It’s no secret that our editors love to ski. With below-freezing temps and plenty of snow in the past month, we have tested more winter gear on the slopes than ever this year. From new ski boots to the perfect shades to heated gloves, below you’ll find eleven items that our editors couldn’t live without this winter.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Away Carry-On Boot Bag 55L

I was taught at a very young age to never check your ski boots, no matter how tedious it might be to carry them onboard. While this practice is heavily rewarded with never having to use rental boots, it’s also downright annoying to carry clunky ski boots through airport terminals. I’m always in search of a comfortable solution, and my new go-to is Away’s ski boot bag.

The bag itself is so spacious that I can fit just about every piece of gear I’ll need for a ski trip, minus the skis (think several pairs of gloves, neck warmers, goggles, a helmet, a few sets of base layers, ski pants, socks, jackets, and of course boots). The bag also has a luggage sleeve, so it pairs nicely with a roller bag. I prefer to wear the bag on my back, but it can be carried as a duffle as well. There are also several clip-closure systems on the bag to help compress it for air travel. The bag itself is on the larger side for boot bags at 55 liters, so when fully stuffed, it may not fit under your seat. That said, I haven鈥檛 had any problems fitting the bag overhead. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, digital editor

Quinn Snacks, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

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I just returned from a weeklong backcountry trip, and one of my main food groups was peanut butter-filled pretzels. I’m gluten-free which means I can’t always eat the same snacks as the rest of my team, but these pretzel nuggets from Quinn were so popular that my entire group, including the gluten-tolerant, were snacking. The pretzels are the perfect food for backcountry skiing thanks to the combination of carbs from the pretzel and protein from the peanut (or almond) butter. They’re also perfectly salty with just the slightest touch of sweetness. Now that I’m back in the front country I’ll be looking to try out all the different varieties. 鈥擩.A.

Loon’r Hi Flyer Boot

Two years ago, Mammoth Lakes, the sleepy mountain town I call home, received a whopping 73 feet of snow. I spent the majority of that winter shoveling more than skiing. One of my greatest grievances about shoveling was how wet my feet got each day. But no more.

These new knee-high EVA boots bring a smile to my face every time I pull them on. They’re super warm (my feet will go from cold to toasty within a minute of donning a pair) and fully waterproof. The tread on the bottom is sufficient for all but the slickest black ice, and the color is just delightful. Mine are Palisade Peach, a kind of neon orange that looks hilarious as I trade them for my also-bright-orange ski boots. Even though town has been snow-free for a month, I continue to wear them because they grip so well on the icy sidewalks. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Stellar Equipment Stellar Shell 2.0 and Stellar Pant 2.0

This kit feels like real-deal big mountain body armor. I tend to prefer my waterproof ski layers more on the breathable end of the waterproof/breathable spectrum because I love to hike, sidestep, and boot for stashes, but this new kit from Stellar shifts that paradigm for me.

The Stellar Shell and Pant feel incredibly premium鈥攖hick 3-layer material, a secure powder skirt, and excellent pocket placements (including a pass pocket, which should be mandatory on every ski shell in my opinion) all make for the perfect storm-day protection. All waterproof zippers and huge mesh-backed vents really round out what I like about this kit. If you have a sensitive chin, the top of the zipper may bother you until it breaks in a bit, but that’s no problem if you wear a buff. Once it finally snows again, I’ll be wearing this kit while storm skiing bell to bell. 鈥擩.S.

On Movement Tight

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A few years ago, sick of constantly having to hike my leggings up during workouts, I decided to forgo them entirely. This past fall and winter, though, I found myself wanting a pair for yoga classes and the gym. I was nervous to reenter the world of elastane and lycra, but the On Studio Tights put all my fears to rest. The seamless front is secure and camel toe-free, the drop-in side pocket on the right leg conveniently stores my phone, and the elastane and recycled polyester-blend fabric are wicking and breathable even in 95-degree Fahrenheit yoga classes. Most importantly of all: they stay put. I鈥檓 fully a legging convert鈥攁t least for this specific pair. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

Tecnica Mach1 LV 120 ski boots

Life’s too short to ski in pain, but if I’m honest, I’ve endured far more days of agony on the slopes than ones without. This unfortunate fact is due to my long, narrow, low-volume feet. Most extra-large models are far too wide in the toe box, and too roomy in the arch. My feet swim around, forcing me to either stuff the boot liners with footbeds and padding or to ratchet down the buckles to choke my foot into place. Neither method is particularly comfy.

