Valles Suite at Caldera House, designed by CLB
Caldera House’s General Manager, Eric Kirkenmeier
Valles Suite at Caldera House, designed by CLB
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK?
The short version is that I love taking care of people, I love the instant gratification of seeing people having a good time, and I love leading teams. This is one of the best industries for me because I have been able to lead big teams, which speaks to the athlete/sports nut in me.
WHAT DO YOU STRIVE TO BRING TO THE TABLE AT CALDERA HOUSE AS GENERAL MANAGER?
I want Caldera House to be the most welcoming and warm place in Teton Village, with the best vibes for après ski. I also want our team to take care of our private members and hotel guests in a way that no one else can. We strive to be genuine in our hospitality, and I think people feel that from the moment they walk through our doors.
WHAT IS KEY TO YOUR MANAGEMENT METHOD?
Give people room to be themselves but give them clear goals and expectations. Create a great team culture, and so many other great things will generate from it. If the staff enjoys working together, it trickles down to every other aspect of the operation, and most importantly, the guests can feel it!
Taupo Suite at Caldera House, designed by Commune
WHAT DO YOU THINK GUESTS LOOK FOR IN THEIR STAY?
Beyond the fact that our founders built one of the most beautiful hotels on the planet, which guests get to enjoy, I think guests expect a tailored, personalised experience, and we deliver on that every time. Our guest experiences team create detailed itineraries; they know all the best local spots and ensure that our guests are completely at ease while staying with us.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ASPECTS OF THE HOTEL THAT KEEP GUESTS COMING BACK?
We have incredible access to the mountain, and with our retail shop, The Mudroom, we can quickly get guests fitted and ready for their days on the slopes. Our dining is top tier, and we offer a variety of cuisines, so you can dine with us multiple times during your stay. One of the nicest compliments we received from a guest recently was that our concierge team “felt more like friends than employees”. I think many people leave feeling the same.
HOW DO YOU KEEP THE HOTEL’S HIGH-QUALITY STANDARDS CONSISTENT?
We do our best to learn about our guests and try to meet them at the service standards that make them comfortable. For some people, that might mean a dog bed and special treats for their pup; for others, it’s a special bottle of Champagne. Jackson Hole is such a unique place where many people come to unwind, and we make sure we hit all the technical standards they expect from a five-star hotel but in a way that feels genuine and personal to them.
Valles Suite at Caldera House, designed by CLB
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A GENERAL MANAGER?
Anyone in the hospitality industry right now knows that staffing is the biggest challenge we all face. To overcome this, we want to create one of the best places to work in Jackson Hole. We try to offer our employees top tier perks, a balanced lifestyle, and a team culture that allows them to be themselves. As a company, we embrace the idea that our staff is here to be a part of the mountain lifestyle; it’s important to us that we support that.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Being able to work with the team we’ve built. We truly are a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. When a guest checks in, our ability to take care of every aspect of the experience — personalised touches from the concierge team, incredible design throughout, curated retail, and superb dining — means Caldera shines because of our people. This is the best group I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, and our guests get expert care because our team goes above and beyond.
WHAT CAN GUESTS EXPECT FROM A STAY AT THE HOTEL?
Caldera House offers a personalised experience that can’t be matched at other properties. We specifically tailor each guest’s stay to match their needs and the way they want to experience Jackson Hole. Our hospitality is incredibly genuine, and that comes from having such a tight knit team. I am also incredibly thrilled to share that we have recently opened a brand-new restaurant. After completing a $3,000,000 renovation, Corsa at Caldera House offers an amazing space for guests to enjoy Italian cuisine and an incredible après ski scene.
Yellowstone Suite at Caldera House, designed by CLB
Pacana Suite at Caldera House, designed by CLB
Newberry Suite at Caldera House, designed by Commune
To find out more about Caldera House and book, contact the hotel using the below details:
Caldera House
3275 W. Village Dr.
Teton Village
Wyoming 83025
Web: calderahouse.com
Tel: +1 307-200-4220
Email: thehouse@calderahouse.com
Instagram: @calderahouse
Facebook: @calderahouse