The best ski towns for dining in North America

For many travelers, enjoying good food in a new place is a hallmark of vacationing. Skiers and snowboarders who appreciate high-quality nosh don’t have to sacrifice their love of the mountains to their love of dining at these North American resorts:

Aspen, CO

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Home to 100-plus restaurants and the Food & Wine classic for more than 30 years, Aspen is the foodie mecca of Ski Country. In fact, the Food & Wine editors have become so familiar with the dining scene in this mining-turned-ski-town that they have even named some of their favorites.

For lunch, it’s Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain. You can enjoy slopeside truffle fries, oysters, gourmet burgers and a host of yummy seasonal salads, while you watch skiers and snowboarders schuss down to the Silver Queen Gondola. Matsuhisa Aspen, owned by Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is the place to enjoy stellar sushi and his signature Asian/Chilean fusion dishes. The Chef’s Club, in the St. Regis Aspen Resort, serves up an epicurean adventure brought to you by a team of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs.

Other don’t-miss Aspen dining delights: Cache Cache, Steak House No. 316, Ellina, Jimmy’s and The Little Nell's Element 47.

Learn more about Aspen restaurants>>>

Where to stay: The Little Nell

Park City, UT

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The dining scene in Park City has been fantastic for a while now, and continues to get new boosts. Featuring more than 100 bourbons and American whiskeys and a range of signature burgers, the new Burgers & Bourbon at the Montage Deer Valley lives up to its name.

A 16-year recipient of the Forbes Four Star award, Riverhorse on Main is one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants on historic Main Street in downtown Park city. The food can be described as eclectic American cuisine, with seasonal creations and even wild game. A vegan and gluten-free menu is available.

At the Waldorf Astoria Park City, the in-house Powder restaurant is known for its mountain-inspired cuisine that is drawn from around the world including the Alps, Japan, and South America.

Other don’t-miss Park City dining delights: El Chubasco (Park City’s favorite Mexican), Shabu and Ghidotti’s Italian Café.

Learn more about Park City restaurants>>>

Where to stay: The Waldorf Astoria Park City

Vail, CO

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Vail’s massive terrain matches its dining scene. With nearly 100 restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred, Asian and Euro-American to Italian and Alpine classics, Vail provides ski vacationers with plenty of gastronomic thrills. Dig into sushi and fusion plates at acclaimed Matsuhisa Vail, also from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, or savor contemporary bistro cuisine and an acclaimed wine list at Sweet Basil, which boasts a 39-year reputation as being one of Vail’s best. If you’re planning on a spring-skiing trip, be sure to experience the Taste of Vail, March 30–April 3, 2016.

Other don’t-miss Vail dining delights: Mountain Standard, Terra Bistro (temporarily closed for renovations) and Swiss Chalet, located in the Sonnenalp.

Learn more about Vail restaurants>>>

Where to stay: Manor Vail Lodge for the perfect combo of convenience and quiet.

Telluride, CO

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Telluride’s deep history matches its culinary scene. This Colorado mining town offers everything from swank wine bars to fine-dining restaurants and casual hot spots. The most widely heralded restaurant in Telluride is in fact a pizza joint. Brown Dog Pizza is not just renowned as good pizza for Telluride, many people rave it’s the best they’ve ever had...anywhere. In fact, it won first place at the Pizza World Championships in Parma, Italy in 2015.

For a more refined, romantic dining experience, 221 South Oak will please. Specialty appetizer and wine/cocktail pairings provide the perfect commencement to your meal.

Other don’t-miss Telluride dining delights: New Sheridan Hotel's Chop House, Floradora Saloon and La Marmotte.

Learn more about Telluride restaurants>>>

Where to stay: Fairmont Heritage Place | Franz Klammer Lodge

Whistler, B.C.

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The perfect destination for ski vacationers seeking massive terrain and a wealth of dining options, Whistler’s three villages offers more than 120 restaurants and eateries. Cutting-edge techniques and practices, like the increasingly popular farm-to-table movement are embraced across many Whistler restaurants. At Bearfoot Bistro, Chef Melissa Craig creates modern Canadian cuisine, often featuring local, wild game and sustainably sourced ingredients. Enjoy fresh oysters or roasted saddle of rabbit at Araxi, or indulge authentic Mexican cravings at Tacos La Cantina.

Other don’t-miss Whistler dining delights: Hy’s Steakhouse Whistler, Rim Rock Café & Oyster Bar, Elements and Alta Bistro.

Learn more about Whistler restaurants>>>

Where to stay: Westin Resort and Spa provides quick access to Whistler Village's restaurants and Gondola.

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