Executive Chef - Keystone Lodge & Spa

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 Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and execution of all culinary back of house operations at Keystone Lodge & Spa. This position oversees Bighorn Bistro & Bar, Lakeside Cafe, the full-service breakfast operation, and banquet functions. The Executive Chef ensures exceptional guest experiences through culinary excellence, financial stewardship, team development, and operational leadership.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $58,859.00 - $84,084.00
• Employment Type: Year Round 
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: Yes  

Job Responsibilities:

• Culinary leadership, menu development, recipe standardization, and quality assurance across all outlets.
• Direct day-to-day culinary operations for Bighorn Bistro & Bar, Lakeside Cafe, breakfast service, and banquet operations.
• Partner with Sales and Events teams to execute weddings, conferences, and special events.
• Manage food cost, labor cost, purchasing, inventory, and annual culinary budgets.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop high-performing culinary teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Maintain exceptional guest satisfaction through quality, consistency, and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with company policy and execution of various initiatives.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Experience leading multiple restaurant concepts and banquet operations.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in food and labor cost management.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Resort, hotel, or destination hospitality experience preferred.

Key Success Metrics

• Guest satisfaction scores
• Food and labor cost performance
• Banquet execution quality
• Team engagement and retention
• Health and safety compliance

The expected pay range is $58,859.00 - $84,084.00. 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  518665
Reference Date: 11/01/2026 
Job Code Function: Back of House