A powder day is a winter rite of passage here in Colorado—but how about a powder evening? Check out these three after-hours dinners at Summit County resorts, during which you’ll ride the chairlift to mountaintop fêtes complete with hearty meals and fine libations. Just be sure not to eat and drink too much, as you’ll have to ski your way down afterward. Bonus: Never attended a ski dinner before? Scroll down for our pro tips.

 

Copper Mountain

Before Copper’s March 31 Saturday Moonlight Dine & Ski dinner, you’ll be able to work up an appetite with an hour of private twilight skiing on intermediate groomed runs off the Excelerator lift. Then, head to the softly-lit, lodge-style restaurant, Solitude Station, for passed appetizers, Champagne, and live folksy rock from Beau Thomas (who you might recognize from the Voice). After that, dig into a themed buffet prepared by Copper’s chefs. Dinner themes vary, but past buffets have ranged from Greek- to Colorado-focused fare. Oh, and there’s always an extensive plated dessert selection to complete the spread. Fair warning: You might have to loosen the button on your ski pants before heading back down the mountain.

Cost: Adults, $125–$150, depending on the night; ages 12–21, $90; group of four, $440
Dates: March 31
Reserve: coppercolorado.com

Arapahoe Basin

A-Basin, the OG of after-dark ski suppers, began its Moonlight Dinner Series back in 2010. Around 180 guests turn out for each mountain-region-themed dinner (think: A Night in India, Spain, Italy, etc.), executed by A-Basin executive chef Steven Vlass at Black Mountain Lodge. No matter what the theme, these evenings always feature live entertainment, a cash bar, and a chance to ski downhill beneath a star-splashed winter sky. While this season’s dinners are already sold out, you can put your name on the wait list in hopes of snagging a seat, or mark your calendar for next year.

Cost: Ages 13 and up, $80–$120, depending on the night
Dates: March 31 (A Night in Spain); April 28 (Traditional Hawaiian fare)
Reserve: Call 888-272-7246 to get on the wait list for the sold-out dinners; arapahoebasin.com

Breckenridge Ski Resort

With a nod to the increasing number of downhill skiiers jumping on the uphill “skinning” trend, Breck rolled out its first TenMile Twilight Tour & Dinner in December. The ski- or  snowshoe-up full moon feasts have been met with enthusiastic reception—the January super moon dinner sold out to the tune of 100 guests.

A gradual hike up the Silverthorne beginner run from the base of peak 9 tops out at glowing TenMile Station, a ski lodge-inspired restaurant at the base of Peak 10, where guests ditch their gear and settle in for an Italian-themed buffet, cash bar, and local guitar stylings. The thrilling ski or shuffle down is enhanced by silhouetted views of the surrounding peaks.

Cost: Adults, $30; ages 12 and under, $15
Dates: March 30
Reserve: Tickets available here

Ski Dinner Tips

• Don’t forget comfy slippers to change into at dinner. No one wants to eat and mingle in clunky ski boots.
• Night skiing works best with clear or light-tint goggles.
• If you’re skinning to dinner, stash a celebratory beer in your pack and stop at the top to drink in the night sky (and a brew) before heading inside.
• Headlamps tend to wrap awkwardly around ski helmets. Two words: duct tape.

Lisa Blake
Lisa Blake
Lisa Blake is a freelance writer and children's book author living in Breckenridge. When she's not writing about food and mountain adventures, she can be found on the river with her son, pug and husband.