Alpine Appetites

Where to have fun in the snow while heading to a special and cozy meal this cold season 

By Linnea Covington

Make the most of the magical winter landscape by wining and dining at spots throughout Colorado. Think cozy cabins one can snowshoe into, dining outdoors in a human-sized snow globe and sleigh rides with a food-focused destination in mind. These eight adventures can help solidify this winter in the mind and belly, showcasing the charming side of the season.

Snowcat Dining Experience

The winter alpenglow highlights the Needles Mountains in Durango as guests gaze on from an enclosed snowcat as it ascends the terrain. Once at the top of the summit, it’s time for a five-course dinner. The exclusive adults-only adventure happens just four time a year, December 30, January 27, February 24 and March 23. Diners meet at the Purgatory ticket office at 4:30pm, then head up for food, drinks and the view, returning at around 9pm. The destination may be dinner, but the journey adds to the magic of the evening.  purgatory.ski/activities/snowcat-dining-excursions

Tennessee Pass Cookhouse

Lovingly known as “Tenn Pass,” the Leadville destination features some of Colorado’s favorite things-skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and eating. For 25 years, locals and visitors have trekked to the Nordic Center to explore the natural beauty around the area, as well as for special occasions and a reservation at the Cookhouse. The eatery resides 1.3 miles into the backcountry, and it offers views of Mounts Elbert and Massive. The menu is inspired by the season with local ingredients such as elk and bison; and the wine list comprises all organic, biodynamic and sustainable vintages. While there, make sure to check out the historic and functioning 10th Mountain Division potbelly stove from Camp Hale. Dinner is by reservation only, and spots fill up fast. tennesseepass.com

Alpenglobes at Corrida 

Enjoy chef Samuel McCandless’ Spanish-inspired chophouse outside this winter. That’s right, the Boulder restaurant once again opened up its private, heated shelters to diners who want to sip a glass of sparkling cava under the glittering stars, even when it’s below freezing outside. Each Alpenglobe seats six people and should be booked in advanced to guarantee a spot. Keep in mind there’s a minimum food and beverage sales for these special spots, $200 during tapas hour (3 to 5pm) and $600 during dinner service. corridaboulder.com

Fondue at the Melting Pot

Not much proves cozier than a pot full of melted cheese and all the good things to dip it in, and lucky for Colorado there are two locations, one in Louisville and one in Littleton. This winter the Littleton location, which has operated for 27 years, will offer horse-drawn carriage rides through December. Both spots have special Christmas Eve lunches and dinners, and a New Year’s Eve celebration too. While cheese fondue certainly shines, the Melting Pot also offers broth-based fondue with meats and vegetables, and of course, chocolate fondue for dessert. meltingpot.com/louisville-com

The Magic Meadows Yurt Dinners

Head to Crested Butte this winter, or more, right outside the colorful mountain town and into Slate River Valley, where a beautiful and heated yurt has been set up for winter dining wonder. Chef Tim Egelhoff creates a five-course menu of delights perfect for warming the soul after skiing in. Rent gear from the Nordic Center beforehand or catch a ride to dinner if skiing isn’t in the cards that night. Dinner and brunch are served most weekends from December to March.  cbnordic.org

Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides and Theater

Take a horse drawn sleigh through the White River National Forest in Breckenridge, go see a play and have dinner all in one night this winter. In fact, it’s an interactive extravaganza done each Saturday and Wednesday, for two hours. The event includes a sleigh ride, hot cocoa, cozy blankets to wrap into, a three-course dinner and of course, the show, which centers on the historic mining town. Just make sure you’re able to sit for a long period of time, kids and even infants, who are free, are also welcome. coloradosleighrides.com/sleigh-rides/historical-mining-camp-experience

The Uphill Retreat at Lynn Britt Cabin

One of Aspen’s favorite winter pastimes, aside from downhill skiing and snowboarding, is uphilling, which diners on Snowmass Mountain can do using skis, snowshoes or a split board. The trek to this historic cabin can be exhilarating, and once at the top you’ll find it’s well worth it. First, the unparalleled view bathed in the alpenglow. Next, warming up by the fire with cocktails and appetizers before a scrumptious meal tailored for your party. After dinner the ski patrol escorts everyone down the mountain on Velvet Falls run. Bonus, if you can book the meal during a full moon, you’ll see everything the mountain has to offer, even in the middle of the night. aspenx.com

Pinecreek Cookhouse

Snowshoe to dinner in a magnificent cabin located in Ashcroft at the base of the Elk Mountains. The cookhouse used to be part of a 1960’s mountaineering school, but now it’s a destination pleasing locals, tourists and Aspen-dwelling celebrities alike. After all, what better way to showcase the natural beauty of winter before tucking into a medium-rare elk steak with a side of bone marrow bordelaise than by trekking in through the snow on the aforementioned snowshoes or a sleigh pulled by Percheron Draft horses, nordic skis or, for little kids, tugged along on small sleigh. pinecreekcookhouse.com