It’s that time again, when I begin to look at the ski season ahead and plot how I’m going to fit in all the dishes I crave and make it to all my favorite après-ski spots. If you find yourself swimming in options as deep as the powder, use this list as a beacon. While there are plenty of excellent dining choices not listed here (check out the rest of Pam’s Plate for more ideas), these are experiences worth sharing—even on an old school post card.
The Ski Utah 2017-18 Dining Bucket List
1. The Veuve Cliquot Yurt at The Montage. Treat yourself to an hour of champagne, specialty popcorn, the parade of Gorsuch-wearing fashionistas. It’s worth every hefty penny.
2. Fireside Dining. Grand timber lodge, Swiss raclette cheese melting by the roaring fires, fire-roasted leg of lamb, dessert fondue. Can’t get much more picture-perfect-ski-postcard than this. Deer Valley, Empire Canyon Lodge.
3. Molly Green’s at Brighton. When the pow is deep and you need a warm-up, head into Molly’s, a rustic A-frame featuring Molly’s Milk, a concoction of Brandy, Kahlua, coffee, whipped cream. It’ll set you straight. The nachos are a hit and the setting is old-school chalet.
4. The Yurt at Solitude Snowshoe under the stars to a lantern-lit yurt where stellar chefs prepare a four-course meal. A wonderful way to embrace winter! Price: $135 per person.
5. High West Distillery and Saloon. Just go here. Just go and try everything and eat too much and sip too much and leave with bottles of whiskey, because that is what I do and it’s the best! It’s ALWAYS CROWDED. You can also visit the distillery in Wanship.
6. Make S’mores Slope-side. What’s not to love about lounging on the fabulous deck at the Montage Deer Valley, chilling by a fire and roasting marshmallows like a boss, all with a view of the Empire Canyon runs of Deer Valley?
7. Wild Game Chili at Troll Hallen. No ski season is complete—in fact, hang your head in shame if you miss it—without a visit to Stein Eriksen Lodge and the Troll Hallen, where a bowl of the deservedly famous wild game chili is a capital-M-must. Try to get a table by the fireplace OR the windows.
8. Apres-ski at Cinnabar. Sure, this Snowbasin lounge has Murano crystal chandeliers and tufted banquets but the atmosphere is slouchy and local. Bluegrass bands, delicious bites such as Asian lamb sliders with hoisin glaze and spicy slaw or the bleu cheese nachos on house-made chips.
9. Stroll Around Sundance. The Owl Bar draw is the vibe, the Old West atmosphere, sidle in like a rustler in ski boots for a whiskey and a warm bar stool. Try the Foundry Grill for wonderful brunch and soak in the charm of this one-of-a-kind small-town resort.
10. Wings at The Powder Keg, Powder Mountain. I am not sure what they do to these wings—sauced up, grilled finish—but they are unique and addictive. This tiny pub feels like it should be a bar but kids are allowed…? Otherwise, it’s a great vibe and the tontaksu ramen is comfort-food epitomized at Powder Mountain.
11. Dine at the Top of the World. This one is a triple! First, start your morning at Snowbasin with a ride on the John Paul Express to John Paul Lodge, and enjoy fresh Belgian waffles and views of Mt. Ogden Bowl from this gorgeous lodge. Second, ride the TRAM at Snowbird to enjoy 360°views of the Wasatch Mountains from The Summit restaurant and a slice of pizza fired up at 11,000 feet. Third, take the Dreamcatcher Lift at Park City (Canyons Side) to Cloud Dine, where you can feast on panoramic views of Park City, as well as fresh, soft donuts in the morning and for lunch, a killer Wagyu beef hot dog wrapped in a pretzel bun.
12. Lunch at Collins Grill, Alta. Maybe this is just sentimental for me, because it’s the first place my husband took me for lunch on my very first day at Alta. The place is filled with stories, offers a perfectly framed view of the mountain, and offers a menu featuring local products. It’s fancy, yet unpretentious. Swing in and make your own memories. For après-ski, pop into Goldminer’s Daughter at the base for a margarita.
13. Brunch at St. Regis Deer Valley, on the Mountain Terrace. This is a spring skiing or warm-day recommendation. The views are amazing as are the Bloody Marys and burgers.
14. Anytime at The Farm. My go-to for lunch or apres-ski for silky rich oxtail soup or creamy spaetzle. Every ingredient receives careful consideration here, as do all the details, from perfect cocktails to house made charcuterie.
