The concept of skiing to a great meal with stunning views is one of our favorite parts of winter in the mountains. You can expect nothing less than the best from on-mountain dining in Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado, and Sun Valley, Idaho. Here are our recommended spots to grab a warm meal between runs.
Aspen Mountain
The Sundeck
The Sundeck is the perfect place to warm up and soak in the views. Its panoramic windows look out to the Highlands Bowl. The grab-and-go cafeteria has pizza, a wok and ramen station, a grill and sandwiches, burritos, over-sized cookies, and more. You can enter the Sundeck from the top of the Silver Queen gondola or Ajax Express chair.
Bonnie’s Restaurant
Located beneath the Ajax Express on Aspen Mountain, Bonnie’s has one of the best outdoor decks in town. There is indoor seating as well, but the deck is often full on bluebird days. A trip to Aspen isn’t complete without Bonnie’s famous pancakes or apple strudel.
Aspen Highlands
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Cloud Nine warrants more than a quick blurb, as the restaurant’s reputation precedes it. There are two seatings for an Alpine-inspired lunch (reservations required). Most days, the deck turns into a dance party where spraying champagne is a signature activity. In the evening, skiers can enjoy dinners accessed by snowcat.
Buttermilk
Cliffhouse Restaurant
One of the most photographed spots in Aspen is from the Cliffhouse deck, which looks toward stunning Pyramid Peak. The casual Cliffhouse serves grab-and-go. Do as the locals do and enjoy a well-deserved wok bowl from the Mongolian grill station. The Cliffhouse is located at the top of Summit Express and Tiehack Express lifts.
Snowmass
Sam’s
Trade your ski boots for slippers and sit down at Sam’s, the newest restaurant on Snowmass. Sam’s serves fine Italian food, including antipasti, grandma-style pizza, and pasta (we recommend the bolognese) — all plated with sharing in mind. Breakfast is also offered, and a bright atmosphere might make this a daily stop during your vacation. Reservations are accepted. You can reach Sam’s at the top of Sam’s Knob.
Elk Camp
Elk Camp is perfect for the whole family, with grab-and-go options ranging from rotisserie and artisan sandwiches, to kids’ combo meals. After a meal at Elk Camp, you’ll head back to the slopes feeling refreshed. The location (top of Elk Camp Gondola) is also convenient for accessing the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
Gwyn’s and Gwyn’s High Alpine
Get the best of both worlds: Gwyn’s is table service while Gwyn’s High Alpine, located next door, is cafeteria-style. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a quick bite, you’ll find both at the top of the Alpine Springs lift.
Sun Valley
Seattle Ridge Day Lodge
The award-winning Seattle Ridge is everything we love about Sun Valley: stunning views, friendly service, and top-tier eats. When on Bald Mountain, we always crave a mid-day flatbread or wood-fired pizza. The grab-and-go establishment also serves barbecue, soups, and pastas. Find the restaurant at the top of the Seattle Ridge lift.
The Roundhouse
We recommend making a reservation at the Roundhouse (serving lunch daily and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays) while in Sun Valley. The Bald Mountain restaurant was built in 1939 and has maintained its charming character. Lunch includes favorites like fondue and croque monsieurs, and dinner is a prix fixe menu. The Roundhouse is located at the top of the Roundhouse Express gondola, which means you can dine at the restaurant even if you’re not skiing.
Lookout Day Lodge
As you can probably guess, the Lookout is located at the very top of Baldy. Lunch at the Lookout is tacos — and taco salad, nachos, burritos, and tortilla soup. The grab-and-go taco bar is casual and crave-worthy.
We hope to see you on the slopes at one of these great on-mountain dining spots this winter. That being said, many of these restaurants are open in the summer as well — just ask our team for summer recommendations! Start planning your vacation and book your basecamp in Aspen, Snowmass, or Ketchum.
