Steamboat is known for our Champagne Powder® snow, which falls abundantly all winter long. We’re known for our rich history, western welcome and charm, and a community happy to share their love for the outdoors with those just passing through. While Steamboat is also known to have some of the best and most original dining options around, they may not get the same limelight that our legendary snow and iconic history do. Because of that, we wanted to shine a light on 5 of the most unique dining experiences on and around our mountain.

Right out of the gate, our first uniquely Steamboat dining experience is located at The Range Food and Drink Hall, with a fun twist! Our Exclusive Stranahan’s Barrel Dining experience allows for guests to reserve a custom cedar Stranahan’s barrel to enjoy chef curated charcuterie boards, Stranahan’s whiskey flights as well as specialty cocktails and additional menu items. With unobstructed mountain views and room for four, this may be that special family outing you’ve been looking for!

The rest of our 5 unique dining experiences involve making your way up our mountain. During your ski day, you’re bound to get hungry. While Steamboat has a wide range of on-mountain lodges and easily accessible dining options, one of our most accessible on-mountain dining options happens to be one of our most unique options too. The Taco Beast is our on-mountain roaming snowcat/food truck, normally located at the base of the Sunshine lift. Pop off your skis, grab some tasty tacos, top them with some 505 Southwestern Salsa, and don’t miss a turn!  Everyone will enjoy the unmatched vibes of lunch at the Taco Beast, and you can even grab a Mexican-style beer or margarita to take the fun up a notch.

When your ski day ends, access to experiences up on the mountain doesn’t! One of the most unique and interactive family dining experiences starts with a reservation and ride up the Steamboat Gondola to the Thunderhead Lodge, our main mid-mountain lodge. From here, head on up to the Western BBQ. Featuring a full-service bar and all-you-can-eat BBQ feast, this outing is perfect for the family and features live music and an inherently Steamboat western flare. Western Barbeque is only available for reservation on Friday’s and Saturday’s, so don’t delay!

No night dining reservation? No problem. You can still use your Ikon or Steamboat Pass to board the Steamboat Gondola and head up to the action. When you unload your gondola car, Sunset Happy Hour will be ready and waiting for you. Head up to the main floor of Thunderhead for live music, food and beverage options including a full bar, and expansive views of the Yampa Valley as you watch the sun set for the evening. The sights and sounds of Sunset Happy Hour make it both a guest and local favorite, and there’s a reason it’s one of the only offerings that we have year-round. You won’t want to miss this quintessential Steamboat experience. More information will be on the website soon!

Last but not least, this experience takes you away from the mountain and into the serene and expansive Yampa Valley. Arrive at Haymaker Golf Course and be prepared to be whisked away into the crisp winter night by horse-drawn sleigh. Solitude and tranquility set in as the sleigh makes it’s way through deep snow, and you will soon sit down for a Colorado inspired four course meal and experience the true scope of our western hospitality and charm.

While these aren’t all of our dining options, they certainly are some of the most fun and experiential. Ascending the Steamboat Gondola into the star-studded evening or dashing through the snow in a two-horse open sleigh can make for a truly special experience, and one you and your loved ones or friends will never forget. It’s time to plan your trip to Steamboat and experience them and everything else we have to offer for yourself!