A trip to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area isn't just about skiing or snowboarding—it's also an opportunity to indulge in the unique local flavors of Colorado. From hearty mountain fare to creative culinary delights, A-Basin offers a range of dining experiences that showcase the best of the region's cuisine. In this blog, we'll take you on a culinary journey through the local flavor dining experiences at Arapahoe Basin, highlighting some of the must-try dishes and dining spots.
Steilhang
Located at the top of Lenawee Park's frontside terrain with stunning views of the East Wall and Continental Divide, Steilhang Hut is Arapahoe Basin's newest on-mountain restaurant.
Steilhang is a German-style alpine hut that sits above treeline, serving Colorado-made specialty sausages, Colorado-brewed German draft beer, soft pretzels, and strudel made by a local Denver bakery. This will be a place to grab a quick, tasty meal and a cold beverage while you rest your legs for another trip into Montezuma Bowl or another lap of the East Wall terrain.
Il Rifugio
Located at 12,456 feet, il Rifugio at Snow Plume is the highest-elevation restaurant in North America, offering a European-style bistro specializing in wine and charcuterie pairings featuring both imported and local-to-Colorado meats and cheeses. Guests can also enjoy soup, salad, flatbreads, and espresso drinks. This restaurant concept was inspired by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, reminiscent of the Alps. Plus, with recent sustainability upgrades, the building has no running water, composting toilets, creates minimal waste, and features the highest solar array in North America on its roof.
Black Mountain Lodge
Black Mountain Lodge (aka BML to our employees) is our mid-mountain restaurant featuring house-smoked BBQ, soups and stews, hearty salads, and other delicious favorites. On nice days, the BML deck--with beautiful views of the East Wall--is THE place to enjoy a hot drink or award-winning Bloody Mary (bacon or regular?). Located at the top of the Black Mountain Express Lift and accessible from all parts of the mountain, BML is a great meeting spot for skiers and riders of varying ability levels.
The 6th Alley Bar & Grill
The 6th Alley is our base-area restaurant, featuring indoor and outdoor dining, mountain views, table service, a lively bar, and a scenic two-story deck. This is our famed après destination in both winter and summer and is the best place to wrap up a great day on the mountain with an award-winning Bloody Mary, a huge pile of nachos, and friends old and new. Rub shoulders with the locals and A-Basin staff, tell your story (feel free to embellish), enjoy local bands on the weekends, and become a legend in your own right. All are welcome here. In winter, the 6th Alley hosts our famed Supper Clubs—themed dinner nights hosted by our amazing chefs.
Local Craft Brews and Spirits
No visit to Colorado is complete without sampling some of the local craft brews and spirits. Arapahoe Basin proudly features a selection of Colorado beers and spirits, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region with every sip. Whether you're a beer aficionado or a cocktail enthusiast, you'll find something to delight your taste buds at A-Basin. Don’t miss our award-winning Bloody Marys!
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area isn't just a destination for outdoor adventure—it's also a culinary playground where you can savor the flavors of Colorado. From casual dining with stunning views to upscale gourmet experiences, A-Basin offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to every taste. So whether you're fueling up for a day on the slopes or winding down after an exhilarating day of skiing, be sure to indulge in the local flavor dining experiences at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. Plus, Ikon and A-Basin pass holders receive discounts at many of our locations.
