At Vail Resorts, our core values guide and ground us and our work. Last winter, more than 1,000 team members were recognized for putting service-based leadership into action. Twenty-five team members were recognized as Epic Service winners for their emotional intelligence, inclusivity and operational excellence. Now, we’re excited to tell their stories throughout the winter season.
Meet Emily – She works as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin and for the past six years, has been known for her contagious, fun attitude. Emily was nominated by Donna, her teammate, for the experience she creates for each Epic for Everyone participant. Donna said, “Emily creates personalized bags with handwritten well-wishes on the lunches for each participant. She has added delightful menu items to each group’s lunch, just to add sweetness to their day. She has received overwhelming praise from the group leaders and youth participants for her extraordinary service and added element of fun. She does all this just to warm the hearts of our guests and make their day even more memorable.” Great work, Emily!
Epic Insider: What do you love the most about your job?
Emily: Feeding the hungry guests who range from kids and first-time skiers to lifetime enthusiasts. I love seeing those kids come through our line with their rosy cheeks. They look exhausted, but the minute you ask, “how’s it going out there?”, they start to perk up and you get the most animated story about how they flew down the mountain! I get to refuel them so they can go back out and do it all over again.
Epic Insider: What are you most excited about for the 2023-24 winter season?
Emily: Seeing the Epic for Everyone and the SOS Outreach groups. I hope the same kids stuck with [skiing] and come back. I love working with them.
Epic Insider: How would you describe your experience on the Epic Service trip to Vail Mountain?
Emily: Epic. Life changing. Inspirational. The trip made me step out of my comfort zone and conquer fears and discover things about myself.
Epic Insider: Where is your favorite place to play outside?
Emily: I love taking my puppies to all sorts of dog parks and forest preserves and just going for a nice walk through the wilderness. But our favorite is simply our nightly walk around the lake.
Epic Insider: You’re about to head to that favorite place for a fun day - what’s your go-to snack to bring along?
Emily: Peanut butter chocolate trail mix. Or puppy-chow with cashews added.