Where to Eat During the Alpine World Ski Championships

The 2015 FIS World Ski Championships in Vail-Beaver Creek are finally here. Whether you’re headed up for the races, for the non-ski festivities (Barenaked Ladies, CeeLo Green, The Voice winner Craig Wayne) or simply hoping to catch a glimpse of hometown girls Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, you’ll need to be properly fueled. Here, a few of our favorite spots along the Vail-Beaver Creek corridor:

For upscale American eats: Mountain Standard is our go-to anytime we visit Vail. The wood-fired dishes are rustic, creative, and always just what we’re looking for. Do not miss the shrimp and grits or the anything-but-standard kale salad. 193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-0123, mtnstandard.com

For sushi: Master chef Nobu Matsuhisa is known around the world for his innovative take on sushi. Make a reservation at Matsuhisa-Vail (or hope for a seat at the stunning bar) and order the scallop with jalapeño salsa and several rounds of tiradito, a Peruvian-style ceviche. 141 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, 970-476-6628, matsuhisavail.com

For steak: If the mountain air leaves you hankering for steak, head to Elway’s. We’re partial to the Colorado rack of lamb with a side of Brussels sprouts hash. P.S. The 100-percent ground sirloin smash burger is excellent. 174 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-757-7818, elways.com/vail

For a Top Chef-worthy dinner: Kelly Liken, a Top Chef Season Seven finalist, opened her namesake restaurant in 2004 and quickly made a name for herself. Go to Restaurant Kelly Liken for the game dishes and the chef’s commanding take on vegetables. Bonus: Don’t miss the restaurant’s excellent bar program. 12 Vail Road #100, Vail, 970-479-0175, kellyliken.com

For cocktails: Check out Bol and hope award-winning bartender Tracy Rowland is behind the stick the night you visit. 141 E. Meadow Drive, #113,Vail, 970-476-5300, bolvail.com

For Italian: So the name Ti Amo is a little cheesy and the restaurant sits just yards from I-70, but this Eagle-Vail favorite is a charmer. We always order the same thing: grilled romaine heart salad and the gnocchi principessa. Reservations for dinner are a must. 40928 U.S. 6, Eagle-Vail, 970-845-8153, tiamovail.com

For breakfast: With a breakfast-all-day menu, you’ll never miss out on eats like Route 6‘s Full Monte eggs Benedict with spinach, tomato, avocado, and ham on a croissant. (You can order the dish with standard English muffins, but why would you?). 40801 U.S. Highway 6, Eagle-Vail, 970-949-6393, routesixcafe.com

For sandwiches: Never do we drive through Avon and miss the opportunity to stop at Avon Bakery & Deli. The breakfast sandwiches are a thing of beauty—and are hearty enough to fuel you until après-ski. Or, stop by at lunch for the smoked turkey with muenster and hummus. 25 Hurd Lane, Avon, 970-949-3354, avonbakeryanddeli.com

(Check out 5280‘s complete coverage of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships)

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