There are some wonderful on-mountain dining options while skiing in Aspen/Snowmass. I love:
My latest find is Sam’s at the top of Sam’s Knob in Snowmass. It took over the former Sam’s Smokehouse space. This is a large restaurant with beautiful views. They serve breakfast and lunch. Their Italian menu features antipasti, homemade pastas and a variety of entrees. I loved the lamb burger! They also have a bar and feature a large number of wines.
Elk Camp: A great new restaurant at the top of the Elk Camp gondola in Snowmass Village that replaced the old Café Suzanne. I miss some of the old favorites, but the new construction with curved roof, large windows and stone columns makes it a spectacular place for lunch. There are several food stations and a new bar area. There are often special events during the ski season on Friday nights with entertainment and activities for the entire family.
Lynn Britt Cabin: Located on the mountain in Snowmass, this is my favorite place for lunch on the mountain. It is a charming small cabin with great food. The only negative is that you may not want to ski much after such a wonderful lunch. They also offer snowcat dinners during the winter months.
One of my favorite spots, Gwyn’s High Alpine, has closed and has been replaced by the Alpin Room. Located at the top of the Alpine Springs lift, it offers French, Swiss, and Austrian fare infused with modern touches. You can make a reservation to assure you get a reservation. I went on my last ski trip with a local friend and enjoyed the experience. The service and decor were excellent and I enjoyed my lunch of the French onion soup gratinée along with a warm popover. They have a number of soups, sandwiches, salads and entrees.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro: Located at Aspen Highlands in an old ski patrol shack, this is a sit-down, recently updated, fine dining restaurant open for lunch, après ski and snowcat dinner during the ski season on certain nights. I suggest making a reservation.
At the base of Aspen Highlands is Highlands Ale House. This is a casual, locals’ brewpub, serving a number of brews, burgers sandwiches, salads and bowls. It is open for lunch, après ski and dinner. I enjoyed the food and staff and learned that they are going to start brewing some of their own beer onsite.
The Sundeck on Ajax is a fun spot. I was back in January 2024 for lunch with friends. I enjoyed a great reuben sandwich. The views are outstanding! For those not wanting to ski, you can ride the gondola up by buying a non-skier lift ticket. They are also open for lunch in the summer.
Ajax Tavern, at the base of Ajax near the gondola and located at the Little Nell Hotel, has a wonderful deck for outdoor dining at lunch on those warmer, sunny days.
I recommend that you try Venga Venga right on the slopes in the Snowmass Village Mall. It was the former Timberline and has great Mexican food. It is also great for apres ski drinks on the patio. I was just back for lunch an loved the mahi mahi tacos and a great tres leches cake.
Also in the Snowmass Village is the fun, casual The Stew Pot featuring homemade soups, stews, salads and sandwiches. I recently went back after several years and enjoyed a wonderful chicken stew for lunch. It is a popular spot so you might go early to make sure you get a table. I went back again in January 2024 as I had a craving for their traditional beef stew! It is the oldest operating restaurant in the Snowmass Mall. 63 Elbert Lane.
Across from the Stew Pot is a new find for me Big Hoss Grill. Opened since 2006, this is a casual spot on the Snowmass Mall. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loved it for lunch where they had a number of starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos and burgers. I really loved the tasty Kansas City, a pulled pork sandwich with their Big Hoss BBQ sauce. Along with cole slaw and a cup of New England clam chowder, it was a perfect lunch. I went back again for another pulled pork sandwich.
