Dining (Area Code 250)

The Bulldog Grand Cafe (542-2459; $$–$$$), formerly the Putnam Station Inn, is an extension of the Bulldog Amsterdam with the feel of an Austrian ski resort. The Silver Lode Inn Dining Room (549-5105; $–$$$; right) features Swiss and international cuisine and a buffet dinner on Thursday evenings.

In the Silver Star Club Resort you'll find the most upscale restaurant, Clementine's Dining Room (549-5191; $$–$$$$), with special prime rib Thursdays and buffet Sundays; The Italian Garden (558-1448; $–$$), with pick-up and delivery; and the Vance Creek Saloon (503-1452; $–$$), serving light meals and snacks until midnight.

Don't miss the Lord Aberdeen Bistro (542-1992; $), where soups are a specialty and there's a wide variety of homemade fare. Long John's Pub (549-2992; $$) at the Lord Aberdeen Hotel offers pub fare, lunch, dinner and drinks; families are welcome.

Bugaboos Bakery Cafe (545-3208; $–$$), noted for its award-winning strudels and coffee, is a European-style cafe beside the Town T-Bar on the Vance Creek boardwalk. Francuccino's Mountain Bakery & Cafe (558-6032; $–$$), owned by the same couple, also serves delicious European baked goods, plus gourmet dinners three nights a week (reservations required). Paradise Camp (558-6087; $–-$$), at the Powder Gulch Express midstation, is good for an informal lunch or snacks. Some ski writers think it's the best place on the continent to enjoy a beer on the outdoor sundeck in the spring. In the Town Hall day lodge, the Town Hall Eatery (558-6024; $) is the locals' hangout featuring soups, sandwiches, burgers and more.

Dining Legend (Cdn$): $$$–Entrees C$20+; $$–C$10–C$20; $–less than C$10

Photo courtesy of Silver Star Mountain