Ultimate Guide to the Foodie Ski Vacation

When I was growing up (okay, it wasn't so long ago…) we mostly brown-bagged our lunch to the ski resort. I remember it so well: Mom packing up our PB&J sandwiches and perhaps a thermos of soup into "the knapsack," my brother and I drawing straws for who had to hang it outside of the mid-mountain lodge in the morning and telling the other where it was by lunchtime. I had no desire to buy lunch in the cafeteria, at the ski lodge or at school. If I happened to find a dollar in my ski coat I wouldn't hesitate to buy the (then) 99 cent skittles, but no part of me wanted to eat those cafeteria burgers or chili that came in the crunchy bread bowls. I guess I've always been a foodie at heart.

These days, ski lodge cafeterias are a different story: a new, improved, deliciously different story. Major destination ski resorts have shifted from treating on-mountain dining as a basic necessity to a gourmet experience – much like the food scene in ski culture's European roots. And it's not just on-mountain resort dining that's changed: across North America, ski resort towns are now bursting with eclectic, high-end restaurants run by award-winning chefs that pride themselves on crafting excellent dishes in healthy, sustainable ways. These days, it's cool to be eco-conscious, health-conscious, and community-conscious – and outside of major cities, mountain towns are leading those trends that are (hopefully) here to stay.

Ski vacations are about the skiing, but also about the entire experience: from lodging to spa-ing to shopping to enjoying all the activities the resort town has to offer. These days, they're also about the phenomenal food. Dine out, order in, reserve at that bistro all your friends have been talking about, and grab a samosa from that super cheap and oh-so-delicious food counter you keep reading about in all the reviews. If you'd like to craft your ski vacation around food, we say go for it, and this guide is here to help. Read on for the ultimate guide to the foodie ski vacation.

Whistler Blackcomb just got dubbed SKI Magazine's #1 resort for the second year in a row – and a "foodie" category didn't even contribute to the ranking. Whistler seems to be unstoppable as the destination ski resort in North America. After the Peak-to-Peak gondola connected Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the resort became the largest in North America, offering over 8,000 skiable acres of terrain. It also boasts 2 purpose-built villages with extensive shopping and over 100 restaurants. The on-mountain dining is not your average cafeteria food: both fine dining spots and casual venues boast fresh, often locally sourced eats that cater to varying dietary preferences. To really get a taste of Whistler, explore the village. You'll find multicultural cuisine in every price range, and fine dining establishments that make an art of Pacific Northwest cooking. Don't leave without trying some wild game and fresh oysters.

Best For: Farm-to-table foodies with an affinity for big mountain skiing.

Cheat Sheet: 

Stay…at the Sundial Boutique Hotel for 1-2 bedroom suites at the base of Whistler gondola.

Ski…anything off 7th Heaven Express for stunning views and good groomers.

Fine Dining…Head to Bearfoot Bistro for elegant farm-to-table fare and the coolest vodka tasting room in the world.

Cheap Eats…The Green Moustache offers health-minded foodies 100% organic fare in huge portions under $11.

Après…at the Longhorn Saloon with cold beers and legendary nachos.

Nightlife…Cut some serious rug at Garfinkel's with inspired DJs and hip(ster) crowd.

Don't Miss…the Cornucopia festival in mid-November for local tastings and world-class wine talks.

Lodging

Whistler has accommodation for every budget, and plenty of on-site restaurants; opt for lodging that's close to Whistler village for the easiest access to dining and nightlife.

Luxury

Expect the usual red carpet treatment at the Four Seasons; the Sidecut Bar boasts a relaxing lounge for après eats and drinks.

Mid-Range

Opt for a personalized stay at the Sundial Boutique Hotel, which boasts a rustic elegant décor and suites with personal slopeside hot tubs.

Value

The Aava Whistler Hotel has comfy rooms and friendly staff; the biggest perk is location – 2 minutes walk from Whistler Village restaurants, all at a value price.

Fine Dining

Gourmet farm-to-table dining has become the norm in Whistler; chefs prepare traditional west coast cuisine sourcing from local farms when possible.

