Vail

There are more than 15 restaurants to choose from on Vail Mountain, such as Two Elk Restaurant, Vail Mountain’s flagship restaurant at the top of China Bowl. It’s open for lunch only and has expanded outdoor picnic seating to enjoy Southwestern menu items including wraps, gourmet pizza, pasta and more. Many self-service restaurants are pricey and can be crowded at lunchtimes, and in this respect there is a need for some improvement in mountain restaurant facilities.

If rustic indoor or outdoor barbecueing of smoked chicken, soups and grilled sandwiches are your preference, you’ll want to get to Wildwood Smokehouse at the top of Wildwood Express and Game Creek Express. Sample the spectacular views of the Sawatch Range from here. Mid-Vail Food Courts has a New York-style deli, fajita bar, grill and pasta bar on the Terrace Level. There you’ll also find an American diner, and the Gore Range Grill on the Look Ma level, with spectacular views of the Gore Range. There’s a “Great Lunch for less” option with pasta, salad, and drink for less than $8. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of great lunch options at Larkspur, which features chef Thomas Salamunovich’s mix of American and rustic French cuisine at the base of Golden Peak. It’s been listed as a "Don’t Miss while in Vail" in U.S.A. Today.

Undoubtedly Vail’s finest on-mountain restaurant is Game Creek, overlooking Game Creek Bowl at the top of Vail Mountain. Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top for a snowcat ride to the restaurant. Guests are treated to a multi-course menu of Colorado cuisine by chef David Wiehler. It’s a private club at lunch and open to the public for dinner.

Before you hit the slopes try Blizzard's Deli for great coffee and breakfast burritos or DJ’s for any breakfast craving, be it omelets or French toast.