Best On-Mountain Restaurant (2021)

The European-inspired Bavarian Lodge at Taos Ski Valley in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has everything you'd want from a German biergarten, including lederhosen-clad staff, beer steins, a sundeck and a menu of hearty Bavarian fare. Its location at the base of Kachina Peak means the views are as good as the food.
Photo courtesy of Taos Ski Valley

Portland, Maine chef Harding Lee Smith brings is Rooms restaurant concept to Sunday River at the Mountain Room. Set mid-mountain at the Peak Lodge near the Chondola, the restaurant serves a lunch menu of small plates and heartier options, served alongside Maine craft brews and cocktails. An outside deck offers spectacular views of the front range.
Photo courtesy of Marina French/Sunday River

The Cliff House at Stowe Mountain Resort offers award-winning regional, seasonal cuisine combined with a rustic Vermont flair. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine peaks, this lunch-only restaurant is located on the side of Mount Mansfield and accessible only by gondola. The Austrian-styled chalet features floor-to-ceiling windows and offers panoramic-view seating, with an open kitchen and bar which serves wine and cocktails to compliment every meal.
Photo courtesy of VisualCommunications // Getty Images

Skiers in Park City can enjoy this fine-dining elegant lunch ski-in/ski-out restaurant and dine with a breathtaking view of the Wasatch Range mountains. Lookout Cabin’s Rocky Mountain cuisine features locally raised grass-fed beef chili, Southwestern braised Utah poutine, and bison bolognese. Combined with a full-service bar with hand-crafted cocktails and hot alcoholic drinks, plus an extensive wine list, this is a stop worth getting off the express lift!
Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain

Have lunch or dinner on top of the world at Eagle’s Eye at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Soak up the views of five Canadian National Parks while enjoying salmon, elk, buffalo and other native ingredients.
Photo courtesy of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

The 10th, a full-service lunch restaurant overlooking the Gore Range, serves a menu of classic, alpine-inspired dishes at the top of Gondola 1 in Vail. It’s a great excuse to slip out of those ski boots and into some comfy slippers for a bowl of chili or a Wagyu beef burger.
Photo courtesy of Ric Stovall, Vail Resorts

Diners arrive at Allie’s Cabin via an open air sleight ride. Upon arrival, they’re treated to a three course dinner in a cozy cabin on Beaver Creek. On select nights, the restaurant also hosts exclusive five-course wine dinners. The restaurant is closed for the 2020/2021 season but plans to return next year.
Photo courtesy of Bob Winsett / Vail Resorts

Whitehorn Bistro, located at 6,700 feet above sea level, offers upscale food in a comfortable environment paired with stellar views. Some of signature dishes include seafood chowder, cheese fondue or a Whitehorn burger.
Photo courtesy of Lake Louise Ski Resort

No trip to Jackson Hole would be complete without tucking into some waffles atop Rendezvous Peak. Waffles from Corbet’s Cabin (altitude 10,450 feet) are made to order with topping options like Nutella, peanut butter, brown sugar butter or bacon.
Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

The fine dining restaurant inside Alta’s Rustler Lodge pairs magnificent views with a diverse menu highlighting local ingredients. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to ride the Rustler lift and enjoy lunch overlooking the ski area.
Photo courtesy of Alta's Rustler Lodge