The chefs at Alta Bistro strive for fresh, in-season fare; expect dishes like slow cooked Vancouver Island venison with mustard cress and horseradish salsa or crispy local snapper with seasonal veggies in a red wine reduction.

Bearfoot Bistro not only boasts the world's coldest vodka tasting room – it's also home to a cozy bistro serving up comfort American bistro fare; the confit & grilled pork jowl with bourbon glazed hushed puppies is not to be missed.

Chef/owner Rolf Gunther keeps flavors stunningly simple at Rimrock Café; start with oyster shooters followed by wild B.C. salmon on lobster mashed potatoes, and save room for a daily changing dessert.

Cheap Eats

Remember that if you're coming from the States, the exchange rate is highly in your favor; that said, we'd pay for these delectable eats in any currency.

The Green Moustache prides itself on being 100% organic, gluten + dairy free; opt for the $11 Buddha bowl, a heaping portion of quinoa, rice, nuts, seeds, sprouts and fresh veggies topped with signature house dressing.

Locals flock to Dups Burritos for fresh, tasty Mexican fare under $10; the veggie stuffed "chimichonger" will set you up for an entire day on the slopes.

El Furniture Warehouse is a Canadian favorite, with locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and more: expect tasty comfort food for – get this – under $5.

Nightlife

Whistler is known for its dance clubs, and you won't find a shortage of world-class DJs dropping beats for young crowds until the wee hours; consider getting on the guest list ahead of time for the hottest spots.

Head to Tommy Africa's for a rockin' dance floor, vibrant DJs, and staff known for their friendliness; this is the place to go all out in the Whistler club scene.

Garfinkel's goes off on Friday and Saturday nights; DJs mostly spin tech house and latest hits for a 20s and 30s crowd.

Kick back with good pub fare and a local brew at Tapley's Neighborhood Pub; with TVs for game watching and local live music, it's a relaxed step away from the clubs.

Activities & Events

Whistler loves to make events of their food – you'll find festivals throughout the year that focus on local tastes and fine wine; for a break from the scene, opt for one of the outdoor adventure offerings run by the resort.

Cornucopia is the celebration of food and drink in Whistler; attend tastings by top regional chefs, drink seminars, and bar/restaurant special offerings during the 10 day festival in November.

The mid-mountain Steeps Grill & Wine Bar hosts the Winemaker Dinner Series twice per season; enjoy a full course dinner paired with internationally renowned wines with mountain views.

Take a break from the tastes with one of Whistler's winter thrills, like ziplining above the mountainscape.

Tips

The exchange rate is the best it's been in 10 years for the US Dollar; Americans, now is the time to vacation in Canada.

Whistler loves families; offer foodie kids their own adventure with Kids' Night Out while you get some time away on the town.

Park City Mountain Resort makes this list for its continued commitment to mountain town comfort fare. That, and its extensive terrain, close proximity to Salt Lake City, and absolutely charming downtown. A former silver mining town set in the Wasatch Range, Park City has plenty of stories from bygone Wild West days. The historic Main Street, which is dotted with chic boutiques and bistros, boasts colorful Victorian buildings and plenty of local proprietors ready to share a few nuggets of town history with visitors. Stop into the Wasatch Brewery – Park City's first since the Prohibition – for a Polygamy Porter, then mosey down Main to a cozy dinner at one of the town's fine dining spots. Park City is particularly focused on sourcing ingredients from local and regional farms – so much so that menus can change weekly. Our advice: get as many tastes as you can!

Best For: history and culture buffs who like a story behind their food.

Cheat Sheet: 

Stay…at the Treasure Mountain Inn for eco-hip rooms and prime downtown location.

Ski…the glades to skier's left of McConkey's Express firs thing on a powder day.

Fine Dining…Enjoy southern comfort inspired fare sourced from regional farms at Purple Sage.

Cheap Eats…Davanza's is the local favorite for high-end pizzas at value prices.

Après…Indulge in Gruyere chees fondue and specialty cocktails at the Troll Hallen Lounge.

Nightlife…Downstairs is the hottest spot for music and dancing; the VIP service is well-known.

Don't Miss…a tour of High West Distillery & Saloon, an iconic Park City business and building.