Having a full stomach is always important for a day on the slopes. From the breakfast that you eat, to what you eat in the lodge, to the reservations made for dinner, good food is key to having a successful ski trip. In Snowmass, Colorado, the eating opportunities are endless– both on the mountain and in town. Here are some of the best finds in the Aspen/Snowmass area to top off your powder day.
Breakfast
If you’re an early riser, then it’s time to take advantage of this meal. Starting as early as 9am, enjoy a full, sit-down breakfast at Gwyn’s High Alpine, mid-mountain at Snowmass. After choosing from a menu including eggs benedict and pancakes made with fresh fruit, make the most of your day by getting fresh tracks on the newest, freshest powder.
Although it’s a little bit of a drive from Snowmass, Breakfast in America is surely a dining experience to remember. It’s been around forever and is well worth the detour– no local will ever tell you differently. In this old-fashioned establishment, customers sit in bar stools surrounding the kitchen and watch their breakfast being cooked. You must, without a doubt, order a side of shoestring hash browns.
Lunch
11,820 feet up Snowmass mountain sits Up 4 Pizza. Their enormous pizza slices create some serious motivation to head to the top of the mountain, even in the coldest conditions. Their plain slices hit home, but I always go for the daily special, usually topped with different veggies and meats. Most importantly, you cannot forget to accompany your slice with a freshly baked, gooey chocolate chip or white chocolate macadamia nut cookie…they’re to die for.
Right at the top of the Village Express chairlift on Snowmass Mountain is Sam’s Smokehouse. Sam’s is a great sit-down place to eat a leisurely BBQ meal with the family, breaking up a day on the slopes. Go-to items are the BBQ fries, fried green tomatoes, and either a BBQ brisket or pulled pork sandwich. The views from the restaurant’s huge glass windows are a great bonus.
The Stew Pot is for the days when the low temperature is way in the negatives, with low visibility and high winds. Located in the heart of Snowmass Village, a bowl of green chicken chili or classic beef stew will warm you up and get you in shape to finish the rest of the day strong.
Après-Ski
Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar
Ski right into happy hour at Venga Venga, located at the entrance of Snowmass Village. The guac is made right in front of you, and you should (obviously) accompany it with a margarita. After your après-ski, come back for dinner and enjoy tacos and enchiladas, followed by s’mores making at the outdoor fire pits.
Dinner
After driving through winding roads and past a trailer park, you’ll stumble upon this old, but worthwhile, joint. Walk inside the restaurant and find Polaroid photos of past customers plastered on the walls, all taken since the restaurant’s opening in 1980 (you may even find photos of celebrities eating there). They don’t take reservations, but waiting for their loaded nachos and unreal burgers is well worth it.
Ullr Nights at Elk Camp Restaurant
Snowmass’ newest on-mountain lodge has skiers in for a treat: Ullr Nights. Ullr, according to Aspen/Snowmass, is the Norse God of Snow and is celebrated weekly by dinner and winter activities, like tubing and s’mores making, at Elk Camp. Elk Camp is known for their organic food stations, from specialty paninis to a rotisserie stand to their must-order mac and cheese. So head there to treat yourself to one-of-a-kind mountain dining.
#SpoonTip: Ask for the mac and cheese with crushed Cheez-Its on top, or you’re doing it wrong.
For those seeking out a trendy meal, Matsuhisa is for you. You know that if the restaurant is owned by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (the chef of all of the famous Nobu restaurants), then it must be a good one. Enjoy Nobu crispy rice with spicy tuna and fish so fresh you’ll forget you’re in the middle of Colorado, not some tropical island in the Caribbean. Matsuhisa is one of Aspen’s best upscale dining scenes, and it’s not one to forget.
Dessert
Paradise is a go-to if you’re in Aspen for the night. Even when it’s freezing outside, their wide variety of flavors will put you right in the ice cream mood to top off whatever you had for dinner. If the cold really gets the best of you though, you can settle for their delicious cookies or other pastries.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Last but not least, we have a classic ski-mountain dessert. The options are endless at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory– from fudge, to chocolate-covered peanut butter cups (that give Reese’s a run for their money), to a variety of candy apples including classic caramel and M&M covered. Simply put, you cannot go wrong here.
#SpoonTip: If you order a candy apple, ask them to cut the apple into sections– it’ll make your life 10x easier.
When you’re a foodie, ski trips are just as much about the food as they are about the skiing. Whether you’re on the mountain, out for dinner, or hanging out in the village, there are always great places to treat yourself in Snowmass, Colorado after skiing the bumps and fresh powder all day.