Jeff Qualls Named Executive Chef At Keystone Resort’s Award-Winning Ski Tip Lodge

Keystone Resort recently named Jeff Qualls Executive Chef of Keystone’s award-winning Ski Tip Lodge. Chef Qualls will oversee all of the Ski Tip Lodge’s dining operations, utilizing his rich background in the culinary arts. Chef Qualls will work to bring a refreshed approach to the weekly-rotating four course menu, while continuing to provide one of the most exceptional dining experiences available in all of Colorado. 
 
The Ski Tip Lodge is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country and has a rich history, originating in the 1800’s as a stage coach stop and later becoming the family home of Keystone Resort's founders, Max and Edna Dercum. Today the Ski Tip Lodge is a quaint bed and breakfast and listed on OpenTable.com as one of the top 100 restaurants in North America.
 
In 2015, Chef Qualls fulfilled his life-long dream of opening a restaurant in his hometown of McKinney, Texas. Rye, Craft Food and Drink, a 40-seat farm to table concept focused on local produce and Texas meats, and featured one of the best whiskey bars in North Texas. With a desire to relocate to the high country, Chef Qualls and his family made the decision to relocate to Summit County.
 
“I’m honored to join Keystone Resort’s impressive array of culinary professionals,” said Chef Qualls. “The Ski Tip Lodge has a remarkable reputation that I’ve admired for some time. From the building’s historic roots and intimate dining atmosphere, to its carefully crafted menus, this opportunity will enable me to contribute in a unique and personal way. I’m excited for the journey ahead”.
 
Chef Qualls was born and raised in Sherman, Texas, and was 14 when he discovered his passion for the culinary arts. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., training under some of the best Certified Master Chefs in the world. He went on to study wine in California’s fabled Napa Valley, and also trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Greystone, Calif., where he fine-tuned his skills in patisserie and artisan bread baking.
 
In 2003, Chef Qualls opened TPC Craig Ranch, North Texas’ premier golf facility. In 2005, he opened Poppy’s Garden Cafe in downtown McKinney, Texas, to many accolades. Shortly after, he was entrusted with opening Chef Kent Rathbun’s Dallas operations, Hickory, a modern Texas Roadhouse featuring the best in local burgers, barbecue, and craft cocktails.
 
“Chef Qualls comes to us with a remarkable background and an obvious passion for the culinary arts,” said Steve Nguyen, Keystone’s Executive Chef of Hospitality. “He has a proven track record of creating successful restaurants and has a unique culinary style that sets him apart from the rest, all of which will be a great asset to the Ski Tip Lodge.”