When it comes to planning the perfect ski trip, the skiing is probably far more important than what your food and drink plans. Yet for many travelers, the après-ski experience is just as important as the skiing itself. And many of North America’s best ski towns double as some of the best mountain towns for foodies, with everything from award-winning fine dining restaurants to exclusive tasting menus to Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants to elevated food and drink festivals to cozy slopeside restaurants and more. Needless to say, the food and drink scene has come a long way in ski towns. See our list of the ski towns with the best food and drink scenes.
The Best Ski Towns For Foodies
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is known as a luxury destination for both skiers and food lovers alike. Near the top of the list of Aspen’s best restaurants is Matsuhisa, the iconic Japanese fusion restaurant by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, serving exceptional sushi and sashimi in an elegant atmosphere. At The Little Nell, Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel, the Michelin Guide-recommended Element 47 is self-described as Aspen’s finest spot to wine, dine, and unwind, featuring local wagyu beef, house-made pastas, seasonal produce, and an award-winning wine program. For a more rustic vibe, enjoy an elevated tavern experience and lively atmosphere at the White House Tavern or share Mediterranean-inspired dishes among friends at The Wild Fig. These restaurants are just a taste of Aspen’s amazing food scene.
In addition to its diverse dining options, Aspen hosts the Food & Wine Classic, an annual festival that brings together renowned chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts for three days of tastings, demonstrations, and unforgettable events during the summer.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge offers a dynamic food scene that matches its vibrant atmosphere. One of Colorado’s most popular ski destinations, Breckenridge is home to an eclectic mix of dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. We’ll start on Main Street, where The Canteen Tap House and Tavern serves up hearty comfort food with a craft beer selection to match. Just a block up Main Street, Blue River Bistro offers a more refined experience with live jazz and a menu that focuses on American cuisine with international influences. One of the town’s headliners, Breckenridge Distillery combines a farm-to-table dining experience with its award-winning locally-produced spirits. Last, but definitely not least, Rootstalk is arguably Breckenridge’s most elevated dining experience. It’s led by 2024 James Beard award winner Matt Vawter, who focuses on innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients and a creative drink program.
If you visit during the summer, mark your calendar for the Breckenridge Food & Wine Festival, where you can sample local wines alongside gourmet food pairings.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
While Jackson Hole is known for its expansive terrain, world-class skiing, and proximity to Grand Teton National Park, its food and drink scene is not to be missed. The town’s Western culture blends with its love for local, seasonal ingredients that are amplified in creative dishes. Snake River Grill is among the standouts, offering everything from wild game to fresh seafood in a charming setting. Gather in Jackson Hole is another favorite, and a frequent OpenTable Diners’ Choice pick, headlined by bold flavors and fresh local ingredients with beautiful views of Snow King Mountain. Bin22 offers a slice of Europe in Wyoming with a menu full of Italian and Spanish-style tapas. Located next to the bottle shop, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list. For a quick bite before hitting the slopes or Grand Teton National Park, check out Persephone Bakery, serving up artfully crafted croissants and coffee.
Twice per year, during the winter and summer, the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Festival brings together the area’s culinary talent for a fun weekend of eating and imbibing.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a hub for both ski enthusiasts and food lovers, blending a fun après-ski scene and upscale dining with creative mountain cuisine. Riverhorse on Main prides itself on being one of Park City’s top-rated restaurants, characterized by fine dining with a twist, featuring dishes that include elk, duck, fresh seafood, and much more. Kaneo offers a unique contemporary Mediterranean dining experience, while the Twisted Fern boasts a slightly more casual vibe and a seasonally changing new American menu. Park City also has a vibrant après-ski scene, dotted with great bars and restaurants along its Historic Main Street. High West Distillery is Park City’s most renowned après-ski spot, known as the only ski-in, ski-out distillery in the world. The Saloon Restaurant, in addition to serving High West whiskey flights and handcrafted cocktails, has a complete menu featuring seafood, wild game, and more.
