Best On-Mountain Meals at Utah Ski Resorts
The long reign of burgers and fries at Utah ski resorts is finally ending, ushering in a new era of fresh flavors like ramen bowls, fondue, oysters on the half shell, and from-scratch Himalayan fare. On your next ski day, skip the broken granola bar stuffed in your pocket and elevate your lunch break at these slopeside dining hot spots.
ALTA
Collins Grill
It’s possible that you’ve skied right past Alta’s elegant on-mountain eatery and not even known it. Located near Collin’s Lift on the Watson Shelter’s third floor, Collins Grill serves white tablecloth, European-style fare daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with tasty offerings like free-range beef and elk, Utah trout, an ever-changing savory tarte, and seasonal small plates paired with wine and spirits. But the best part of the experience? Stripping off your ski boots for an hour and slipping into cozy slippers.
BRIAN HEAD
Last Chair Saloon
Weekends at Brian Head always mean one thing: barbecue. Every Saturday night at Last Chair Saloon, feast on slow-cooked barbecue paired with cold beer and live music. Choose from pork ribs, tri-tip, or catfish paired with hearty sides such as cornbread, BBQ beans, coleslaw, fries, and all the fixins to make a Southern-inspired feast on the slopes.
BRIGHTON RESORT
Molly Green’s
This cozy A-frame has long been a favorite on-mountain meeting place for Brighton skiers and riders, and the promise of its Great Western Nachos are at least half the reason I go night skiing. Every heaping plate comes topped with housemade chili, fresh veggies, plenty of cheese, and jalapenos. Sure, the menu has healthier options, but these are the perfect refuel on a ski break by day or night.
DEER VALLEY
RIME Raw Bar
Tucked in a cabin at the top of Jordanelle Gondola, find RIME, the first-ever slopeside raw bar. Open Thursday-Sunday during ski season, come for flown-in fresh oysters, Connecticut-style Lobster Rolls, clam chowder, and crudo at market prices. Visit on a bluebird day for sunny day specials and Oyster Happy Hour from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
EAGLE POINT
Canyonside Lodge
The place to eat on the slopes at Eagle Point, this bar and grill has a massive menu and is known for its burgers, but you can also mix it up with unique beer-battered cauliflower bites and filling made-to-order calzones, all served with mountain views.
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN
Mac & Cheese at Park City’s Lookout Cabin
Canyons Village Side – Lookout Cabin
Since this massive resort was long two separate ones, we’re including a lunch option for both sides of the slopes. When it comes to Canyons, there’s no better views and food than Lookout Cabin, located next to the Orange Bubble Chair mid-station. Reservations are recommended at this fine-dining spot, where appetizers like fondue, pan-seared scallops, and baked oysters take center stage. For entrees, you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Chicken & Cornbread Panzanella or Winter Vegetable & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Pepper for vegetarians.
One of many healthy, hearty bowls from Mid Mountain.
Park City Side- Mid-mountain Lodge
Recently refurbished for the 2019 season, this mining-era building now boasts a new bar (serving up the Park City’s only on-mountain craft cocktails) and a fresh menu with traditional ski favorites and hearty bowls. Of all the offerings, the Ahi tuna and veggie bowls stood out as fresh and filling for the price. But we were equally stoked on just popping by the bar for a hot toddy to enjoy fireside on the patio with cozy faux fur throws.
Powder Mountain
Powder Keg
Your favorite college meal comes to Pow Mow’s cozy Powder Keg with hearty ramen bowls that are perfect after a cold day on the slopes. Open until 6:00 p.m. for the après crowd, you can hit the Keg for lunch or wait until day’s end to pair your meal with live music. Choose from the spicy tonkotsu ramen bowl topped with pork belly, green onions, egg, and bamboo shoots or the vegetarian-friendly miso bowl with egg, tofu, green onions, and bamboo shoots.
SNOWBASIN
Dining Discovery Weekly Cinnabar Experience
Weekday skiers will love this Tuesday dining experience by Snowbasin chefs. Taking place in the recently remodeled Cinnabar, this foodie event launched in January and runs through March 12th this winter, bringing unique menus to the mountain. Every week is different, but you can expect seasonal favorites like a Fat Tuesday Creole-inspired menu on Mardi Gras, Asian Fusion, Wings and Beer, and more.
SOLITUDE
Himalayan lunch at Solitude’s Roundhouse
Roundhouse
I know what you’re thinking, Himalayan food? On the slopes? But the iconic Roundhouse located between Moonbeam Express and Eagle Express lifts now features elevated ethnic cuisine that’s worth taking a ski break. Try the Himalayan veggie and meat sampler plates, which come with a taste of three dishes like saag paneer and curries paired with jasmine rice (or the unexpectedly delicious curried fries).
SNOWBIRD
The Summit
Dine atop 11,000-foot Hidden Peak at this new restaurant with Wasatch-Cache National Forest views. Take the Tram from the base and enjoy views of the slopes and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest over lunch. Instead of traditional ski fare, expect healthy cuisine and Rocky Mountain barbecue. On a cold day, warm up with hearty chicken stew, grass-fed beef chili, or opt for an individual-sized pizza.
No matter which Utah ski resorts you visit this season, there’s no reason not to enjoy a delicious meal on the slopes.
