At night, most skiers dine in their lodges, since the meals are included in the lodging cost. Those who stay in condos need to make a grocery stop in Salt Lake City or can dine in the lodge restaurants that are also open to the public (see Lodging for a full description of each lodge's atmosphere and dining experience).

For one of the best gourmet meals anywhere, go to Alta's Rustler Lodge (742-2200; $$$) for a four-course, fixed-price dinner. There’s also a kid’s meal for children 7 and younger. Reservations are required. You also can eat breakfast and lunch here ($).

A close second is Alta Lodge (742-3500; 322-4631 from Salt Lake; above), (742-3500; 322-4631 from Salt Lake; $$$), another restaurant that serves a four-course, fixed-price dinner. Sunday buffet dinners and the kids’ dinner also are popular. Reservations are required for dinner. Grab a bite to eat for lunch as well ($).

The award-winning Shallow Shaft (742-2177; $$$), a restaurant on Alta's main road, is open for dinner-only and has innovative Southwest cuisine featuring wild game, seafood, steak, pasta and chicken entrees. Reservations required.

On the mountain
For a tasty sit-down lunch on the mountain, head to the Collins Grill ($–$$), in the newly-built mid-mountain Watson Shelter near the Angle Station of the Collins lift. This beloved Alta landmark was replaced in 2006 with three levels and plenty of deck space for outdoor dining, an "Alta logo" ski shop, generous restroom facilities and an extensive cafeteria. You'll have great views of the mountain and skiers as well. We had lobster ravioli and carrot ginger soup and both were fabulous. There are three on-mountain cafeterias. The Albion Grill ($) at the Albion base is not your average resort cafeteria. You'll find a great salad bar, homemade soups, chili and baked goods. It also serves a mean Reuben with fries. Wash them down with one of the microbrews. You can get hearty breakfasts here too. At the Wildcat base, everyone congregates for breakfast and lunch at the Slopeside Cafe and Espresso Bar ($) at Goldminer's Daughter Lodge.

Head to Salt Lake City for more dining options.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10