This winter, for shredders and skiers, resorts are expanding access to quick-n-easy options for snacks and meals-to-go along with slopeside dining outdoors.
Resorts are helping mitigate the spread of Covid-19 by making more to-go food options available and reducing indoor dining capacity. Every action matters and by avoiding indoor dining and practicing responsible hygiene, we can all help to safeguard the health of travelers, our mountain communities, over-extended health care workers and resort employees.
From old favorites to some fresh new options, dining slopeside this season will carve out opportunities for memorable experiences and a nostalgic look at simpler times. Remember, to keep the lifts spinning this season, we must always practice good hygiene, wash hands frequently, wear a mask when indoors or using crowded areas and respect all resort recommendations and policies. Scroll to the end of this article for a few rapid-fire tips on how to stay successfully fueled while skiing or snowboarding this winter. Bon appétit!
ALTA
Cecret Mercantile
New for the 20/21 season, the Cecret Mercantile is a pop-up shop located in the Albion parking lot at Alta Ski Area. This food truck represents the next exciting step in the evolution of Van Kwartle Flavor Science. Tracy and her partner John got their start selling incredible hot sauce at the Alta Community Enrichment Holiday Market—you can grab a bottle or three at the Cecret Mercantile—back in 2011.
Today, they continue to craft drink mixers, hot sauces, marinades and spice blends with love from their home-grown peppers and locally-sourced ingredients. You might have seen them over the years at one of our many local farmer's markets! Tracy draws inspiration from her youth, growing up in The Bronx, as well as the fusion of flavors found in the Caribbean and her family recipes from Barbados, Suriname and Virginia. Tracy and John are bringing their love of great food to Alta with their new venture, the Cecret Mercantile. Snap up Alta's spiciest souvenir (hot sauce) and a yummy snack from their pop-up shop in the Albion Basin parking lot near the snowcat shed. The mercantile serves up fresh pastries, coffee, delicious cookies and the best breakfast burrito in Little Cottonwood.
ORDER TO-GO FOOD ONLINE HERE.
Alta Java
Perfect for a sunny afternoon and the opportunity to bask in a big Adirondack Chair, Alta Java's walk-up window serves hot and cold drinks, sweets and incredible snacks. The friendly staff has great recommendations, if all the options prove too tempting to quickly make a choice. Order something to go or nosh and sip while relaxing in one of the nearby chairs and watch the skiers schuss by. This is a great stop for kids or those who are learning, as it is close to the Alta Ski School and the beginner terrain off the Sunnyside lift.
Baldy Brews
Baldy Brews, located inside the lower level of the Watson Shelter near the Collins mid-station, offers a new walk-up window for the 20/21 season. This perennial favorite provides easier outdoor access for skiers to enjoy fine chocolates, hot drinks, beer and light snacks. Outdoor seating in the sunshine is offered.
Base Camp Kitchen Food Truck
Parked at the roundabout in the Wildcat Base area, the Base Camp Kitchen food truck is here to stay this winter. With an expansive burrito menu, this is an awesome place to fuel up in the AM. Check out the Taos burrito with its savory green chilies and crispy fried potatoes.
DEER VALLEY
Outdoor seating is available at Deer Valley Resort on outdoor decks, on Adirondack chairs in the snow or in heated tents. Reservations will be required for dining indoors. Fire pits and heaters will also be in operation to expand the outdoor seating availability and comfort.
Guests will find carry-out options at the following establishments: Deer Valley etc., Snow Park Lodge, Silver Lake Grab & Go, Deer Valley Grocery ~ Café, The Brass Tag and the Seafood Buffet. Reservations will be required for dining indoors at all Deer Valley eateries (excluding the Grocery Cafe which offers limited indoor seating and an outdoor deck).
Deer Valley Etc.
Located in the village at Snow Park Lodge, a new walkup window has been installed facing the slopes and ski racks. Order up freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, frozen yogurt treats and breakfast or lunch items.
Silver Lake Grab & Go
Savor a selection of baked breakfast items and a specialty drink menu. Lunch items include salads, wraps, snacks and sandwiches. All items are offered for grab-and-go/carry-out service only. Seating will be available outdoors in a heated tent.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN
Beaver Mountain does plan to operate their main lodge this winter. However, it will be critical for guests to behave respectfully, minimize their time indoors and practice good hygiene, masking and physical distancing. Guests will be asked to limit their time in the lodge to 30 minutes or less. Beaver Mountain Grill will add grab-and-go options and outdoor walk-up dining options. Guests with sack lunches will need to nosh in the privacy of their vehicle.
SNOWBASIN
Snowbasin Resort has added three new ski-in/ski-out outdoor dining options so guests can enjoy faster service while avoiding indoor spaces. Find them at Earl's Lodge, the Old Day Lodge and at the base of Strawberry Gondola. All locations include walk-up windows for ordering and outdoor seating with scenic views. Kids will love the new yurt village at the base of Middle Bowl, allowing a space for guests to rest or warm up. The Old Day Lodge will be opened up to provide additional seating space and restrooms.
Strawberry Slopeside Dining
For a quick and easy option, hit up the new Strawberry Slopeside Dining window near the Strawberry Gondola. Pizza by the slice or the pie and beer on tap will warm the coldest toes. If you need some leafy greens, fresh salads are waiting. Adirondack chairs are scattered about to take in the excellent views.
Old Day Lodge Slopeside Dining
Swipe up a breakfast burrito and a coffee or snag a pastry and then hit the slopes. Lunch menu items will include burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs in addition to a small menu of to-go items. Diners will have the option to eat inside or outside the Old Day Lodge which is located at the top of the Littlecat Chairlift.
