Dining

This resort has traditionally been a beacon of creative, gourmet dining in West Virginia, but it recently lost the Red Fox, one of the top ski resort restaurants in the country. Still, the resort offers some fine choices.

The Foxfire Grill (572-5555; $$–$$$) puts fun into the dining experience with a menu that's irreverent and hillbilly tasty. Make sure to try the southern barbecue, fried bologna sammich, the ribs and have a fried PB&J for dessert.

Modeled after the Harris Grille in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Village Bistro (572-2213; $$-$$$) prides itself on offering “international cuisine with a southern-American flair” and features daily blue-plate specials. The large bar area has great views of Snowshoe Mountain.

The decor at the Junction Restaurant (572-5800; $$) hearkens back to logging boom times and the heyday of Shay steam locomotives, with memorabilia from the nearby Cass Scenic Railroad. The food is classic American fare and reasonably good. Yodeler’s Pub (572-1111; $$) serves sushi once a week from 4:30–9:30 p.m. as well as soup and sandwiches. The Cheat Mountain Pizza Company (572-5757; $–$$) serves uninspired pizza, as well as salads, calzones and other Italian fixin’s.

For a unique dinner adventure, head to the Sunrise Back Country Hut (572-5477; $$$$). After a two-mile ride on snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, enjoy an elegant meal in a beautiful, isolated, rustic setting for $175 per couple.

The terrific waffle breakfast at The Boathouse (572-1000; $), a rustic day lodge set at the base of the Ballhooter Lift, is a great way to start the day. Lunch is also available. At Silver Creek the Black Run Sugar House (572-5746; $) serves fine flapjacks slathered with West Virginia maple syrup.

Also in the village are a Starbucks and the Village Bistro (572-2213 $$), which touts itself as offering international cuisine with a southern flair.

The loss of one of the state's best restaurants, the Red Fox, closed in 2006 is regrettable. But, look for a new eatery, called The Ember, to be in place for the 2006-07 season in the new Soaring Eagle Lodge.

Off mountain, the Restaurant at the Elk River Inn (572-3771; $$$) serves a changing menu of truly gourmet regional and international dishes, superb desserts and a nice selection of local microbrews. Reservations are recommended.

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