Through the years ― particularly with winter sport destinations like Deer Valley Resort leading the way ― our local resorts have really stepped up their culinary games.
Eclectic dining fare is more the norm now for skiers and boarders, rather than the exception. Here are some of our favorite gourmet-worthy slopeside dishes and dining venues.
While I love the Alpine-inspired, upscale cuisine at Solitude Mountain Resort’s St. Bernard restaurant, and the contemporary slant of Honeycomb Grill, my favorite Solitude dining destination is the on-mountain Roundhouse restaurant. There, in addition to burgers, pot pies and other American-style comfort foods, you’ll also find Himalayan-inspired fare such as butter chicken, lamb curry, saag paneer, dal bhat, basmati rice, and other tasty dishes with flavors from the East.
In my opinion, the best spot for delicious dining at Park City Mountain is the ski-in/ski-out Lookout Cabin, with gourmet fare served at 9,000 feet. It’s too early to know exactly what the culinary team at Lookout Cabin has in store menu-wise this season. But highlights of last year’s menu included Desert Mountain Ranch Wagyu Pappardelle Bolognese; Thai Mussels with green papaya, kaffir lime, jalapeño, Thai basil and white wine butter sauce; and the Signature Rocky Mountain Fondue with Utah Cheddar, Gruyere and Emmentaler.
Foodies at Deer Valley Resort can look forward to a new dining option at Snow Park Lodge called Cast & Cut for the 2022-23 ski season. The high-end eatery will feature a variety of steakhouse classics such as the signature dry-aged Porterhouse and locally-sourced lamb, along with freshly caught fish entrees including blackened bone-in King salmon and whole Thai sea bass. A collection of small plates from the garden, land and sea ― coal roasted root vegetables, grilled octopus, beef tartare ― pair nicely with the restaurant’s signature chilled seafood towers.
At the new Pendry resort in Park City, guests who enjoy south-of-the-border fare will want to head to Dos Olas (“two waves”) at Canyons Village. It’s a terrific addition to the Park City dining/drinking scene featuring Mexican classics from Chef Carlos Segura’s kitchen, like enchiladas de pollo, carne asada, barbacoa nachos, cauliflower with mole sauce, ceviche, queso fundido, tacos, burritos, homemade salsas, and much more, including an impressive selection of mescals and tequilas.
As Alta Ski Area revs up for their 85th winter, the dining there just keeps getting better and better. And our favorite spot for on-mountain fare at Alta is Collins Grill, located on the third floor of the Watson Shelter. At press time the winter 2022-23 menu for Collins Grill wasn’t yet available, but you can look forward to panoramic mid-mountain views at the restaurant and first-rate European-inspired cuisine from a menu that changes weekly, not to mention a good wine, beer, and cocktail selection.
For as long as I can remember, Molly Greens has been the go-to spot for hungry and thirsty folks looking for great food and drink at Brighton Resort. Consider sipping a craft cocktail such as Molly’s Milk ― made with brandy, Kahlua, hot coffee, whipped cream & cinnamon ― while nibbling on Molly’s excellent hand-tossed pizza, crusty French onion soup, homemade chili, hummus wrap, and much more.
The ultimate lunch and apres ski spot is the posh Vintage Room, located at the St. Regis Deer Valley. It’s a heated, luxurious 1,600 square foot tent-like structure with vaulted ceilings located slopeside along one of Deer Valley Resort’s beautifully groomed ski runs. Start with an expertly made cocktail and then enjoy the Vintage Room’s raw bar items, which includes stone crab claws, ceviche, freshly shucked oysters, lobster rolls, and more. Or, if you’re looking to warm up, enjoy the poblano and white bean turkey chili, clam chowder, creamy tomato soup, and much more.
Woodward is Utah’s newest ski and board resort and we especially like the options at the Tex Mex station in The Hive at Woodward. Tasty choices include smoked tinga poblana pork tacos; slow-roasted birria tacos, the Santa Fe Superpipe Fat Burrito, roasted cauliflower tacos, fried fish tacos, and many more good things to eat.
We love the retro vibe at Snowbird’s SeventyOne restaurant ― named for the year that Snowbird opened: 1971. Located in the Cliff Lodge, SeventyOne serves up delicious lunch, dinner, late night fare and beverages in a vibrant environment. Start with small plates choices like Buffalo cauliflower or Ahi tuna nachos and then go big with entrees such as the juicy slow-roasted brisket; vegan impossible meatloaf; house-smoked St. Louis Ribs; pork pozole, the crazy good chopped brisket mac ‘n’ cheese, and tons of other delectable items.
See you on the slopes!