That recently changed after I purchased a pair of Tecnica’s Mach 1 LV 120 boots. My coworker, digital editor Jake Stern, recommended them after I complained to him about my footwear plight. Prior to joining 国产吃瓜黑料, Jake was a professional boot-fitter, and he’s the smartest guy on ski gear that I know. I tried them on, along with several other LV models from different brands, and they fit the best. The “LV” stands for “low volume”鈥攜ep, boots designed for wonky feet like mine. And after eight days on the slopes thus far, I can say without hesitation that they are the most comfortable pair I’ve ever skied in. I’ve bid adieu to my pre-ski-day Advil, and even my post-ski-day complaints. Thanks, Jake! 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor, 国产吃瓜黑料

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

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It鈥檚 been an unusually cold and snowy winter here in the Southern Appalachians, which means I鈥檝e spent a lot of time in this over-engineered, incredibly warm puffy. The Breithorn is stuffed with water-resistant 800-fill synthetic down, so I don鈥檛 have to worry when the snow shower turns into a wet 鈥渨intery mix.鈥� This is the puffy many TNF athletes use in bitter cold, high alpine environments, and you could argue that it鈥檚 overkill for me, considering my mountains top out at 6,000 feet. But I鈥檇 argue that you can never be too warm when you鈥檙e drinking whiskey in the ski hill parking lot after a night skiing session. Also of note鈥攖his thick puffy is actually really packable, squishing down to the perfect airplane pillow size. 鈥擥raham Averill, travel and gear columnist

Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat

When the Bidens invited my wife and me to swing by their place for the White House Christmas party, my first thought was panic. What on earth does an outdoors writer who lives in rural Montana wear to meet the president? Over a wool suit and a vintage tie, Filson鈥檚 flagship jacket was the answer. It kept me warm while waiting in the security line in 30-degree temperatures, and the sheepskin collar added just the right amount of flare for the holidays. I know this not due to my own very limited fashion sense but because the stylist who did Dr. Jill鈥檚 Vogue cover told me so. The coat鈥檚 since worked just as well on a particularly chilly visit to the Dallas Country Club, and while dining out with family in Park City. 鈥擶es Siler, contributing editor

Ibex Men’s Woolies Pro Tech Bottom

The new year found me staying in a cabin near Estes Park, Colorado,, and venturing out for hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first thing I put on every day were these lightweight wool leggings from Ibex. The merino/nylon Nuyarn blend was exceptionally soft and warm against the skin, but so thin and stretchy that I didn’t notice they were there. Whatever my level of effort or the weather鈥攔anging from calm, sunny days with temps in the 30s to a howling blizzard with the thermometer barely reaching the teens鈥攖he Ibex bottoms insulated and breathed admirably under wind- and water-proof outer layers, keeping my leg temperature comfortably regulated. They didn’t even feel stifling sitting in a cafe eating lunch after a morning hike.

The tights are too thin and airy to ever wear alone outside, but they were snuggly as jammies for chilly evenings and nights in the cabin. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, Gear

Ciele VLV Halfzip Running Midlayer

It鈥檚 damn hard to design a good midlayer for runners. You need something warm because runners love to head out at 6 a.m. when it鈥檚 cold and windy. But you also need something that breathes well because running is such a high-output sport. Ciele offers several smart solutions with the VLV. First, they lined the inside with a diamond grid fleece where the center of each diamond is hollow so that lots of air can escape. On first wear it feels like the VLV lets through more air than you would like, but after five minutes it鈥檚 perfectly regulated for running in temps anywhere from 10 to 40 degrees. The half zip also comes with a two-way zipper so you can open the bottom for ventilation but not have the collar flapping around in your face. I particularly love the purple colorway because there鈥檚 not a lot of good purple running gear on the market. 鈥擩akob Schiller,听国产吃瓜黑料听correspondent

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Hooded Waxed Jacket

Waxed jackets are having a style moment thanks to shows like Yellowstone. And while it looks cool when cowboys flip up the collar on their jackets, I鈥檓 here to tell you it adds almost no warmth. The wind will find its way around your neck and you鈥檒l still be cold, even if you look tough. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 a much bigger fan of this hooded waxed jacket. I still get the tough-as-nails exterior that develops a beautiful patina over time as well as a flannel-lined hood with a buttery-soft interior that keeps my head, ears, and neck warm when it鈥檚 bitter outside. The jacket gives off more of an urban vibe instead of making me look like I rode in on a horse, but I鈥檓 okay with that. 鈥擩.S.

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Winter is finally here in full force, and our editors have been enjoying every last drop of snow (and sometimes rain) outside. From touring up our local ski hills to early-morning winter runs before work, we’ve tested countless pieces of gear this December. Below are the 12 pieces we’ve enjoyed the most鈥損ermission granted to steal some ideas for last-minute holiday gifts.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Skida High-Pile fleece hat

I use this fleece beanie year-round, but this month I haven鈥檛 left the house without it. Historically, I鈥檝e struggled with headwear. I have a big-ish head and even bigger hair, which makes it challenging to find hats that don鈥檛 make my head look even more globe-like than it already does, or leave a crease in my curls鈥攐r both. Skida鈥檚 high-pile fleece hat, on the other hand, manages to check the boxes for both style and function. The thick recycled Polartec fabric is super cozy, and the four-cornered top and boxy shape stays in place on my hair without crushing it. It鈥檚 not the only hat I own, but it鈥檚 pretty much the only one I wear. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor

Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Base Layer

I’m guilty of integrating my most technical, purpose-made outdoor garments into my rotation of everyday outfits. Yep, I’m the guy who wears his backcountry skiing midlayer to the office, and brings his $100 cycling gloves along while trick-or-treating. It should be no surprise, then, that I’ve used Helly Hansen’s cozy LIFA merino baselayer鈥攚hich is designed for the coldest days on the slopes鈥攆or a wide array of banal activities that don’t involve skiing.

I wear this base layer when I walk the dog and shovel drifts off my driveway. I’ve worn it under my cycling jacket on long, cold bike rides. And yes, I’ve also worn the top as a long-sleeve shirt under a vest for trips to the grocery store. I realize this makes me a walking, talking, fashion faux pas. But I love this base layer. It’s incredibly warm, and it doesn’t itch or run like other ones made from synthetic material. And it also doesn’t look like long underwear. The merino layer is thicker than the other ones I own, and the angled stitching makes the garment look more like a technical long-sleeve t-shirt than an undergarment. So, for now, I plan to continue wearing my technical base layer鈥攁nd other outdoor gear鈥攖o the mall, movies, and office. Call the fashion police. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex Shoes

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I recently doubled the number of miles I鈥檓 running each week as I ramp up training for a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim attempt in May. That means I鈥檓 running rain, snow, or shine, and have come to rely heavily on the Gore-Tex version of the Pegasus 41, Nike鈥檚 well-known stability shoe.

Thanks to the waterproof liner, my feet stay dry, and more importantly warm, when I have to run through puddles or in a downpour. Cold feet, like cold hands or ears, is one of the easiest ways to lose motivation when I鈥檓 already straining physically on a long or fast-paced run. There鈥檚 no way to keep a little water from leaking in the cuff when it鈥檚 truly pissing rain, but if I keep the shoes tight and wear a mid-high sock, my feet stay dry enough to keep me happy. I also appreciate the reflective details all over the shoes that shine bright when I鈥檓 trying to avoid cars on early morning winter runs. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Pas Normal Balance Insulated Vest

I鈥檓 tempted to wear a full windproof jacket every time I head out for a winter run because I鈥檓 scared of being cold. But then I remember that after 10 minutes I鈥檒l be too hot and have to carry the jacket for a majority of the miles. As a compromise, I鈥檝e recently run in this lightly insulated vest that adds plenty of warmth early on but breathes well enough once I start sweating.

I love the double zipper that allows me to unzip the vest from the bottom so I can vent without the upper part of the vest billowing in the wind, and the collarless design cuts down on any chafing around my neck and chin. I will say that thanks to extra-warm PrimaLoft insulation, the vest adds too much heat for runs when it鈥檚 above freezing. But it鈥檚 perfect for days when temps are hovering somewhere between 15-30 degrees. 鈥擩.S.

Outdoor Research x Mark Abma Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical of a snow-camo printed backcountry skiing kit. But the black arms really do pop against a snowy background. If you vibe with looking like a snow leopard stalking its prey in the alpine, this kit could very much be for you. This print was made by Outdoor Research for US special forces, and the Skytour kit has the features to back it up.

Massive side zips vent heat from an already very breathable fabric that is fully seam sealed and sports watertight zippers. Thoughtful pocket placements and a beacon clip in the left thigh zippered pocket complete this dialed backcountry kit. On a wet, snowy Eastern Sierra tour the other week I was encouraged by the protection and breathability this kit offered. I’m even more excited to see how it will do come spring when the white color will repel the sun’s rays on hot days. 鈥擩ake Stern, digital editor

Men’s Baist Classic Glove

Baist Gloves, made in Vermont, are constructed from a waterproof goat leather and tough cordura shell that鈥檚 twice as thick at the knuckles and high-wear zones for maximum durability. They鈥檙e built to last, but the real secret sauce is the Baist liner, which Velcros into place inside the shell, providing a seamless, no fuss fit but also the opportunity to remove it and dry it separately at the end of the day.

Baist also gave the glove a few nifty features this year, like an interior pull cord and a velcro wrist strap to make sure snow never reaches your hands, and a loop on the tip of the glove that allows you to hang it upside down to dry. These are the warmest mittens I鈥檝e ever owned. I skied in them all last winter and I鈥檓 psyched to pull them back on again now that ski season is upon us. 鈥擥raham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and gear columnist

Roar Sound Machine and Speaker

This rugged and portable sound machine has become an essential piece of baby gear when we travel with our kiddos. It鈥檚 small and simple yet can blast brown noise, ocean waves, or summer rain. You can also connect the Roar to your phone to use it as a portable speaker. I loved the first iteration I tested despite some shortcomings: the sound machine used to alert you with a loud voice command when the battery was low, which woke my sleeping kiddo up in the middle of the night on more than one occasion; and its default volume once turned on was also very loud and startling. The newest version of the Roar addresses both issues by getting rid of the low battery warning and lowering the default volume, making this portable sound machine a no-brainer for families on the go. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

Veer All Terrain Cruiser

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Veteran parents know there鈥檚 no such thing as one stroller to rule them all. Active families who are always on the go likely need a compact travel stroller, a jogging stroller, and some sort of gear hauler. We have all three, but these days, the Veer All Terrain Cruiser is getting more use than the others thanks to its versatility.

Unlike many other wagons out there, you can push the Veer like a traditional stroller, which is a really nice feature when you鈥檙e conveying a heavy load of kiddos and gear. It also has burly wheels that make it easy to navigate off the beaten path. But my favorite feature of this wagon is how compact it is. Unfolded, it seats two kiddos on built-in benches, or it can seat a toddler and accommodate an infant car seat with the appropriate adapter. Folded up with the wheels popped off, it lays flat for easy storage in the trunk of a car, in the roof box, or against the wall of our garage. We even flew with the All Terrain Cruiser in a gate-check bag for a beach vacation last summer, and it came back home with lots of sand but nary a scratch.

At $700, it鈥檚 expensive and double the price of similar hybrid stroller-wagons like the听. But like a听 cooler, the Veer is over-engineered to be extremely rugged and durable, making it a piece of gear that will stand up to kid abuse, travel, and years of family adventures. 鈥擩.W.

“What If We Get It Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Although it’s not gear in the traditional sense, this new book has gotten me through听a recent spell of climate anxiety. Written by one of the country’s most notable climate experts, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, it’s easy, provocative reading that left me feeling both relieved that the climate solutions we need are at our fingertips and inspired to take more climate action myself. Through a series of conversations with experts across a wide range of industries鈥攆rom farming to finance to film and more鈥攁nd concrete examples, Johnson examines what the world could look like if we come together and get climate action right. And what that looks like is pretty beautiful. –Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability听and contributing editor

Backnobber II

Look simple? I鈥檝e heard my husband call the Backnobber II the best tool in the house. He got it upon the recommendation of the accountant at our old workplace, Big Stone Publishing, at least 10 years ago, and uses it near daily. Mike has chronic shoulder issues from decades of climbing and shooting a bow, and serious back pain, either from some hard falls skiing or just years of charging around.

At such times, the Backnobber, near breathtaking in its S-shaped, dual-knobbed simplicity, saves him, as much as anything can. He hooks and crooks the knots and trigger points in his back, shoulders, and glutes; he can do it even while carrying on a conversation with some pitying friend who comes by to check in. I鈥檝e barely used the thing, but I鈥檝e had a front-row seat in witnessing its efficacy. He thinks it is a miracle worker, and I think for $35, you can鈥檛 lose. 鈥擜lison Osius, senior editor

Smartwool Active Fleece Jogger

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I love winter running once I get out in the fresh air and the miles fly by easily鈥攂ut I still struggle to layer appropriately, especially on December’s first really cold days when I used to head out in shorts and tee. These 47 percent Polyester, 38 percent Merino wool, and 15 percent Elastane joggers have helped this year by being one cozy, dependable layer for my legs when the thermometer drops. The interior is a soft, brushed fleece that coddles my skin while a smooth, tightly woven exterior protects against wind and moisture. The relaxed fit makes them easy to pull on, but they aren’t so baggy that they get in the way on the run.

