New Canaan Native Named To Top Culinary Post At Okemo

LUDLOW, VT – Okemo Mountain Resort has named Ashley Elicker its new director of culinary services. She will oversee all aspects of the resort’s culinary operations on a year-round basis, Okemo officials said on Tuesday.

Originally from New Canaan, Elicker graduated from Middlebury College, in Vermont. She earned her MBA from the University of Virginia and completed the French Culinary Institute’s Classic Culinary Arts Program.

“Ashley brings an excitement and knowledge of the culinary arts that will forge Okemo ahead of expectations and continue our quest to provide a culinary experience which is on par with our snow quality and resort experience,” Okemo Vice President and General Manager Bruce Schmidt said.

Elicker embarked on her culinary career as a manager with the Union Square Hospitality Group. She then returned to the French Culinary Institute in a professional capacity, where she worked on growth initiatives for the highly respected New York City culinary school.

She spent the past six years with Panera Bread, in Boston. She held several positions while at Panera including finance director, district manager and operations director.

“Everyone at Okemo has been so welcoming,” said Elicker. “It’s unusual to inherit a team that is so strong. There is a solid foundation here and I look forward to working with such a dedicated and professional culinary staff.”

Elicker said she is eager to provide Okemo’s guests with a variety of culinary options that will include "the classic menu items they expect while keeping in line with culinary trends such as customization, providing healthy options, sourcing local foods and being mindful of sustainability. She also plans to enhance service, improve operational flow and efficiency, and re-evaluate procedures with a goal toward improving the overall resort experience."

A former skier who is eager to return to the slopes and try snowboarding, Elicker said she visited Okemo as a child and fell in love with Vermont during her college years at Middlebury.

She said she is looking forward to making her home in the Okemo Valley with her boyfriend and their two adopted dogs.

In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, running and vegetable gardening.

During the ski season, Okemo offers visitors a dozen dining options across the mountain, ranging from grab-and-go cafeterias to full-service, fine dining – and everything in between. During the summer, two restaurants feature popular alfresco dining as well as air-conditioned comfort: Coleman Brook Tavern at The Jackson Gore Inn and Willie Dunn’s Grille at Okemo Valley Golf Club.

Photo Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort