Brains
Memorable on-mountain dining takes many forms. Sometimes it’s as simple as pulling an Uncrustable from your pocket during a snowy powder day—quick, satisfying, and exactly right for the moment. Other times, especially after several days of skiing, the perfect experience is a long, relaxing lunch with a fine glass of wine at a mountaintop restaurant. Our top 10 list focuses on places that offer something genuinely memorable—unique food, remarkable settings, or both.
10. Corbet’s Cabin – Jackson Hole, WY
At the summit of the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort tram sits Corbet’s Cabin, a tiny lodge famous for its waffles and proximity to the legendary couloir of the same name. Inside the cabin, the aroma of sizzling batter fills the cramped but lively space, where the line moves quickly, and seats turn over fast. The menu is simple and perfect: five types of waffles, such as the brown-sugar-butter “Trad,” Nutella-filled “Italian,” and berry-packed “Cobbler.” With warm waffles in your belly and sweeping views of Jackson Hole outside, it’s one of skiing’s classic must-do on-mountain dining experiences.
9. The Overlook – Snowbasin, UT
Hidden within Needles Lodge at Snowbasin, The Overlook is a cozy refuge—especially on stormy days when the wind howls through the lifts outside. Past the massive stone fireplace is a roped-off bar area with stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and beyond. Though we stopped in for an Old Fashioned, Utah’s liquor rules required food, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The wild mushroom grilled cheese—made with truffle pecorino, gorgonzola, roasted mushrooms, and arugula—paired beautifully with homemade tomato basil bisque, and along with a perfectly made Old Fashioned, we were satisfied! Warm, hearty, and comforting, it was the perfect mid-mountain break. No reservations are required, but you will have a short wait during busy times.
8. Elkhorn Cabin – Panorama, BC
Panorama Mountain Resort’s dramatic setting makes this tiny historic cabin feel even more special. Tucked beside the Roller Coaster run, Elkhorn Cabin serves freshly baked treats, handmade hot chocolate, coffee, and Glühwein from a small counter-service café. But the real experience happens in the dining room, where traditional Swiss raclette steals the show: grilled vegetables, meats, and bread smothered in melted raclette cheese, all paired with local British Columbia wines and beers. Rustic, intimate, and old-world. Reservations for this memorable on-mountain dining are usually required.
7. The Bavarian – Taos Ski Valley, NM
The Bavarian at Taos Ski Valley feels like it was transported straight from the Alps. Located at the base of Lift 4, it offers classic German dishes, giant steins of imported beer, and a sprawling sun-soaked deck with dramatic views of New Mexico’s high peaks. Skiers feast on pretzels with hot mustard, bratwurst plates, schnitzel, Spätzle, and—of course—strudel. Indoors, the atmosphere shifts to warm and cozy. A perfect place for a memorable Après dinner! You can also drive there; however, the steep, often snowy 4WD-only road can add some adventure. If you don’t have 4WD, you may call to see if they have other options to get you there. Dinner reservations are encouraged.
6. The 10th – Vail, CO
The 10th at Vail takes its name from nearby Camp Hale, the historic U.S. Army training grounds of the famed World War II 10th Mountain Division—several veterans of which went on to found Vail itself. Perched at Mid-Vail at the top of Gondola One, the restaurant offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Rockies the moment you arrive. Step inside and you’ll find thoughtful touches that make dining here especially memorable and comfortable: cubbies for stashing your gear, keeping the dining room clutter-free, and the famous complimentary slippers so you can slip off your ski boots and relax fully during your meal.
The Alpine-inspired European menu features savory flatbreads, hearty sandwiches, and the beloved signature 10th Chicken Pot Pie. The wine list is excellent, with most selections available by the glass, and the bar offers a large selection of beers and specialty cocktails. As one of Vail’s most sought-after lunch spots, The 10th fills quickly—reservations are essential.
5. Sam’s – Aspen Snowmass, CO
Sam’s brings elevated Italian cuisine to the top of Sam’s Knob at Aspen Snowmass. The recently renovated, elegant dining room offers a great check, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere. Luxurious dishes like Rigatoni Bolognese or Lobster Canestri can top off a morning of great Colorado skiing. The extensive wine list spans Italy, France, and the U.S., and desserts such as Olive Oil Cake and Gelato finish things perfectly. Walk-ins can grab a seat at the bar, but reservations are the norm.
4. Eagle’s Eye Restaurant – Kicking Horse Resort, BC
Perched atop the Golden Eagle Express gondola at Kicking Horse Resort, this award-winning restaurant elevates on-mountain dining to an unforgettable experience. Its contemporary, vegetarian-friendly menu pairs beautifully with the sweeping alpine panorama—Canada’s highest sit-down restaurant offers commanding views of five stunning National Parks.
As the sun dips toward the horizon, the surrounding peaks ignite with a soft pink alpenglow, creating a dramatic backdrop for a specialty cocktail or a celebratory toast. The cuisine is every bit as impressive as the scenery: dinner might feature indulgent Duck Confit or a silky Wild Mushroom Risotto, while lunch favorites include Truffle Fries and the ever-popular Kicking Horse Nachos. A destination unto itself, this mountaintop gem is in high demand—reservations are strongly recommended.
3. The Roundhouse – Sun Valley, ID
The birthplace of the modern chairlift is also home to North America’s first—and oldest—memorable on-mountain dining venue. Opened in 1939 by railroad magnate and Sun Valley Resort developer Averell Harriman, The Roundhouse took its name from the rail yards he oversaw, and the building itself is a distinctive octagon perched mid-mountain at the top of Sun Valley’s Roundhouse Gondola.
Inside, expansive view windows frame the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains, while a striking four-sided central fireplace anchors the room and adds a warm, alpine charm. By day, the restaurant serves an upscale American lunch with an eclectic menu ranging from Fondue for Two and buttery Lobster Rolls to Lamb Burgers and vibrant seasonal salads. On Friday and Saturday evenings, The Roundhouse transforms for a Prix Fixe dinner, complete with a gondola ride that elevates the entire experience. A thoughtfully curated wine and beer list spans regions near and far, and the restaurant’s enduring popularity means reservations are essential.
2. Il Refugio – Arapahoe Basin, CO
At 12,456 feet, Il Refugio at Arapahoe Basin is the highest restaurant in North America—and it feels like a tiny outpost from the Italian Dolomites. Tucked between two lifts, it serves antipasto plates with Colorado-crafted meats and cheeses, lobster bisque, Italian wines, and grappa. The minimalist, high-alpine setting and sweeping views of the Continental Divide make it especially memorable. Il Refugio’s environmentally friendly operations—solar power, no running water, and composting toilets—add to its character. Reservations are not required.
1. Sun Peaks Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent – Sun Peaks, BC
This is perhaps the most unique and memorable on-mountain dining experience around! After an early-evening chairlift ride to the mid-mountain Sunburst Lodge at Sun Peaks Resort, guests enjoy a lively fondue dinner with local wine, vegetables, breads, meats, ravioli, and sausages—followed by chocolate fondue with an array of decadent dippers. After the fantastic dinner, the ski patrol leads small groups down a freshly groomed 5-mile trail in complete darkness, illuminated only by thigh-mounted lamps (which they supply). Midway down during one of the several regrouping stops, guests may switch off their lights entirely, skiing by starlight and the distant village glow—a surreal, peaceful, and unforgettable evening.
We hope we have captured a few places that offer genuinely memorable on-mountain dining—unique food in remarkable settings. Buon Appetito!
