North America’s snow-capped ranges draw visitors from across the globe. While it’s fun to tear down the slopes on skis or a snowboard, sometimes the views are so extraordinary that they deserve more attention. So slow down the pace and dine while it’s daylight. Pick a table overlooking a wintry mountain scene so you can gaze out at white-topped summits in between courses. This is where to find the panoramas that won’t disappoint: we think these U.S. restaurants have the best views of snowy peaks.
Seven Glaciers, Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Seven Glaciers perches on Mount Alyeska, 2,300 feet above sea level. It overlooks Girdwood, 40 miles south of Anchorage. This fine-dining restaurant pairs exquisite food with delightful views. Enjoy the ride as you board the scenic aerial tram which makes light work of the ascent to this lofty eatery. Gaze out over the Turnagain Arm waterway, several hanging glaciers, and the myriad peaks that form the Chugach Mountain range. At Seven Glaciers, the emphasis is placed firmly on locally sourced ingredients, so start your four courses with tasty Kodiak weathervane scallops, the largest in the world. Keep it local with Cook Inlet salmon, and follow with fish from Prince William Sound, one of the state’s top halibut fishing locations. Meat-lovers will crave the bison filet mignon but regardless, everyone should save room for dessert.
Cliff House, Stowe, Vermont
Hop on the gondola to the summit of Mount Mansfield if you’re keen to eat at this Vermont restaurant, which forms part of the Stowe Mountain Resort. Floor-to-ceiling glass maximizes your connection to the snowscape beyond the windows, and though the food’s stellar, it’ll prove hard to keep your attention on the plate in front of you. The forested slopes are beautiful in summer, but they’re even more magical when they’re blanketed with a carpet of winter snow. Dishes are crowd pleasers: think clam chowder, mac and cheese, shrimp tacos, and burgers. Many of the ingredients used to make them are seasonal and where possible, they are sourced from local artisan producers. Pair your food with a glass of local craft beer and propose a toast to your surroundings.
The Overlook, Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge’s Five Peaks skyline is one of the most glorious in the Rockies. Peak 9 is the closest to downtown Breck, easily accessible from Main Street. It offers views of the Tenmile, Front, and Gore ranges. The Beaver Run Super Chair will whisk you up to The Overlook restaurant in next to no time, making it the simplest thing ever to enjoy alpine views as you eat. At 11,274 feet above sea level, it’s the ski town’s highest, which goes some way to explaining its appeal. The focus is on comfort food with bowls of hearty soup, chilli, and curry on the menu. Try The Overlook’s signature Rocky Mountain Ramen, whose vegetarian Shoyu broth can be enhanced with chicken, pork, or mushrooms according to your preference.
The Roundhouse, Sun Valley, Idaho
Board the Roundhouse Express Gondola to reach this restaurant which sits high on Bald Mountain, dishing up popular fare such as fondue and burgers. Located at 7,700 feet above sea level, it’s not the highest eatery on this slope – for that, you need to continue up to 9,150 feet and check out the food on offer at Lookout Day Lodge. But The Roundhouse has a longer pedigree. It’s been serving customers since 1939, making this America’s first on-mountain restaurant. From its wraparound deck you can admire the view of the Sawtooth Mountains. Inside, antler chandeliers and rustic wooden beams radiating from a centerpiece stone fireplace create an authentic vibe. Yet, thanks to a plethora of glass, even when it’s too cold to stay outside you can enjoy those mountain views in comfort.
Pine Creek Cookhouse, Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s discerning clientele ensures that there’s no shortage of decent eateries, but for views of snow-capped peaks and evergreen forest, it’s hard to beat the Pine Creek Cookhouse. This stylish log cabin is located in an idyllic setting in the Elk Mountains. Come during the day and you can work off the calories as you explore, appropriately kitted out with cross-country skis or snowshoes. Whether you reserve a table for lunch or dinner, opt to arrive by horse-drawn sleigh with a blanket over your lap to keep you cozy in the chill mountain air. Once greeted and seated, gourmands will be excited by the sustainable, seasonally changing menus which are inspired by the restaurant’s gorgeous surroundings. Feast on Rocky Mountain trout or elk bratwurst, but remember to save room for the warm blueberry crisp that they serve up with ginger streusel and creamy vanilla ice cream.
