor beverage temperatures, portion sizes, and consistency.
Food Service
- Prepare and serve pastries, sandwiches, and other light food items as applicable.
- Follow food safety and sanitation standards at all times.
- Maintain product freshness and proper storage procedures.
Cash Handling and Sales
- Process guest transactions accurately using POS systems.
- Handle cash, credit card, and digital payments responsibly.
- Balance cash drawer and complete closing procedures as assigned.
- Promote specialty beverages, seasonal offerings, and upselling opportunities.
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout the shift.
- Clean coffee equipment, counters, display cases, and dining areas.
- Follow all health department regulations and company sanitation standards.
- Complete opening, closing, and side work duties.
- Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive motions.
- Capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of coffee preparation techniques and espresso equipment.
- Excellent communication and guest engagement skills.
- Strong attention to detail and quality standards.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Commitment to teamwork and hospitality excellence.
Performance Standards
- Consistently delivers exceptional guest service.
- Maintains quality and consistency of all beverages.
- Follows food safety, sanitation, and brand standards.
- Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Supports team members and contributes to a positive work environment.
Food Service & Merchandising
- Prepare and serve pastries, sandwiches, and other light food items as applicable.
- Stock and merchandise Grab & Go food items prepared by the culinary team.
- Ensure all Grab & Go products are properly labeled, dated, rotated, and displayed according to food safety standards.
- Communicate inventory needs and low-stock items to culinary and management teams.
- Maintain strict adherence to FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory rotation procedures to ensure product freshness, quality, and food safety.
- Monitor expiration dates and FFOB (First Expired, First Out/Best By Date) products to ensure items closest to expiration are sold first.
- Remove expired, damaged, or unsellable products promptly and notify management of inventory concerns.
- Maintain accurate food display levels and coordinate replenishment with the culinary team throughout the day.
- Knowledge of food safety, product dating, labeling requirements, and temperature control standards.
- Ability to maintain organized, attractive, and fully stocked Grab & Go displays while minimizing product waste.
Inventory and Organization
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs.
- Restock coffee, syrups, cups, lids, Grab & Go food items, pastries, and other supplies.
- Coordinate with the culinary team to replenish food offerings throughout the day.
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing deliveries.
- Minimize waste by following proper rotation and portion control standards.
Job Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous barista, coffee shop, food service, or hospitality experience preferred.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic math and cash handling skills.
- Ability to follow recipes and operational standards.
- Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and early mornings.
The expected pay range is $12.14/hr - $16.04/hr. 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 517376
Reference Date: 09/08/2026
Job Code Function: Front of House