Ski Resort Dining
By Rachael Hodson and Jenny Willden
Alta
They did away with the curly fries at the Goldminer’s Daughter, but when you want something more than soup and burgers, the GD Slopeside Cafe at the base of Collins still delivers. Order with the cashier then sit down and wait for your number to be called. Locals dig the roasted pork or grilled chicken sandwich, fresh spinach or Caesar salad, and the soups. You can also start your day with a fresh hot breakfast and skip lunch altogether. alta.com
Beaver Mountain
The Beav might not have the expansive terrain or speedy lifts like its neighbors to the south, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find yourself some secret stashes of steep powder, or even some good eats, on this hill. The Beaver Mountain Cafe, found in the lodge (there’s only one), offers your typical ski fare of burgers, fries, soups, salads, and made-to-order deli sandwiches. But hold onto your long johns because there is an unexpected specimen of deliciousness on the Beav’s menu—the Philly Steak Sandwich. Treat yourself to this hearty sandwich stuffed with piles of braised beef, peppers, onions, and swiss. Trust the kitchen manager when he says, “It’s the best food on this mountain!” skithebeav.com
Brain Head
Escape the Wasatch inversion and spend a weekend at this beginner-friendly Southern Utah resort. Cafeteria dining is available, but get the best bang for your buck at Pizano’s Pizzeria, located at the base of the Giant Steps area. A slice of New York-style pizza is just $2.50 at lunchtime, or you can get two slices and a soda for just under $7. For large groups with specific tastes, it’s worth the wait to order a large specialty pie. brianhead.com
Brighton
Ride, ride, ride Brighton and eat lunch ‘later’ in Molly Green’s Pub. You’ll languish amid the charm of Brighton Manor’s upper floor while waiting for your pizza, hot wings, French onion soup, and burgers, but it’s worth the wait over your cafeteria options. If you must dine at noon, the newer Milly Chalet offers beer, burgers, and epic views of the Mt. Millicent area. However, families with starving kids should opt for the Alpine Rose cafeteria near the Brighton Center. It’s easy to get to when you’re in a rush to warm bellies with hot cocoa. brightonresort.com
Canyons
This Park City resort opened a slew of dining options in the last year, and our favorite pick for families is brand-new Murdock’s, a yummy, quick dining option in the Resort Village. Get yourself a Grinder’s sandwich and keep the kids happy with favorites like mac and cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich. For gourmet, healthy cuisine on-mountain, visit CloudDine at the top of Dreamcatcher. This hard-to-beat eatery offers salads, soups, sandwiches, and much more. Employees swear by the Cuban Pork Sandwich and Mediterranean Vegetable Calzone. Find our favorite aprés ski eats across from the Ski Beach at Red Tail Grill. The southwestern menu with delicious offerings like guacamole and tortilla soup will satisfy your whole group. thecanyons.com
Deer Valley
Known for elevating ski cuisine to a new class, choosing which great place to eat at is the biggest challenge at Deer Valley. For upper mountain dining, order a filling sandwich from the Panini Station at Empire Canyon Grill. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, large groups can gather here for a noon break. You’ll find the best aprés scene at the resort base in EBS Lounge. Try a drink from their creative cocktail menu while enjoying live music on weekends. Don’t miss the Turkey Chili Nachos, or whet your appetite with Deer Valley’s signature popcorn. For the full Deer Valley experience, visit the exquisite Seafood Buffet. Open Thursdays–Mondays, it includes a variety of sustainable seafood, a carvery station, and a selection of freshly made desserts. Don’t miss the crab legs and the flourless chocolate cake! deervalley.com
Eagle Point
