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After a long day of shredding the slopes, sometimes those overpriced chicken tenders and cardboard slices of pepperoni pizza at the mountainside cafeteria won’t cut it. Luckily enough, the appetite for a day of high-altitude escapades has created a robust and varied après scene across North America’s ski towns. From Pho to Foix Gras and Tacos to Tomahawk Steaks, we here at SnowBrains compiled the Top 7 Ski towns in the U.S. with the best food. Each of these towns selected has something special that sets it apart from the rest of the competition, and though fierce as it might be, these top contenders have earned their reputation as the best dining destinations in North America.
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#7 Leavenworth, Washington—Unique factor: Authentic German food and lively beer gardens
Nestled in the Wenatchee Valley at the base of the picturesque Cascade mountains lies the German-inspired town of Leavenworth. Equidistant from the Ski resorts of Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, you’ll find this little piece of Bavarian heaven. There aren’t many things that go down easier after a day spent on the abundant snow of the eastern Cascades than a cold beer and a bratwurst, and the Munchen Haus has you covered. Try one of their “Big Bob Bratwurst” and head-sized Bavarian pretzels with house-made mustard. If you’re leaning towards a more refined dining experience, look no further than the Andreas Keller. Known for their local Washington-grown wines and unforgettable schnitzels, you’ll feel more like you are two hours from Munich than two hours from Seattle.
#6 Stowe, Vermont—Unique factor: New England-inspired charm and locavore-focused dining
Stowe is known as ” the Ski Capital of the East” and attracts visitors from all around for its quaint New England style and hyperlocal restaurants, which offer some of the best pizza and poutine around, check out The Bench. Are you looking to celebrate a special occasion or to relax and be wined and dined until you start to feel a little guilty for how well you just ate? Book a table at The Bistro at 10 Acres and try their amazing Cider with a glass of Finger Lakes Chardonnay and prepare to be amazed.
#5 Girdwood, Alaska—Unique factor: Goldrush inspired fair and fine dining above the clouds
At the base of the massive Mount Alyeska lies the culinary capital of the North, Girdwood. The smell of freshly baked sourdough is bound to lure you into the Bake Shop, where you can try a bread bowl filled to the brim with their rotating, always delicious soup of the day. If you’re looking for a truly remarkable experience, jump on the tram and ride up 3,000 vertical feet to your dinner reservation at the spectacular Seven Glaciers restaurant. The name Seven Glaciers pays tribute to the seven glaciers that can be seen from the restaurant. There are not many better places to cut into a Japanese A5 wagyu than while you are overlooking the Alaskan wilderness.
#4 Taos, New Mexico-Unique factor: Unique southwestern local cuisine that’s rarely found outside the state
At Taos Ski Valley, when discussing Christmas in New Mexico, Santa Claus and Rudolf aren’t usually the topic. Instead, it is the delicious medley that is a smothering of roasted green and red chili over burgers, burritos, and whatever else these sun-drenched New Mexicans cook up. Locals are known to love what they call “Healthfood―an unlikely named concoction of french fries smothered in chili (traditionally green, but red or Christmas are acceptable) at Michaels Kitchen. For an extensive wine list and renowned food and service, look no further than Lamberts of Taos. Dig into their Colorado lamb chops with red chili honey for a unique take on a high-country classic.
#3 Breckenridge, Colorado-Unique factor: Something for everyone in this high-elevation playground
Sitting at a mind-boggling 9,600 feet of elevation, Breckenridge, Colorado, might take some acclimatizing before the appetite sets in. But when that hunger comes, it comes with force in this former mining town turned world-class ski destination. While walking down the historic main street, it is impossible to miss the warming smell of simmering Pho wafting from Peak of Asia. If you happen to be celebrating an epic run off North America’s highest chairlift, Imperial Express, at Breckenridge Ski Resort, head down to James Beard Award recipient Rootstalk and try their famous pan-roasted duck breast or Prime Colorado-grown NY strip steak.
#2 Whistler, British Columbia-Unique factor: Fresh caught seafood and Pacific Rim cuisine
North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, is breathtaking enough in its own right, but when you pair it with unforgettable fresh seafood and Asian-inspired ingenuity, you’re in for a vacation you won’t soon forget. For world-renowned seafood, head over to Rimrock Cafe and try their rotating Rimrock seafood trio, which is comprised of fresh catches such as sockeye salmon, ahi tuna, and Alaska king crab. For dinner and a show, you can’t beat Mongolie Grill. Heap your bowl full and watch skilled chefs prepare your creation tableside while you knock back sake bombs and much on jumbo prawns that more than likely were swimming yesterday.
#1 Aspen, Colorado-Unique factor: The highest quality concentration of the finest restaurants in the U.S.
Aspen is where the rich and famous come to play, and they tend to have a taste for the finer things in life. If you want an unforgettable dining experience, book your reservation at the Michelin star BOSQ. Dive into their Chef tasting experience and prepare to be amazed with dishes such as their duck liver mousse and lobster grilled over juniper branches. Are you craving some chips and salsa and tacos after a day spent in one of Aspen’s four world-class ski areas? Even the Mexican food here stands about above the pack in a state known for great Mexican food. Pull up a chair at Mi Chola and try their seafood molcajete or chimichurri carne asada burrito while you sip on one of their hundred-plus tequila options.
No matter which of these unique and delicious destinations you find yourself in on your next ski or snowboard trip, you are guaranteed to eat well. The adventurous spirit restaurateurs and patrons alike have brought to these, and many more ski towns across the U.S. has created some of the most distinctive and sought-after places to dine in the nation. Ski towns are unique in that everyone there, both working and vacationing, is there because of how special it is. That energy drives the creation, innovation, and forward-thinking concepts. These and many more alpine destinations proudly serve us by the plate, bowl, and mouthful. Even more of a reason to start planning for this winter vacation, and lucky for us all, Alaska Airlines announced new flight routes into several ski destination states for the winter of 2025. These incredible destinations need to top every foodie’s bucket list, so pack the skies, boards, jackets, and appetite. You won’t leave hungry.
