A hot midday meal takes a day on the mountain to the next level—even if it costs a month’s allowance. Here are some of the tastiest kid-approved lodge-lunch items at resorts around the country.
Cookies at Palisades Tahoe
Sure, the skiers and riders at Palisades Tahoe have incredible terrain to hone their skills on, but the secret to their radness might be the fresh-from-the-oven cookies at Wildflour Baking. Owner Susan Lopez has always supported kids with smiles, trivia questions, and warm treats. The bakery, with locations at the base lodge and the top of the tram, offers a prepaid discount Cookie Pass—and a lifetime supply to any Palisades locals who win gold at the Winter Olympics.
Waffle Cabins Across the US
Groms know where to find a sweet fix, and it’s at The Waffle Cabin. With locations on mountains from Sunday River, Maine, to Winter Park, Colorado, it serves up hot, fresh, and sweet Belgian-style waffles dusted with sugar or drizzled with chocolate. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa for an unbeatable treat.
Kids’ Noodle Bowl at Buttermilk Mountain
The kids’ noodle bowl at the Cliffhouse on Buttermilk Mountain is the stuff of legends. Fill out the custom order card and choose from beef or chicken. Your protein will be mixed with noodles, broccoli, and teriyaki sauce in a steaming bowl, sure to warm you up and keep you fueled until last chair.
Grilled Cheese at Mammoth Mountain
After lapping Chair 14 or cruising the Hemlocks, venture to the Melt House on the back side of Mammoth Mountain for the cheesiest sandwich going. Try gourmet offerings like the mozzarella with shaved prosciutto, salami, and pepper relish, or the pepper jack with chipotle chicken, aioli, peppers, and onions. Traditionalists: pair classic cheddar with a cup of tomato bisque.
Make-Your-Own Burger Bar at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
This laid-back restaurant located midmountain at Jackson Hole is a fan favorite. Grab a plate and piece together their local-beef burger at a DIY bar, loaded with all the fixings. It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect fuel for afternoon laps.
Pizza at Stowe
Located just off the mountain, Piecasso is well worth the nine-minute drive down the road from Stowe. Often voted Vermont’s best, it’s been mastering the art of pizza for more than 50 years. Start with the garlic knots. And if you’re craving protein after a long day on the hill, try the Carcass, which doubles the mozzarella and packs on all the meats: pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon, and meatballs.
Ramen Bowl at Breckenridge Mountain Resort
At the Overlook restaurant on Breckenridge Mountain, the build-your-own noodle bowl is sure to please. This hot lunch is topped to the brim with veggies in a sauce that’s so good you’ll want to sip it until the last drop!