Utah’s newest resort is known for bluebird days, Southern Utah’s steepest ski runs, and delicious comfort cuisine. Opt for a simple lunch at Skyline Cafe inside the Skyline Lodge. Traditional ski fare is available, or enjoy your brown-bagged lunch here if you prefer. Save room for a heartier meal at the Outpost Grill in the newly-remodeled Canyonside Lodge. Open for lunch and dinner with late hours so you can dine, drink, and dance long after sunset. skieaglepoint.com
Park City Mountain Resort
PCMR offers something different for everyone from terrain park junkies to powderhounds to first-time skiers, but one thing everyone can agree on is where to eat. Gather your crew for a mid-day break at Summit House. Located at 9250 feet and accessible from five chair lifts, it’s easy for everyone to find. Try their famous bison chili or a healthy salad while enjoying gorgeous views from the heated patio. End a long ski day at PayDay Pizza in Legacy Lodge and relax with microwbrews paired with a slice of pizza or a pretzel on their sunny deck. When bringing the kids, order a large pie to share. parkcitymountain.com
Powder Mountain
The first rule of Pow Mow is that you don’t talk about Pow Mow, so please, our apologies to the locals. As the name suggests, Powder Mountain is a mecca for powder junkies who crave untouched runs and uncrowded spaces. Although this mountain is small in its operation, Pow Mow is not small in its size, terrain, and unparalleled scenery with pristine glades, bowls, and steeps. Stop in at Hidden Lake Lodge at the top of the Hidden Lake Lift to warm up with hot cocoa and fries, but save the real eating for Harley and Buck’s in Eden. Calamari, crab cakes, and fish tacos make for a fabulous apres ski dining experience, and don’t forget to finish with the Apple Walnut Cobbler! harleyandbucks.com, powdermountain.com
Snowbasin
For an elevated dining experience, ride the gondola to Needles Lodge and experience breathtaking views from 8710 feet on the patio. Or venture inside to enjoy the elegant interior complete with a roaring fire. Be adventurous and try German specialties like chicken schnitzel, or stick with traditional ski dishes like pizza, salad, or a sandwich. At the base, Earl’s Lodge boasts Utah’s best burger. The “Basin” Burger, a 1/3 pound bacon cheeseburger made with a Kobe beef patty and topped with pulled pork, will refuel you after a full day of powder riding. Unique offering like the Asian specialities, including pho and lettuce wraps, are a welcome change for adventurous eaters. snowbasin.com
Snowbird
Snowbird is 100% big mountain skiing and when you’re riding hard, the lunch goal is to get in and get out. General Grits in the Tram building is fine for a cold sammy and chips to-go while warmer morsels can be found above in little-trafficked Rendezvous cafeteria. The conference room feel could stand renovation, but the burgers, Philly Steak sandwiches, giant hot dogs, and tasty Thai chicken with fries hit the spot. For those with more time, build your own pasta bowl with your choice of sauces, noodles, and mix-ins. snowbird.com
Solitude
Solitude has a wide variety of dining options from fine dining at St. Bernards to beer and sushi (weekends only) at the The Thirsty Squirrel and everything in between. After skiing laps through Honeycomb, take a few extra steps into Solitude’s Village and create your own gourmet pizza at Stone Haus while grabbing an ice cream for the kiddos. Burgers reign supreme at ski resorts and Solitude boasts two that are worth their weight in gold. The fight is on to decide whether the Montana Burger at Honeycomb Grill loaded with mushrooms, onions, bacon, and cheese takes your top spot or the juicy cheeseburger served with a side of epic outdoor scenery at The Sunshine Grill slides in for the gold. skisolitude.com
Sundance
Be it a quick bite or a gourmet meal, you’ll find it paired with scenic mountain views at these slopeside establishments. Enjoy 360 degree views at Bearclaw, a casual ski eatery that overlooks Heber and Utah Valleys. Warm up with a bowl of Sundance Chili or a cup of hot cocoa or cider. Creekside (the base dining venue) offers Mount Timpanogos views and features reasonably-priced breakfast and lunch fare. Keep it simple with a breakfast burrito or all-beef hot dog. sundanceresort.com
