You’ve heard the phrase “earn your turns,” Now there’s “work for your wine.” Diners will do just that at these three Colorado backwoods eateries, where athletic foodies can ski or snowshoe in to to a gourmet meal, re-stack calories and enjoy a choice glass of vino.
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
This spacious yurt perched at 10,800 feet sits with the boundaries of the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. It’s accessible via a one-mile, gentle uphill trip by snowshoe or cross-country skis. Or ski enjoy the center’s 25 kilometers of impeccably groomed cross-country trails, then gorge. The Cookhouse serves Rocky Mountain trout, elk tenderloin, hearty soups, a variety of wines and hot toddies. Lunches and dinners are reservation only. tennesseepass.com
Full Moon Parties
While true mountain folk often go skiing during full moon weeks, at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, they throw a party, too. Crested Butte’s Full Moon soirees happen a few times each ski season and attendees skin or snowshoe up a mellow run to the Ten Peaks Umbrella Bar, prepped for a barbecue buffet and drinks. Don’t worry if you miss the full moon. You can hit up Magic Meadows Yurt, at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Snowshoe or cross-country ski guided, on a rolling, groomed course to the yurt, where live entertainment and a five-course meal and drinks from local chef Tim Eaglehoff await. cbnordic.org/magic-meadows-yurt
Minturn Saloon
You can drive right up to the front doors of the Saloon but why would you? Ski the Minturn Mile, then do après at the bar. Start your route on Vail Mountain, and glide three miles on mostly downhill, rolling terrain. At the finish, walk a short distance to the Saloon, where you can take in the eclectic décor, order a quail enchilada and tuck into a margarita. minturnsaloon.com
—Melanie Wong
