Ski, Dine, And Enjoy The View: 10 Colorado Restaurants Not To Miss

Colorado’s mountain restaurants offer more than just fuel for skiers, they’re destinations in themselves. Picture yourself savoring gourmet meals while gazing at snow-capped peaks through panoramic windows.

From rustic cabins to elegant mountaintop venues, these eateries combine breathtaking views with culinary excellence that will make your ski trip unforgettable.

1. Alpenglow Stube, Where Gondolas Lead To Gourmet

This place sits at a breathtaking 11,444 feet above sea level, North America’s highest AAA Four-Diamond restaurant! Getting there requires two gondola rides, making your journey part of the adventure.

Alpenglow Stube offers a blend of Alpine cuisine with contemporary American flair. The log-cabin interior with its crackling fireplaces creates the perfect mountain ambiance while you feast on dishes like elk medallions or Colorado rack of lamb.

Pro tip: Make a lunch reservation for the best views of the Ten Mile Range, and don’t skip their legendary glühwein.

2. Alpino Vino, Europe’s Charm At 12,000 Feet

How does sipping fine Italian beverage at North America’s highest-elevation fine dining restaurant sound? Alpino Vino transports you straight to the Dolomites with its charming stone-and-timber hut perched dramatically on Telluride’s See Forever run.

The intimate 30-seat venue serves authentic Northern Italian fare. Their five-course dinner experience begins with a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride up the mountain under starlit skies, pure magic!

3. The 10th, Vail’s Mid-Mountain Masterpiece

Named for the legendary 10th Mountain Division, this sleek sanctuary offers a welcome respite from Vail’s slopes. Leave your ski boots at the door and slip into cozy slippers provided by the staff, a touch that perfectly represents their attention to detail.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular Gore Range views while you dive into modern alpine cuisine. The duck confit cassoulet has developed a cult following among regulars, as has their decadent hot chocolate topped with house-made marshmallows.

Reserve well in advance for a window table during lunch. You won’t regret it.

4. Allred’s Restaurant, Telluride’s Crown Jewel

Perched at 10,551 feet and accessible only by gondola, Allred’s serves up views that will make your jaw drop before you take your first bite. The San Juan Mountains spread before you through wall-sized windows while the twinkling lights of Telluride sparkle below.

Though the Colorado lamb and elk tenderloin might steal the show on the menu, don’t skip the truffle fries or the legendary seafood tower. Their bartenders craft mountain-inspired cocktails that perfectly complement both the cuisine and the scenery.

5. Pine Creek Cookhouse, Aspen’s Secluded Beauty

Did you know you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or take a horse-drawn sleigh to dinner? Pine Creek Cookhouse offers the most adventurous dining approach in Colorado, tucked away in the stunning Castle Creek Valley near Aspen.

The log cabin exudes rustic charm with its vaulted ceilings and central fireplace. Their menu focuses on wild game and local ingredients. The grilled elk chops and rainbow trout are standouts that perfectly represent mountain cuisine.

6. The View Restaurant & Bar, A Name That Delivers

When they named this place, subtlety wasn’t on the menu. The View’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame a panorama so spectacular it’s hard to focus on your food, though you absolutely should.

Located inside the Mountain Lodge at Telluride, this cozy spot specializes in Southwestern-influenced cuisine. Their green chile mac and cheese has developed a cult following among regulars, perfectly paired with a Colorado craft beer from their extensive list.

7. Sundeck, Aspen Mountain’s Panoramic Paradise

Are you looking for casual mountain dining that doesn’t sacrifice quality or views? Sundeck sits proudly atop Aspen Mountain at 11,212 feet, accessible via the Silver Queen Gondola, with 360-degree views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.

Unlike many mountaintop restaurants, Sundeck offers diverse stations from stir-fry to pizza to locally sourced salads. Their massive outdoor deck (hence the name) features heat lamps that allow al fresco dining even in winter.

8. Elk Camp, Snowmass’s Modern Mountain Hub

Though relatively new to the scene, Elk Camp has quickly established itself as Snowmass’s culinary hotspot. The soaring modern architecture with its stone, glass, and reclaimed wood creates a space that feels both contemporary and authentically Colorado.

Located mid-mountain on the Elk Camp Gondola, this restaurant elevates typical ski fare with rotisserie meats, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh-made pastas. Their massive salad bar features ingredients from local farms, a rarity in mountain dining.

Friday nights transform Elk Camp into a party zone with their “Ullr Nights” celebration featuring live music, s’mores by the fire pit, and night sledding. Perfect for families or friends looking for après-ski fun.

9. Cloud Nine, Aspen’s Alpine Après-Ski Escape

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is where alpine charm meets lively après-ski vibes. Perched at high altitude, this bistro is famous for its decadent fondue and lively atmosphere.

The outdoor deck provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, making it a favorite among skiers looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. The convivial spirit here is infectious, with guests often breaking into spontaneous celebrations.

If you’re seeking a place where great food meets unforgettable experiences, Cloud Nine is your destination. Its unique character leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

10. Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek’s Elevated Mountain Dining Retreat

Beano’s Cabin is an adventure wrapped in luxury. Accessible only by a horse-drawn sleigh, this enchanting restaurant offers a dining experience unlike any other.

Surrounded by the serene beauty of aspen trees, guests indulge in gourmet meals that showcase the finest of Colorado’s culinary artistry. The cozy interior, with its rustic elegance, adds to the allure of the setting.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a unique getaway, Beano’s Cabin promises a memorable evening, blending nature and fine dining seamlessly.