Culinary Manager/Chef - Zephyr Lodge

Job Description

Job Description

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:
Zephyr Lodge is an on-mountain location at 8,000 feet elevation, just is a few steps from the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift. The Culinary Manager/Chef position for this location specifically, is a dynamic role requiring a well-rounded and experienced chef with proficient management skills. Each Winter season, guest experience Asian Fusion inspired rice and ramen menu items, along with some core lodge classics, at this high-volume, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). Our business model changes each Summer season as we flip operations to a weddings, banquets and events. Zephyr Lodge is where Northstar CA hosts primarily weddings and corporate events. Culinary skillset including experience with international cuisines, banquet service and plated service standards is preferred. 

The Culinary Manager/Chef is responsible for the overall quality of food, presentation and service at the Zephyr Lodge for our Banquet Events/Wedding Summer Season at Northstar California. Assist with management of kichen environment in a banquet event and wedding season at our location on mountain. Familiarity and experience with Banquet Event Order sand wedding/events preferred. Ensure staff provides guests with a pleasant dining experience for their special event/day. Assist GM with scheduling, time and labor, ordering, inventory, training, performance management, event preparation and execution, etc.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $27.00/hr -$30.00/hr
• Employment Type: Year Round 
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age 
• Housing Availability: Yes  

Job Responsibilities:

• Proficient in all positions in the kitchen, with an in-depth knowledge of culinary techniques
• Capable of creating a motivating atmosphere and a cohesive team environment
• Responsible for training, supervision and effective communication of standards to all direct reports
• Ensures entire outlet operates under HACCP guidelines and adheres to Serve Safe Culinary Guidelines such as food handling, stock rotation (FIFO), sanitation, labeling and dating
• Maintains a current SDS book and accessibility, along with proper staff training on how to use it.
• Assist GM with staff scheduling, ensuring labor budget is met, assigns team duties, breaks and makes adjustments to reflect business volume
• Sets the example. Ensures all staff are promoting a professional work environment by upholding proper grooming and uniform standards, following all food safety and HACCP guidelines, displaying a positive, professional attitude and language in all situations, being prepared by anticipating business levels, and keeping a clean, safe work area
• Follows through on all disciplinary actions with proper documentation, training and guidance in a positive, professional manner.
• Responsible for ordering/receiving, cost transfers, creating order guides and inventory control of all food, beverages, supplies, etc. purchased for the entire building
• Conducts routine line checks and maintains food quality of all food served and produced
• Assist GM with hiring and retaining all food service personnel
• Effectively communicates standards
• Leads the kitchen team in maintaining proper condition and cleanliness of kitchen and equipment, ensuring proper safety and sanitation levels are met, immediately follows up on any malfunctioning equipment.
• Works with restaurant management team to complete monthly food safety audit
• Assists in the creation, usage, and follow through of prep lists, cleaning lists and closing lists
• Adheres and upholds Vail resorts policies, procedures and operating standards
• Ensures all recipes are adhered to and are produced consistently and safely
• Monitors food portioning, preparation and waste to control COG’s
• Utilizes Avero reports to help predict daily business volumes and prep levels
• Exhibits a professional demeanor through appearance and by maintaining a positive attitude towards all employees and guests
• Performs monthly inventories to ensure that all products are accurately counted and recorded.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Education: Culinary Degree Preferred; not required
• Work Experience: Minimum 2 years in restaurant/culinary management experience and/or banquets and events preferred 
• Supervisory Experience: Minimum 3 years of direct management experience
• Computer Skills: Purchasing Systems, MS Office Suite, Outlook
• Preferred Skills: Advanced Culinary Skills

The expected pay range is $27.00/hr -$30.00/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  518556
Reference Date: 10/28/2026 
Job Code Function: Back of House