Sure, we'd all love a powder day. But no matter the conditions on the hill, we're here to help you eat well at the bottom.
Ski bunnies take heart, Greater Boston has seen its first flurries of snow.
Food lovers take heart too; whether you like to rip moguls or sip cocoa in the lodge, New England winter resorts are catering to those who take après ski seriously.
Here's our list of 6 spots worth racing down the mountain for:
1. Solstice Restaurant at the Stowe Mountain Lodge
For those who prefer their skiing with a side of swank. Solstice Restaurant has an elegant flare fitting with the see-and-be-seen resort accommodations. The menus boast artisanal preparations for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including upside-down pineapple pancakes with cinnamon butter; goat cheese and spinach pizza with egg and herbs; and Bayley Hazen blue cheese-crusted beef tenderloin.
Stowe, VT, 802.760.4735, destinationhotels.com/stowe-mountain-lodge
2. T-Bars Restaurant and Lounge at the Waterville Valley Resort
This popular lunch spot at the base of the slopes showcases sandwiches such as the Jack's Outback—melted brie on multi-grain with sprouts, spinach and tomato, dressed in parmesan vinaigrette—as well as every kind of burger imaginable.
Waterville Valley, NH, waterville.com
3. Castlerock Pub at Sugarbush
Eat up on the hill at The Castlerock Pub on Lincoln Peak. The restaurant has a relaxed bar atmosphere with “better-than-bar” comfort food, including burgers, fish and chips, and mac and cheese. For some warmth and relaxation, try one of their hot drinks, like ginger brandy with hot Cold Hollow cider, or Peppermint Schapps-spiked hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Warren, VT, 802.583.6594, sugarbush.com
4. The Bretton Arms Dining Room at the Omni Resort on Mount Washington
Start or end your day in style at this classic New England resort. Breakfast and dinner stars locally-sourced ingredients and upscale ambiance. Fare includes butter-poached oysters with leeks, fennel, basil and truffle cream; open-faced smoked boar ravioli with homemade ricotta; and Robie Hill Farm ribeye with charred tomato butter.
Bretton Woods, NH, 603.278.8989, omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-bretton-arms
5. The Foggy Goggle at Sunday River
This is a place to let loose. With plenty of cold beer, specialty cocktails and live music, The Foggy Goggle is always a good time. The indulgent comfort food includes shoestring sweet potato fries with Sunday River maple syrup and bacon, Foggy’s famous nachos and a turkey melt on toasted cinnamon bread with a maple spread.
Newry, ME, 207.824.5056, sundayriver.com
6. Bullock Lodge Cider House at Wachusett Mountain
This slopeside cider house — serving goodies from Red Apple Farm in Phillipston— pumps the sweet scent of fresh-fried donuts and hot cider into the crisp mountain air. We dare you to try and pass by without stepping out of your bindings for a quintessentially New England treat.
Princeton, MA, wachusett.com/TheMountain
Happy trails and Bon Appétit!
Got a favorite spot to refuel after a day on the slopes? Share the love in the comment section.
Nicole Fleming is the author of The Girl Who Ate Boston food blog. Follow her on Twitter @GirlEatsBoston.
