Gone are the days of sad hamburgers and soggy fries. From homemade donuts to fresh salads, fried cheese curds and warm pots of fondue, on-mountain dining at Park City Mountain has been reaching new heights since Park City and Canyons resorts combined earlier this year to create the nation’s largest ski area.
Here are Macaroni Kid’s favorite on-mountain eats for an epic day of skiing.
Favorite Morning Snacks
To get a jumpstart on the day, hop on the first gondola of the morning and ride it up for breakfast at Red Pine Lodge. Our top picks to fuel your morning? A breakfast burrito and Biscuits and Gravy.
If you had an early start, by 11:00 you are probably ready for a coffee break. Head up Canyons’ Dreamcatcher or Dreamscape lift to Cloud Dine for freshly baked donuts every morning. The day’s selection might vary, as Chef Greg Hansen loves to experiment with everything from creamsicle-filled to Red Bull donuts to kick your morning into high gear.
If morning finds you on the Park City side, make a pit stop for fruit-filled Galettes at the completely renovated Summit House where a fire will be roaring and phone chargers ready to give you a little extra juice.
Lunch in the Sunshine
If the sun is shining, BBQ al fresco at Tombstone Grill is not to be missed. Choose from a selection of brisket, pulled pork and sausage that have been smoking all night and top them off with a variety of homemade sauces, cornbread and coleslaw. Add a local beer, listen to the music and soak up the sunshine.
Or head to the newly-renovated Red Pine Lodge and have lunch outside on the tremendous upstairs deck, which offers oodles of sunshine and a perfect vista to watch the comings and goings. Sure, you’ll find burgers and chicken fingers, but skip them all to try the Asian-inspired Sweet Chili Pork Banh Mi Sandwich, Thai coconut soup and Saigon salad.
Looking for Comfort Food?
Head to Miner’s Camp for Hobo Stew, Meatloaf sandwich and Focaccia pizza. And let’s talk about the cheese curds. If there’s ever been a food that tastes so much better than it sounds, fried cheese curds is it. Made from bite-sized bits of local cheese from Beehive Cheese Company, they are deep fried, golden brown, soft inside and just the right amount of salty.
Not to worry, lighter fare can be found at Miner’s Camp’s salad station (a huge shout out to the roasted beet salad) and, as always, there are kid-pleasing chicken fingers and burgers to be had.
Skiing with Your Favorite Herbivore
While there are vegetarian options to be found throughout the mountain, Chef Jeromy Stanley mixes a black bean burger at the Summit House and then stands guard to be sure it is cooked just so and with fresh arugula and incredible roasted tomatoes.
If your herbivore is actually a pescatore, Cloud Dine has you covered with a Tuna Nicoise Salad that is a heaping mound of fresh vegetables with huge pieces of freshly grilled tuna and a dressing that is so delicious, we literally couldn’t stop eating it.
Best Place to Put Your Feet Up
If your day is winding down, or you are craving a little fine dining, head to Lookout Cabin. One of the oldest buildings on the mountain, Lookout Cabin has lots of history and a gorgeous view, like many things Park City. It is the only full-service restaurant on mountain, and you will find an upscale menu and robust wine list. Whatever else you select, don’t miss the Apple Braised Pork Belly. But beware, if you have a full afternoon of skiing in mind, you will be tempted to linger over wine and fondue.
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The writer was a guest of Park City for an on-mountain food tour. Lift tickets and food were provided. No compensation was received and all opinions are her own.
Images courtesy of Vail Resorts.
