9 Colorado Ski-Town Eateries With Memorable Views
Nothing beats the combination of incredible food and breathtaking mountain scenery after a day on the slopes. Colorado’s ski towns are home to some truly spectacular restaurants where the views are just as impressive as the cuisine. I’ve spent years exploring these alpine dining gems, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite spots where you can feast your eyes while satisfying your appetite.
1. Alpenglow Stube – Keystone
Perched at a breathtaking 11,444 feet, this Bavarian-inspired haven is North America’s highest AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. Getting here is half the adventure; you’ll ride two gondolas to reach this mountaintop marvel!
The interior features rich wood beams and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Ten Mile Range perfectly. I still remember my first visit when they greeted me with house slippers and a mug of steaming glühwein.
Their Colorado rack of lamb is legendary, especially when enjoyed as the setting sun bathes the surrounding peaks in that magical pink alpenglow the restaurant is named for.
2. Alpino Vino – Telluride
You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced dinner at America’s highest fine dining restaurant. Nestled at 11,966 feet, this charming European hut transports you straight to the Dolomites without the passport stamps.
Reaching Alpino Vino requires a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride under starlit skies: pure mountain magic! The stone fireplace crackles welcomingly as you enter this intimate 30-seat gem.
My favorite winter evening ritual involves sipping their exceptional Italian wines while watching snowflakes dance outside windows framing the Wilson Range. Their fondue pairs perfectly with that spectacular San Juan Mountain panorama.
3. The 10th – Vail
Named for the legendary 10th Mountain Division, this mid-mountain masterpiece blends military heritage with modern luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Vail’s iconic Gore Range, creating the perfect backdrop for their elevated comfort food.
I always kick off my boots in their heated boot room first; such a civilized touch! The sun-drenched deck offers unobstructed views of the Back Bowls that’ll make you forget your ski legs are burning.
Their venison chili has warmed me through many powder days, but it’s their signature bloody mary garnished with candied bacon that keeps me coming back. The spectacular views of skiers carving turns below adds the perfect visual seasoning.
4. Allred’s Restaurant – Telluride
Suspended between heaven and earth at 10,551 feet, Allred’s occupies the San Sophia Station at the top of the free gondola. My jaw drops every single time those elevator doors open to reveal the twinkling lights of Telluride far below.
The bar area features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the box canyon like a living painting. I’ve watched summer thunderstorms roll through while sipping their signature elderflower martini; nature’s dinner theater at its finest!
Their Colorado lamb is divine, but honestly, you could serve me a peanut butter sandwich here and I’d still be enchanted by those spectacular alpenglow sunsets that paint the entire valley in rose-gold hues.
5. Pine Creek Cookhouse – Aspen
Hidden in the Ashcroft ghost town valley, this log cabin treasure requires effort to reach – a magical cross-country ski, snowshoe journey, or horse-drawn sleigh ride through pristine wilderness. Trust me, it’s worth every chilly minute of the journey!
The hand-hewn log architecture perfectly complements the Cathedral Peak views. I’ll never forget watching a family of fox play in the snow outside while warming my toes by their massive stone fireplace.
Their locally-sourced wild game dishes honor the pioneer spirit of this historic valley. The elk tenderloin tastes even better when savored against a backdrop of Castle Creek Valley’s untouched winter wonderland.
6. Game Creek Restaurant – Vail
Tucked into a remote mountainside bowl accessible only by snowcat in winter, this European chalet feels like a delicious secret. The adventure begins with a gondola ride followed by a snow-cat journey that winds through moonlit forests.
Antler chandeliers and alpine architecture create the perfect mountain ambiance. My favorite table sits beside windows that showcase Game Creek Bowl’s sweeping vistas; I’ve spotted shooting stars while savoring their legendary tasting menu!
Their Colorado-inspired cuisine highlights seasonal ingredients, but it’s their chocolate soufflé that steals the show. Paired with a glass of port and those star-filled skies above Vail’s silent slopes, it’s pure Rocky Mountain bliss.
7. Beano’s Cabin – Beaver Creek
Arriving at this legendary log cabin via open-air sleigh under a canopy of stars sets the stage for pure mountain magic. The sleigh bells jingling through crisp mountain air announce your arrival at this historic homestead-turned-gourmet paradise.
Named for original settler Frank “Beano” Bienkowski, the cabin retains authentic pioneer charm with modern luxuries. Enormous picture windows frame Grouse Mountain’s majesty while the central stone fireplace creates the perfect après-ski atmosphere.
Their five-course dinner showcases Colorado’s finest ingredients; the bison tenderloin pairs perfectly with snowcapped peaks glowing in moonlight. I’ve celebrated special occasions here for years, and that sleigh ride home under starry skies never loses its enchantment.
8. Hazie’s – Steamboat Springs
Named for local legend Hazie Werner (mother of Olympians!), this mid-mountain gem captures Steamboat’s authentic western spirit. The wraparound windows showcase the Yampa Valley’s breathtaking expanse – I’ve spotted moose wandering below while enjoying their famous bloody mary!
Located at the top of the gondola, Hazie’s makes fine dining accessible to non-skiers too. The contemporary mountain design features reclaimed timber and stone that perfectly frames those panoramic views stretching all the way to the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Their Colorado-inspired menu changes seasonally, but their legendary truffle fries remain constant. There’s something magical about watching tiny skiers carve champagne powder below while savoring elevated comfort food in this mountaintop haven.
9. The Slope Room – Vail
Unlike its mountaintop cousins, this sophisticated newcomer in Gravity Haus hotel offers spectacular views from village level. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Gore Creek and the mountain’s front side, where colorful skiers create a living mosaic against white slopes.
The modern alpine aesthetic blends contemporary design with mountain traditions – think leather, wood, and stone with unexpected artistic touches. I love grabbing a morning espresso here to watch early risers catch first tracks while planning my own powder strategy.
Their farm-to-table menu emphasizes Colorado-sourced ingredients with global influences. The breakfast skillet fuels epic mountain days, but their après scene with craft cocktails and that golden afternoon light streaming through windows is pure Vail magic.
