Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>With our snow-drenched valleys, charming ski towns and cozy mountain resorts, it’s hard to deny: Wintertime is magical in Colorado. Continue the experience well into the evening with dinner at one of these alpine restaurants, which can be reached by sleigh ride or gondola.</p>


Mountain-Top Dining in Colorado

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Beano's in Beaver Creek Resort

Alpino Vino in Telluride, Colorado

Alpenglow Stube Mountain-Top Dining

Allred's Restaurant 

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<h2>Allred’s Restaurant</h2>
<p>Oh, you wanted a table with a view? Try sweeping vistas of steep, jagged mountains covered in snow — a scene that comes standard at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/allreds-restaurant">Allred’s Restaurant</a>, accessible only by gondola above Telluride. Filling, wilderness-inspired dishes like elk short loin and wild salmon are sure to satisfy after a long day of skiing and snowboarding.</p>
<h2><strong>Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro</strong></h2>
<p>A cozy cabin tucked away in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aspen">Aspen</a>’s snowy mountains, <strong><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cafes-coffee-shops/cloud-nine-alpine-bistro">Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro</a></strong> harnesses all the charm of a Swiss chalet — only instead of the Alps, you’ll get picture-worthy views of Colorado’s famous Maroon Bells. Ride the snow cat here and nosh on warm fondue, flaky strudel and thick European stew.</p>
<h2>Alpenglow Stube</h2>
<p>Hop on <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/keystone">Keystone</a>’s gondola and glide above snow-dusted trees and powdery runs all the way to the top of North Peak, where you’ll find this secluded AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. <a href="http://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/alpenglow-stube">Alpenglow Stube</a>'s open dining room feels formal and casual all at once, outfitted with white tablecloths, softly glowing lights, colossal log support-beams and antler chandeliers, while the extravagant prix fixe menus showcase contemporary Bavarian cuisine.</p>
<h2>Ragnar’s</h2>
<p>What’s a <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat</a> winter escape without a little “dashing in the snow”? Bundle up for the trip to <a href="http://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/ragnars">Ragnar’s</a>, which includes a nighttime gondola trip, followed up with a snow cat-drawn sleigh ride beneath starry skies. The restaurant’s simple décor sets the scene for homey Scandinavian fare, such as succulent beef filet or flaky puff pastry smothered with seafood and brandy cream sauce.</p>
<h2>il Rifugio</h2>
<p>Dine at <a href="https://www.arapahoebasin.com/restaurants/il-rifugio/">il Rifugio</a> — North America's highest elevation restaurant at the top of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/arapahoe-basin-ski-area">Arapahoe Basin</a>. You'll ride the ski lift up to nosh on locally sourced (and imported) meats and cheeses, along with flatbreads, salads, wine and espresso. Once you've had your fill, it's back in your boots to ski or snowboard a sweet blue back down to the base. </p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2><strong>Game Creek</strong></h2>
<p>If anything can make a night feel special, it’s exclusivity. This private facility in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a>’s Game Creek Bowl is normally reserved for members only, but at night, <strong><a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/game-creek-restaurant">Game Creek</a></strong> restaurant opens to the public. It’s just a gondola and a snow cat ride away to reach this internationally influenced dining destination, nestled among towering evergreens. (Open for members only during the 2023/2024 winter season.)</p>
<h2>Alpino Vino</h2>
<p>The highest elevation fine-dining restaurant in America at 11,966 feet, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a>'s <a href="https://www.telluride.com/plan/business-directory/alpino-vino-winter-only/">Alpino Vino</a> charms include fabulous views of the Wilson Range, elegant Italian alpine-themed à la carte lunch and five-course dinner menus, and a multi-tiered deck furnished with European teak furniture. Ski in during the day, or opt to be whisked to the meal of a lifetime via an enclosed snow coach.</p>
<h2><strong>Zach’s Cabin</strong></h2>
<p>More “mountain chateau” than “quaint cabin,” this expansive <a href="/cities-and-towns/avon">Avon</a> eatery features icicle-adorned eaves, blazing fireplaces, rustic log furniture and exposed beams. To get to <a href="https://www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/the-village/dining/zachs-cabin.aspx">Zach's Cabin</a>, take a snow cat-drawn sleigh ride (naturally) and spend the evening indulging in French-influenced dishes made from tender meats, fresh seafood and gourmet vegetables.</p>
<h2><strong>Want More?</strong></h2>
<p><a href="/articles/sleigh-rides-colorado">Check out a Colorado sleigh ride</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/adventurous-eats-unforgettable-winter-dining-experiences">Sample adventurous winter dining in Colorado</a></p>


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