No surprise – plenty of food and libations await

By The Thirst Team

While COVID-19 hasn’t stymied people’s desire for skiing, it has changed the way culinary offerings are found at your favorite resort this season. In particular, return visitors might find a few moguls that have changed the landscape at their go-to eateries because of seating restrictions and menu alterations.
You showed up for the skiing, but let’s be real, grabbing a warming beverage and a savory bite is half the fun.
Following are a few resorts’ dining options for this particularly crazy season on the slopes.

Monarch Mountain

Jacob Pahlke, food and beverage manager with Monarch Mountain, said one of the most exciting changes this year is the new Flyby Burritos, a food trailer on the main deck that will safely put smiles on the faces of guests. “The menu is small, but delicious and it should allow us to feed hundreds of guests each day without them ever having to step foot in the lodge,” he said. “We will also be serving beer, wine, and batched cocktails out of Flyby.”

Expect changes at Monarch’s existing venues, such as the Sidewinder Saloon, which is considered its flagship. Rather than throngs of guests wandering around ordering, eating and drinking, Pahlke said the Sidewinder will feature booth seating, which will allow the venue to place a barrier between groups as well as the hostess stand.

“In contrast to past seasons, we will be encouraging guests to order to-go food utilizing a new buzzer system,” he said. “While we may not have chosen to make these changes in the past, I am very excited about the new layout of the venue and I believe the experience will be better than ever for our guests.”

Early risers can always grab breakfast (or lunch) in the Java Stop starting at 7:30 a.m. The Gunbarrel Cafeteria also offers pizza, hamburgers and sandwiches and “guests will be able to get in and out in just a few minutes,” Pahlke said.

“My biggest priority going into this season is getting our guests the food and drinks they want while preventing crowds and bottlenecks,” he added.

And sometimes, despite one’s best efforts, old favorites are just hard to beat. “No matter how many times we add exciting new menu items, people always come back for our nachos, jalapeño poppers, and fried chicken sandwich in the Sidewinder,” Pahlke said. “Employees, season pass holders, and out of state guests have consistently shown that those three items are their favorites.”

Pahlke noted that their Bloody Mary is the chart-topper for cocktails. Try the Carnivore, which features steak, pepperoni, au jus and a jalapeno popper. To enhance the Colorado craft beer list, Monarch has struck up a relationship with Soulcraft Brewing in Salida. Add that to the existing beverages from Elevation Beer Co., Bristol Brewing Co. and Eddyline Brewery and you have a truly respectable lineup.

Finally, if you’re heading to Monarch, make sure to inquire about their new happy hours.

Crested Butte

The Town of Mount Crested Butte is considered by some to be in the middle of nowhere when it comes to Colorado. But that hasn’t stopped the town’s foodie craze from pulling off the perfect kicker.

If you’re slope-side, a trip into town isn’t necessary with The Avalanche Bar and Grill within skating distance. Dining in or taking out is available with a few new tricks to safely acknowledge the pandemic restrictions. The mostly American menu has been simplified but plenty of great eats are available. And if it’s time to store the skis and kick back, order an Avalanche Warning, suggests Katy Mooney, marketing manager at Crested Butte. The signature cocktail is wildly popular and it will help remind you to tell friends and family about the amazing turns (360s, double backflips, etc.) you pulled off when carving up the mountain earlier in the day.

The Crested Butte Burger Company is quick and easy for grab-and-go meals, and The Store offers snacks, drinks and sandwiches made to order, Mooney said.

For breakfast, the Brown Lab Pub and Bakery will provide doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches and other quick snacks. When you get thirsty, check on drink specials that pop up from time to time.

And showing just how fun skiing Colorado can be, grab your favorite sushi rolls and plates when you get down the mountain at The Divvy. Throw in a Sapporo Premium Beer and you have another great choice for the downhillers on the go. A good selection of craft beer and craft cocktails await and always look for drink specials from 2-4 p.m. Expect dishes such as Duck Confit and Gnocchi, or Grilled Korean Pesto Shrimp for dinner. The menu is constantly updated.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Communications Manager Jessie Vandenhouten said although things are configured differently, the resort is working to make sure everyone can fuel up for a great experience. “Our food and beverage options look a little different this season due to COVID-19 safety protocols, but guests can still enjoy the same chili and burgers that they previously have,” she said.

The best surprise is no surprise this year, Vandenhouten said. The resort has all its dining information on its Winter Experience page on the website: beavercreek.com. “For those looking to indulge in an après cocktail, we will only be serving pre-packaged beer and wine at our outlets,” she said.

For a quick breakfast, “Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea just opened in Beaver Creek Village and offers a variety of coffees, pastries, and even heartier items like empanadas and individual quiches,” Vandenhouten said.

Restaurants such as Spruce Saddle and Talons can be booked in advance using the Time to Dine feature on the EpicMix app.

Mamie’s will be open in Bachelor Gulch for grab ‘n go sandwiches and snacks, and Broken Arrow will also feature a limited menu in Arrowhead.