When you think of great ski resort views you likely think of a view atop the resort’s summit, or upon approaching a steep chute. However, a number of ski resorts pair a great view with a great meal. So we’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurant views at ski resorts around North America. Bonus: Many of these restaurants are open during both the ski season and during summer.
9 ski resort restaurants with great views
The Roundhouse, Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
The Roundhouse was the first on-mountain restaurant in the United States, opening in 1939. Today, it remains a lunch and dinner favorite among guests as much for the food as for the panorama of the Wood River Valley and the peaks that surround it. The Roundhouse is located halfway up Bald Mountain at some 7,700 feet, which means that the only way to get to it is to take the Roundhouse Express Gondola. Enjoy a cocktail before dinner in Averill’s Bar downstairs, named for Averill Harriman, the railroad man who established Sun Valley as the nation’s first destination ski resort.
The Roundhouse wraps up its winter service when the ski season ends, but reopens when summer operations begin at Sun Valley in June. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for lunch.
Seven Glaciers, Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Seven Glaciers earns its name, with stunning views of the seven glaciers that can be seen from the restaurant. You might even see a moose or bear depending on the season. Start with a scenic tram ride 2,223 feet up Mt. Alyeska to an elevator lift. Then, follow the gold carpet, lined with walls of wine bottles, to the dining room. Headliners include the Scallop Bisque, served with a seared jumbo scallop, a dab of smoked salmon mousse, chive oil and a brioche crouton. Seven Glaciers is the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, as well as a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award.
Glitretind, Deer Valley, Utah
Glitrerind’s views of the mountains and Deer Valley Resort pair with four-star cuisine for a wonderful evening. Chef Zane Holmquist focuses on rotating seasonal menus and fresh, local, sustainable ingredients for truly mouthwatering dishes. You won’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but you’ll find some unique entrees that may include things like the Utah Lamb Chop and Rocky Mountain Elk. Glitretind also has an extensive wine menu.
Sunday brunch at Glitrerind is a showstopper, served from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. You may want to do your skiing and outdoor adventures before you fill up though.
Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek, Colorado
The scenery surrounding the rustic elegance of longtime favorite Beano’s Cabin, located at the base of Larkspur Bowl at Beaver Creek Resort, combined with AAA four-star cuisine, is a must-experience when visiting Beaver Creek or nearby Vail. Grouse Mountain and Larkspur Bowl provide the stunning views and backdrop. During the winter, sleigh rides (pulled by a snow cat) glide up the mountain for 20 minutes through Colorado’s iconic aspen trees to the restaurant. Guests meet at the CBar in front of the Centennial Express Lift at the base to catch the sleigh.
Once at Beano’s Cabin, the indoor view is of an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs prepare their 5-course meal. For each of the main courses, guests will have options to choose from. Make sure you save room for dessert.
Eagle’s Eye, Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia
Eagle’s Eye, residing at 7,700 feet above sea level in Golden at Kicking Horse Resort, is truly an elevated experience. It starts with the scenery, as diners at Eagle’s Eye enjoy a view that includes three mountain ranges and five national parks. Guests take a gondola up the mountain, where award-winning chefs treat them with classic French technique and dishes that often include salmon, buffalo, elk and other cuisine that celebrates the region’s distinctive character.
Eagle’s Eye is only open on Friday, Saturday and holiday nights during the ski season for dinner, and for lunch during the summer on weekends (Thursday-Monday from late June until the end of September). Reservations are a must.
Alpino Vino, Telluride, Colorado
Welcome to the highest elevation fine dining restaurant in America at Alpino Vino’s 11,966-foot Telluride location. Your experience begins with transportation via an enclosed, heated snow coach to the top of the gondola. Alpino Vino offers majestic views of the Wilson Range for an elegant Northern Italian alpine-themed à la carte lunch or a five-course dinner that can be paired with wine.
Note that Alpino Vino is only open during the winter.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen Highlands, Colorado
Cloud Nine has gone through several evolutions but has always had a charming alpine atmosphere to it. It features a European-style cabin vibe to the backdrop of Aspen’s iconic Maroon Bells peaks. Ride the snow cat here in the evenings and nosh on warm fondue, flaky strudel and thick European stew. If you skied at the Highlands in the “olden days” of Whip Smith’s ownership, you may not think to make lunch reservations, but you’d better. Standard lunch reservations are at 11:30 and 11:45, while après reservations are at 1:30 and 1:45.
Cliff House, Stowe, Vermont
High atop Stowe Mountain Resort, the Cliff House offers panoramic-view seating with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding alpine peaks. Cliff House’s chef specializes in regional American cuisine with a Vermont flair, while the menu highlights the restaurant’s commitment to using the freshest seasonal and artisan ingredients. The Cliff House is open when the gondola is in operation, weather permitting. Outdoor deck seating is available in good weather.
Altitude Restaurant, Tremblant, Quebec
Enchanting, magic and stunning are some of the words to describe the view and atmosphere at Altitude Restaurant in the Casino Mont Tremblant. While the menu is simple, it features unique flavors of the region, plus an impressive wine list. Make sure you ask about the catch of the day, and save room for dessert. Often you can enjoy your meal with music from pianists and other musicians, as Friday and Saturday brings live music. Note that Altitude is for guests 18+.
November 07, 2023
