Blog

Chewing Up the Scenery — Food With a View

by Dan Giesin | October 16, 2018

Man does not live by bread alone, the philosopher once said, and that’s certainly true for most skiers and snowboarders
Getting sustenance on the slopes can be as simple as unwrapping the PB&J sandwich stashed in your parka or as lavish as a sit-down meal with linen napkins and sterling silverware. 
But sometimes you crave for more than just food; you want something a bit more soul stirring than fries with your burger.
How about a side order of knock-your-socks off vistas?
Here’s a selection of on-mountain eateries that include a heaping side of spectacular scenery with your meal. Hope you can score a window seat.

Allred’s Restaurant

Located in the Station St. Sofia of the Telluride gondola, Allred’s (pictured above) is a white tablecloth establishment situated at 10,500 feet, overlooking the town of Telluride, some 2,000 feet below, with a backdrop of the the mighty San Juans soaring above.

Booyah’s

Booyah’s is a full-service gastro-pub that features 97 beers sits at the top of the tram at Heavenly. That it is located in the Lakeview Lodge nearly 2,000 feet directl;y above Lake Tahoe and says it all.

Cliff House

Serving American cuisine Vermont style, this long-time Stowe favorite is located at the top of the gondola on a shoulder of 4,395-foot Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views of Green and Worcester ranges and intervening valleys.

Eagle’s Eye Restaurant

Perched at the top of the Kicking Horse gondola, more than 4,000 feet above the base area and at an elevation of 7,700 feet, this fine-dining establishment is the highest restaurant in Canada and offers stunning views of Purcell range.

Eleven53 Cafe

The name refers to the cafe’s elevation, which is 11,053 feet and the top of the gondola at Mammoth Mountain. Featuring noodle bowls and wraps, Eleven53 is a quickie lunch stop that happens to offer perhaps the most stunning, easy-to-reach views in the Sierra.

The Nest

Located in the Sky House at the summit of Schweitzer, The Nest features local brews (both coffee and beer) and small plates that vary with the season. It also has 360-degree views of the surrounding Selkirk and Cabinet ranges and sprawling Lake Pend Oreille, some 4,300 below.

The Observatory

Upscale dining that showcases British Columbia’s best seasonal ingredients is what you’ll find at the Observatory in the Peak Chalet at the top of the Grouse Mountain tram. And how about a spectacular view of the city of Vancouver spread out some 3,700 feet below for a main course?

Peak Lodge

You might come to the top of Killington’s K1 Gondola for the seasonal menus, carving stations and pasta options, but you’ll stay for the stunning vistas on display at Vermont’s highest finished structure. Located at an elevation of 4,241 feet, Peak Lodge provides a glimpse of five states, a part of Canada and three mountain ranges.

The Roundhouse

In operation since 1939, The Roundhouse, located at the top of the Sun Valley gondola, offers more than a piece of ski history and its signature fondue by the fire. It overlooks the town of Ketchum and the Sun Valley Lodge complex some 2,000 feet below, with the Pioneer and Boulder ranges serving as a backdrop.

Whitehorn Bistro

Located near the top of the Lake Louise gondola, the Whitehorn Bistro has an alpine-themed contemporary menu served with a garnish of stunning views of the main Rocky Mountain crest and Lake Victoria across the valley.

Featured Resorts

More from the Blog