Resort Executive Chef

Crystal Mountain is the premier year-round mountain resort located in Washington state, known for being the largest ski destination in the region and an integral part of Alterra Mountain Company, which includes some of the world’s most sought-after mountain brands. Nestled in the magnificent Pacific Northwest, Crystal Mountain offers an unparalleled range of outdoor recreation activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and adventure sports in summer, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking National Forest lands and the nearby Mt. Rainier. The resort prides itself on creating a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates both nature and adventure culture. Employees and guests alike experience a unique blend of professional dedication and a shared passion for the outdoors. Crystal Mountain emphasizes empowerment, authenticity, collaboration, and purpose as core values that guide its team and operations, continuously shaping the future of mountain adventure and elevating the guest experience through high standards of service and innovation.

The position available is Resort Executive Chef, a pivotal leadership role within the Food & Beverage business unit that reports directly to the Director of Food & Beverage. This role commands responsibility over all culinary and stewarding operations throughout the resort’s multiple dining venues – both year-round and seasonal – making it a vital component for delivering exceptional guest dining experiences. The Executive Chef is instrumental in strategizing menu development, ensuring adherence to high-quality food standards and safety compliance, and optimizing labor and food costs to meet financial goals. The role also involves leading, mentoring, and developing a large team of culinary professionals, including overseeing the Executive Sous Chef and resort culinary teams. This position demands a combination of creative culinary expertise, operational acumen, and strong leadership skills to maintain excellent food quality while promoting a safety-first culture and continuous professional growth within the kitchen staff.

Beyond typical chef responsibilities, the Executive Chef at Crystal Mountain participates in resort-wide leadership meetings, integrates operational insights into strategic planning, and fosters innovation through events like food festivals and special culinary occasions. The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $125,000 annually, with eligibility for bonus incentives. Collaborating closely with the Food & Beverage leadership team, the Executive Chef helps shape memorable dining experiences that align with Crystal Mountain’s vision of adventure and community engagement. This position also requires adaptability and commitment, including the ability to ski or snowboard at an intermediate level to access various venues scattered across the mountain, demonstrating the resort’s value of deeply immersing its leadership in the unique mountain culture. Working in this role offers not only a rewarding career path but also access to an extensive range of employee perks and opportunities for growth, making it an excellent choice for culinary professionals passionate about mountain adventure and hospitality excellence.