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 Christie – For the last 19 years, Christie has worked at Whistler Blackcomb and now works as a Lift Operations Manager. Several teammates nominated Christie for the passion, support and care that she brings each day to work. One coworker said, “Christie is selfless and is always checking in to make sure others are doing alright and will regularly check-in on anyone who isn’t thriving. We are lucky to have a leader who sets such a great example for everyone else and tries to uplift the rest of the team.” When Christie isn’t mentoring or supporting team members, she can be found out in the lift lines interacting with guests and leading by example. Another teammate said of Christie, “I have had the opportunity to work with Christie closely in a number of settings, most notably front line when managing challenging lift lines and alongside her in the collective pursuit of gender equity. Christie has been at the forefront of challenging the status quo, engaging in thoughtful conversation and providing pathways for her colleagues to listen and learn in order to shift leadership norms within our industry. Her commitment to accessibility on all lifts inspires those around her and ensures that she brings people along with her.” Whether it’s supporting her teammates with Epic Wellness resources or pushing for gender equity in our industry, Christie embodies Epic Service.
Get to know a little more about Christie:
Epic Insider: What do you love the most about your job?
Christie: Every day is a school day! My weeks are dynamic and never the same. I get to meet amazing people from all over the world who bring so many different perspectives to the team and I'm able to help to create opportunities for internal and external guests that really matter.
Epic Insider: How did it feel to win the Epic Service award and trip?
Christie: Incredible. There are so many team members who do an epic job and consistently deliver epic service and it's very special to be recognized for that. I am fortunate to be part of an amazing team.
Epic Insider: What are you most excited about for the 2023-24 winter season?
Christie: Working with our new Lift Ops team to create amazing experiences for our staff and guests.
Epic Insider: How would you describe your experience on the Epic Service trip to Vail Mountain?
Christie: Very special - I learned a lot generally (I'm extremely envious of the shipping/receiving tunnel and auto input/output shipping cabins, the DREAM) but meeting people from all over the enterprise was delightful and definitely helped me feel more like we're all one team.
Epic Insider: Where is your favorite place to play outside?
Christie: Anywhere warm! I love being outside in the mountains in the summer (don't get me wrong, winter can be excellent but although I came originally for the winter I am certainly here for the summers!)
Epic Insider: You’re about to head to that favorite place for a fun day - what’s your go-to snack to bring along?
Christie: A cheeky pop?!