POWDER MOUNTAIN
Powder Mountain has built out an online food ordering system so guests can easily and quickly order food on-the go from the convenience of their mobile phone. Order popular to-go menu items from the Powder Keg, Hidden Lake Cantina, Timberline Cafeteria and the Lucky Slice Pizza. All transactions must be placed on a credit card and cash will not be an accepted form of payment.
Outdoor seating will be offered to diners near the Powder Keg Pick-up Window, the Lucky Slice Pick-up Window and the Timberline Pick-up Window.
Be sure to check Powder Mountain’s operating status (Green, Yellow or Red) as dining options and guest protocols will fluctuate based on the resort’s status. If Pow Mow is operating under Red status, indoor dining will not be offered and the to-go options will be the only available food and beverage service on the mountain.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER FOOD.
BRIGHTON
New for the 20/21 season, Brighton will be extending their free Wi-Fi service and the ability to order food online! Payment by credit card will be required and outdoor dining has been expanded. All of Brighton’s eateries will include grab-and-go food items which guests can order online and enjoy slopeside. Due to space limitations, Brighton is encouraging guests who bring their own lunches to enjoy them in their own vehicle.
Molly Greens
Now serving food in the downstairs area of the old A-frame lodge, Molly Greens will be open for adults and children. Upstairs will continue to serve 21+ guests and will feature a full-service bar and reduced seating capacity. The brown bag area below Molly Greens has been removed.
SNOWBIRD
All around Snowbird Resort you'll find take-out dining options. Conference spaces at Creekside and the Snowbird Center have been opened up to the general public to increase acreage for physical distancing and dining capacity. Guests are encouraged to avoid peak dining hours—from 12:30–1:30 PM—and to take advantage of the new online ordering system and expanded outdoor seating. Don’t forget, everyone needs a free parking reservation to ski or ride at Snowbird in the 20/21 season!
Food Trucks
Two new food trailers will debut in January 2021 with new food items and hot and cold beverages. Locate them in Gad Valley and on the Dick Bass Deck.
Snowbird Center
Quick-serve food kiosks have been installed in the Snowbird Center to help promote physical distancing and avoid crowding in dining areas. General Gritts Deli will no longer create made-to-order sandwiches but guests can enjoy the same deli sandwiches they know and love in a grab-and-go format.
Mid-Gad Restaurant
New for the 20/21 season, Mid-Gad Restaurant will move to a table-service format with limited seating available. Wine and cocktails will be added to the menu.
SOLITUDE
Solitude Mountain Resort will include a greater variety of grab-and-go menu items, especially in the day lodges. Outdoor seating areas have been expanded and dining at Solitude will only encompass to-go style menu items. Guests are encouraged to use credit cards. Note that the Library Bar and the Thirsty Squirrel will be closed this season to keep patrons and staff healthy. The Argenta Pub will pour beers that patrons can enjoy on the adjacent patios.
The Village Store
Relocated to The Inn at Solitude, the newly expanded Village Store will provide take-and-bake meal options for lodging guests and a bigger selection of to-go menu items.
Little Dollie Waffles
Introduced to widespread delight in the 19/20 season, Little Dollie Waffles will continue to service sweet-lovers with a slopeside walk-up window at the Moonbeam Lodge. The mouth-watering Liège-style waffles capture a distinctive chewy texture with a satisfyingly sweet crunch. Perfect for motivating cold kiddos or succumbing to your sweet tooth.
Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery
Don’t go hangry with a delicious slice of pizza from the heart of Solitude Village. For the fastest service, call Stone Haus ahead of time and place your order on the phone. To-go salads, pizza and tasty hot or cold sandwiches are all great lunch fuel.
TIPS & IDEAS
- Many resorts have built apps or online ordering systems to expedite the ordering process and minimize interactions with staff. Check out dining options and make a plan before you head for the mountains.
- Know your limits. If you don't have great cold tolerance wait for a warm or sunny day to shred and dine outdoors. There's no shame in being a fair-weather shredder.
- Look for south-facing patios with plenty of sunshine to enjoy your bev, meal or snack outdoors. Many resorts have invested in cozy fire pits or propane heaters. Make note of these areas throughout the day as you make turns.
- Pack layers and plan for self-sufficiency! With reduced capacity within indoor spaces, folks are going to need to be prepared to face the elements.
- Bring lots of snacks, extra layers and a flexible attitude if the kids are coming.
- If the weather is inclement, consider dining in your car. Pack some warm/dry layers and a fresh mask to warm up or swap out for the afternoon.
- Tailgating is a great option this winter if you’re in the mood to cook a warm meal. Pack your camp stove and all your gear to enjoy preparing a meal amid the beautiful scenery of Utah’s peaks. Check out our tips and must-have list for tailgating here.
- Equip your car with sleeping bags, blankets, thermoses of warm drinks and slippers or warm shoes.
- Bust out the hand warmers! If you need to take off your boots to warm up, place them in the car and pop your hand warmers inside the boot cavity. Some models of boot dryers or heaters can even be plugged into your car's electrical console for a midday toasting.
- After eating, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
- Always pick up your trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Our mountains are special indeed, we should all strive to leave them better than we found them as a small way to show gratitude for our ability to enjoy their bounty.
OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES
Ski Utah Lift Ticket Reservation Guide - Click Here
10 Ways to Reduce Ski & Snowboard Travel Hassles - Click Here
2020–2021 Winter Operations Details - Click Here
Ski and Snowboard Packing List - Click Here