Bend, Oregon
Just a quick drive away from Mt. Bachelor, Bend boasts a vibrant culinary scene set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Known for its craft beer culture, Bend has a variety of breweries that are as popular for their food as their brews. Deschutes Brewery is Bend’s famous long-time brewery, offering hearty pub fare paired with a rotating selection of local brews in downtown Bend. Crux Fermentation Project is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. On a nice day, Crux’s sprawling lawn, dotted with food carts and hosting live music, can’t be beat. For a more refined experience, The Jackalope Grill serves up a seasonal menu that highlights Pacific Northwest ingredients. Wild Rose and its sister restaurant Sen offer up a delicious spread of elevated Thai food. Finally, don’t miss Bend’s great brunch spots, like The Lemon Tree and McKay Cottage.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes’ food scene is just as impressive as its skiing. The Lakefront Restaurant at the Tamarack Lodge is a favorite for its elegant setting and seasonal dishes paired with a lovely lake view. Sunset Magazine awarded it the “Best Dinner in the Eastern Sierras.” Skadi, run by Norwegian chef Ian Algerøen, is one of Mammoth Lakes’ most unique restaurants, featuring a menu that reflects Algerøen’s Norwegian heritage and time working in the Swiss Alps. Highlights include a house-cured gravlax, house-smoked trout, Canadian duck breast with spatzli and lingonberries, and crispy skin salmon. The dining room has just 10 tables, so it’s a truly intimate experience. Vulcania, which comes from the Voltaggio brothers of Food Network fame, is one of the most exciting restaurant openings in recent years. Enjoy Italian American staples with the Voltaggio’s modern twist.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is a haven for both skiers and food lovers, offering a distinctive blend of Southwestern flavors and vibrant culinary experiences. The town has a food scene rooted in Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, with many restaurants offering dishes that reflect these rich cultural influences. The Love Apple is a standout with its farm-to-table approach, serving creative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients like roasted chile and heirloom vegetables. Corner Office Natural Wine Bar we named one of the coolest ski town wine bars. Specializing in natural wine, it also has a great menu that changes seasonally. For a more casual bite, Taos Mesa Brewing serves up craft beer paired with delicious tacos and other Southwestern-inspired fare. The Taos Winter Wine Festival is a must-visit for foodies, featuring wine tastings and food pairings set against the stunning backdrop of Taos Ski Valley.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler, Canada, is not just a skier’s paradise but also a top destination for foodies, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. With its international flair and reputation for world-class dining, Whistler has something for everyone—from upscale fine dining to casual après-ski spots. Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar is one of the town’s most celebrated fine dining establishments, known for its fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The Bearfoot Bistro has long been a favorite among tourists and locals alike, offering an exceptional experience where guests can enjoy a wide range of culinary delights and experiences, including a vodka ice room and an impressive wine cellar. Many of the best restaurants, you’ll find at Whistler’s luxury hotels, like the Four Seasons Resort’s Sidecut Steakhouse.
Whistler’s Cornucopia Festival is a food lover’s dream, featuring a mix of gourmet food, wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations that celebrate the best of the region’s food and drink scene in the fall. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy mountain meal or a Michelin-worthy feast, Whistler has it all.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, is a historic and picturesque ski town that blends East Coast charm with a contemporary food scene. Known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice at Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid is also a great town for food and drink lovers. The View Restaurant, located at the Mirror Lake Inn, offers stunning lake views and a fine dining menu featuring dishes like house-made pasta, custom-cut aged steaks, heritage breed meats, and fresh fish flown in from around the world. Salt of the Earth Bistro is another one of Lake Placid’s fine dining headliners, boasting innovative takes on classics and game meat dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. For a more casual experience, Smoke Signals serves hearty barbecue dishes with a rustic flair, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, one of the larger ski towns in New England, offers a charming atmosphere that pairs perfectly with its burgeoning food scene. The town is renowned for its rustic, farm-to-table dining options, with restaurants that emphasize fresh, local ingredients. The Bench is a standout known for serving Vermont comfort food. Its creative use of local produce and meats makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The wood-fried scallops and Vermonter pizza are excellent. Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar is located in the heart of the village and serves upscale American-fusion cuisine. Idletyme Brewery is perfect for a more laid-back vibe where the food still stands out with the type of entrees you won’t find at just any brewery like sweet potato gnocchi, grilled salmon, and steak frites.
July 07, 2025
