Prep Cook

Vail Resorts; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski lessons

Free employee passes

Discount lift tickets

Discounts on lodging/food/gear

Retail discounts 40%

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development

Referral program

Job summary

Vail Resorts is seeking a Prep Cook for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. This winter seasonal role offers $20 per hour, with full-time hours available and housing optional.

You’ll cook and assist in a dynamic mountain kitchen, delivering a high‑value experience to guests while working with a collaborative team in a beautiful environment. No formal culinary experience is required; a willingness to learn and grow is valued.

Qualifications

• No prior formal culinary experience required.
• Desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English.

Responsibilities

• Make connections with guests and co-workers
• Prepare a range of food items in a fun, teamwork‑oriented environment
• Maintain clean and tidy workstations throughout and at the end of the workday
• Follow leadership’s guidelines as outlined during daily pre‑shift meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Job description

Prep Cook – Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Location: Kirkwood, CA, US

Shift Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/27

Hiring is on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled, whichever comes first.

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.

Employee Benefits

• Free ski and snowboard lessons and 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
• 40% retail discounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral program

Job Summary

Are you seeking fun and adventurous employment opportunities in the world’s best mountain resorts? If you want to learn the culinary side of food and beverage operation, this is the job for you. By joining the Food & Beverage team, you will develop new and varied skills in a dynamic work environment. Regardless of your specific job, you will help deliver an experience of a lifetime for our guests and fellow employees by living our core values: Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe, and Have Fun.

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $20 per hour
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/27
• Shift Type: Full time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 16 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities

• Make connections with guests and co‑workers
• Share our passion for the mountains during service
• Follow the leadership’s guidelines as outlined during the daily pre‑shift meeting
• Prepare a range of food items in a fun, teamwork‑oriented environment
• Maintain clean and tidy workstations throughout and at the end of the workday
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• We will teach you all necessary skills to be able to execute your job safely; no formal experience is needed
• Desire to learn and grow
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, to bend, lift and carry objects up to 40 lbs

The expected pay range is $20 per hour. 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 for 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: 515602

Reference Date: 07/14/2026

Job Code Function: Back of House

Nearest Major Market: California