Destination: Day Lodges

THE NEWEST & MOST UNIQUE SPOTS TO REST & REFUEL AT 11 IKON PASS DESTINATIONS

Perhaps it’s the piping-hot soups with a view or maybe it’s the mountaintop Bloody Marys that always seem to taste better — there’s something about a really good day lodge that makes any destination hit a bit different.

With modern design, diverse dining options, and Ikon Pass food and beverage discounts at select destinations, these leaders in slopeside convenience are some of the newest and most unique places on the planet to refuel and regroup between runs.

il Rifugio – Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Arapahoe Basin
Perched atop the Continental Divide at 12,456 feet, il Rifugio, which means “the shelter” in Italian, is the highest elevation restaurant in North America, accessible only by ski lift. Inspired by the Alps, this luxurious Euro-style bistro that soars above A-Basin opens at 9 AM for pastries and coffee, later serving lobster bisque, panino, and Colorado-native charcuterie for lunchtime. This recently renovated gem located inside the Snow Plume building is also highly sustainable — with no running water and operated entirely on solar energy.

Aspen Snowmass
Post up at the iconic Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro for a little slice of Switzerland, mid-mountain at Aspen Highlands. Treat your crew to the traditional raclette, the gruyère fondue, or the chocolate fondue at this cozy ski-patrol hut turned restaurant. And leave it to Aspen — where else can you get a sushi-grade seafood tower on the mountain, complete with king crab legs, Gulf shrimp, and Maine lobster? Reservations are recommended unless you don’t mind a wait, especially when the 2 PM après crowd comes in to guzzle the bubbly.

Blue Mountain Resort*
Conveniently located where the Southern Comfort, Silver Bullet, and Valley Express lifts meet, the South Base Lodge at Ontario’s Blue Mountain Resort is a welcome respite for weary legs. Grab a bite at one of the main-level eateries, or snag a spot upstairs at the rustic, open-concept Bullwheel Pub. Named after the large wheel on which a rope turns — as in a chairlift — the Bullwheel is the perfect place to kick back with some Canadian comfort food and warm winter cocktails while taking in snowy floor-to-ceiling views of the lower Sunrise and Cruiser trails below.

Copper Mountain*
The Aerie, Colorado and Copper Mountain’s newest day lodge that opened late 2023, is a sight to behold — a 25,000-square-foot, two-story, wood-paneled modern behemoth that has reset the bar for on-mountain dining. With a coffee shop serving freshly baked pastries, a five-station food hall slinging favorites like hot ramen and stone-fired pizza, and a fancy sit-down restaurant complete with candlelight dinner, the Aerie is a Summit County must-see. Get there by riding the American Eagle Express Lift or Copper’s gondola — perfect for non-downhillers to join the party, too.

Aerie – Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado

Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain officially opened its Mountain Commons Lodge over the summer and will be fully online for the 24/25 winter season. This new 25,000 square foot facility includes full-service skier service amenities and a variety of food & beverage options for guests, including the new Brew 62 Café, an upstairs dining area and bar, and an expanded slope-side area for guests to take in the incredible scenic views.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Ride the Bridger Gondola to arrive at Jackson Hole’s legendary Rendezvous Lodge, the stone-and-glass mountain fortress that’s home to the resort’s top spot for sweeping Teton views, including the famous Corbet’s Couloir. Settle in for a leisurely lunch at Rendezvous Alpine Kitchen, with a full bar and options that include sensational soups, smoked sandwiches, pho noodles, and, fittingly, Idaho salt-baked potatoes.

Killington Resort
Brand new in 2021, Killington unveiled its 58,000-square-foot K-1 Lodge — a three-floor modern mountainside masterpiece that cements Killingon’s Beast of the East status. With floor-to-ceiling windows, farm-to-table cuisine, and the only escalator in Rutland County, this communal wonder at the base of the K-1 Gondola features all the latest-and-greatest amenities, even in its surrounding heated sidewalks. Stop by between runs to design your own salad on the second floor, grab a handcrafted cocktail on the third, and warm up around its stately double-sided fireplace.

Snowbasin
It’s been said to have the best view in all of Utah — with its unique circular shape and wraparound porch, the legendary John Paul Lodge atop John Paul Lift at Snowbasin is an icon in and of itself. Where else can you get an all-day hot Belgian waffle bar with toppings like caramelized apples, cinnamon whipped cream, apple brandy gastrique, gruyère, and pancetta? With its comfort food and Mount Ogden views, it’s the perfect place to grab a Snowbasin Juicy Pale Ale and post up in front of the crackling fireplace to watch the snow pile up between runs.

K-1 Lodge – Killington Resort, Vermont

Sun Valley Resort
Cozy luxe vibes, award-winning design, and some of North America’s most panoramic views — who knew that central Idaho would be one of the premier places to lodge hop this season? Between runs, stop in to the iconic Seattle Ridge Day Lodge atop Sun Valley Resort to see for yourself why the wood-fired fare tastes better from 9,000 feet. When you’re ready for another pit stop, lounge around the roaring fire with an après-ski libation at River Run Day Lodge, near the base of River Run.

Winter Park Resort*
Located at a cool 11,220 feet atop the world-class Mary Jane Territory, the state-of-the-art Lunch Rock lodge epitomizes lunch with a view. To get there, catch a lift on the Super Gauge Express — on a clear day, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views of the Continental Divide, Parry Peak, James Peak, and the Parsenn Bowl. Grab a slice of stone-fired pizza or a handcrafted cup of soup inside, or kick back in one of the surrounding Adirondack chairs outdoors, namesake Mary Jane Ale in hand, to plan the rest of your day’s runs.

Tremblant*
Experience the hidden Quebec gem that is Le Refuge du Trappeur of Tremblant. Nestled mid-mountain on the Soleil side, this quaint log cabin–style chalet welcomes weary skiers and riders to warm up around the wood fireplace with a selection of hot soups and spiked cocoas. There’s no running water — but there is an outhouse! When you’re done with downhill for the day, be sure to try the moonlit snowshoeing and fondue tour, which includes a hearty dinner at Le Refuge du Trappeur.

* Ikon Pass holders get 15% and Ikon Base Pass holders get 10% off food, beverages, and retail at select restaurants and stores at these Ikon Pass destinations.

Bullwheel Pub, Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario, Canada