Skiing makes you hungry. But the last thing you want to do after a big day on the slopes is drive the family around an unfamiliar ski town looking for grub. You don’t want fancy, but the kids can’t handle a dive bar with burgers and beer either.
Here are some après ski dining spots that please our four skiers’ palates (and our wallets) without having to pound the pavement.
Sunday River’s Phoenix House, in Les Otten’s former home at the base of
South Ridge, has a super view of the slopes and serves affordable paninis,
pizzas, pastas, as well as entrees all under $20. The Phoenix promotes
super specials like $5 burger night on Monday, $2 taco on Tuesday, $10
Sunday Brunch. Sunday River's
Peak Dining at the
North Peak Lodge via the Chondola on special evenings is also a treat.
Sugarloaf’s The Bag and Gepettos are rival restaurants in the Loaf’s village
offering hungry skiers hearty soups, sandwiches and super juicy burgers at
pocket friendly prices.
Stowe Mountain Lodge’s
Hourglass is an après ski bar with a swank feel in
heart of the sophisticated lodge, but you can order kid-friendly flatbreads
and the best Vermont Cheeseburger reasonably.
Okemo’s Epic or Coleman Brook Tavern are proof that having a ski resort
culinary department, instead of food and bev, brings a departure from
standard fare. Okemo offerings are far tastier: duck quesadilla, creamy
risotto, and calamari, for example.
Sugarbush's Timber Restaurant is located in a circular post and beam lodge slopeside at Lincoln Peak. The Chef has received accolades for his Vermont
ingredients in interesting dishes, don’t worry there’s a kids menu too.
Verde in Stratton Village is excellent with authentic Vermont ingredients. Their après ski fondue is fabulous paired with wine from the extensive collection.
Ski in to the mid-mountain Round House as the first Sun Valley skiers did
back in 1939. Dine on Austrian fare of fondue by the fire, while an
accordion player entertains with classic mountain ski songs. This is a Sun
Valley must, now with its own Gondola.
Collin's
Grill at Watson’s Shelter at Alta, Utah is a surprisingly elegant mid-mountain restaurant with linen table
cloths and creative courses, concluding with the Heart of Darkness Chocolate
dessert. A great view of the slopes and skiers passing by on the Collins
quad will keep you connected with your Alta ego.
Lookout Cabin is a cozy mountaintop chalet at
The Canyons vast resort, with table
service and a diverse menu for hungry downhillers. The chefs’ prepare your
sashimi tuna or mountain man chili in an open kitchen but the stunning view
of the Wasatch Mountains is the real attention grabber.
Couloir
at Jackson Hole in Wyoming is
an extraordinary setting at 9,095'. Take the gondola from Teton Village to
this spectacular lunch spot with views of Teton Valley and the legendary
namesake run - Corbet's Couloir off Jackson's 4,139' vertical Tram. Enjoy
duck, elk and bison before heading back out for more big game on the
ski slopes.
Keystone’s River Run Gondola takes you to AlpenStube,
as you are greeted and waited on by Bavarian costumed waiters remove your
ski boots and slide into soft slippers. Lunch at 11,444’ enjoying views and
fondues, game, and pastries.
Royal
Street Café
located upstairs in Deer Valley’s
mid-mountain Silver Lake Lodge is this full-service culinary café.
The Chipotle BBQ Burger is to die for, much like Deer Valley on a powder
day.
The Gunbarrel at Heavenly has
location, location, location at the top of the Heavenly Tram. The fare and
friendly service are a bonus, but its all about the Heavenly views of Lake
Tahoe.
Remember skiing burns a bunch of calories so indulge your après ski appetite
while you share tales from the trails with your family.
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