Experienced Cook

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ski pass

Employee discounts

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Training & development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts, Inc. is hiring Cooks for the 2026/2027 winter season at our mountain locations. Starting wage is $21.25 per hour, with a range up to $26.57/hr. This is a winter seasonal, full-time shift with housing available.

You’ll support kitchen operations, ensure food safety and cleanliness, prep ingredients, and assist the Chef to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Benefits include free ski passes, employee discounts, 401(k), training, and referral incentives.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or certification preferred.
• 1–2 years of relevant kitchen exp; supervisory kitchen exp preferred.
• ServSafe certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Understand use and operation of kitchen equipment and train other staff.
• Adhere to standards for facility and food prep, cleanliness and sanitation.
• Maintain knowledge of current menu items and ingredients.
• Prep ingredients and maintain par levels to minimize waste.
• Maintain inventory and monitor food waste for reporting.

Skills

Culinary skills

Teamwork

English fluency

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Job description

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 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.

Service is the foundation of everything we stand for at Vail Resorts and our Cooks are no exception to this experience of a lifetime. Cooks are an integral part of the culinary staff responsible for assisting the kitchen alongside the Chef, promoting teamwork among staff, and maintaining food quality and safety to ensure an exceptional dining experience for our guests.

Employee 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

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $21.25/hr - $26.57/hr
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities

• Understand the use and operation of kitchen equipment, tools, and accessories for use and training other kitchen staff.
• Adhere to and enforce applicable standards for facility and food preparation, cleanliness, and sanitation to ensure a high-quality work environment and guest experience.
• Maintain knowledge of current menu items and their ingredients.
• Prep ingredients and maintain par levels for demand to minimize waste.
• Maintain inventory of ingredients using a first in first out method and monitor food waste for reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Culinary degree or certification preferred.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience; supervisory kitchen experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, practices, and food safety; ServSafe certifications a plus.
• Ability to stand and walk continuously for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work well and communicate with others in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English.

The expected pay range is$21.25/hr - $26.57/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.