Despite being thicker than most running pants, they breathe remarkably well and don’t overheat when I’m warm, like most insulated apparel does. I don’t wear them when it’s over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but I’ve reached for them a couple of times per week when the thermometer is below freezing and they’ve kept me comfortable from stepping out my door to charging up trails into the wind鈥攁nd they haven’t collected any odor despite only one wash all month. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

The post The Gear Our Editors Are Loving This December appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you鈥檝e been keeping up with Cody Townsend鈥檚 high mountain pursuits in the Fifty Project, you probably recognize the signature white Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack he鈥檚 been hauling around on big objectives in the backcountry.

This fall, HMG鈥攊n collaboration with Townsend鈥攍aunched the Crux, the brand鈥檚 first-ever steep skiing pack. It鈥檚 a slimmed-down technical pack designed specifically with ski mountaineering in mind, building on the lightweight and rugged capabilities of existing HMG packs with features designed to boost efficiency in transitions when it matters most.

HMG鈥檚 ultra-light, ultra-durable packs stand out in the sea of backcountry skiing packs for their minimalist and function-first designs that lean heavily on Dyneema, a material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight capabilities. This keeps HMG packs light enough for uphill travel and long slogs in the backcountry, yet durable and abrasion-resistant enough to withstand the challenges of mountaineering missions.

Until now, the spacious Headwall 55 had been HMG鈥檚 do-it-all ski pack, with touring-specific features like an external safety pocket to stow a shovel and probe, padded straps to comfortably carry heavy loads, and a convenient roll-top closure with cinch straps. But as Townsend set out to climb and ski some of the steepest and most technical lines in North America, he saw the need for something more specified.

Related: The best backcountry skis of 2024

鈥淭he biggest thing I was missing was a pack designed specifically for steep skiing situations,鈥� Townsend says. 鈥淸The Crux] was specifically designed for transitioning in the steeps鈥攚hich is always incredibly tricky and can be quite precarious. It was often in those moments of being at the crux of a line, whether that鈥檚 a rock step, a rappel, a transition or even just needing to get an ax out, where I wanted a new and improved pack.鈥�

Once HMG opened the door to creating a ski mountaineering-focused pack, Townsend came in with a wish list of priorities and features. The main goal was efficiency. When you spend 10-12 hours in the field, every opportunity to streamline the process adds up, and Townsend really wanted a pack that was easier to load and unload in a pinch.

The all-new 40-liter Crux is smaller and more compact than the Headwall and adds a key feature: back panel entry. Back panel entry on a ski pack isn鈥檛 revolutionary on its own, but its integration into an ultralight Dyneema construction鈥攕omething HMG has built its brand upon鈥攊s what makes this pack unique.

鈥淐ontinuing with one of HMG鈥檚 signature features while also incorporating back panel entry took a massive amount of creativity and ingenuity by the HMG designers,鈥� says Townsend. 鈥淏ut for me, the back panel entry is crucial for steep skiing situations and it was one feature I wasn鈥檛 going to budge on.鈥�

For Townsend, easier entry to a pack isn鈥檛 just for convenience, it鈥檚 about safety. Holing up at a precarious rappel station or balancing on a steep, icy boot pack isn鈥檛 the time to dig through your pack and potentially drop important gear. In a ski mountaineering setting, efficiency equals safety, which is what the Crux is all about. In addition to the back panel entry, the Crux features a removable lid which can keep extra small tools and snacks close at hand (or be removed for a more streamlined design).

Adding all those features while keeping the weight down and the durability up (the 40-liter pack weighs less than 3 pounds) was crucial for perfecting a pack designed for long days in the backcountry.

Although the Crux has Townsend鈥檚 name on it, he鈥檚 quick to add that it was built with input from many of the friends and mentors he鈥檚 been out skiing with over the years.

鈥淎 bunch of other extremely talented athletes like Mali Noyes, the Provo Brothers, Mallory Duncan, etc.鈥ad their hand in testing and feedback as well,鈥� he adds. 鈥淎ll in all, this was a very collaborative design process that wasn鈥檛 directed by just myself.鈥�

For ski mountaineers (with some coin to spend), the Crux looks to be an impressively light and durable pack built to withstand whatever you throw at it. We鈥檙e certainly intrigued and look forward to putting it to the test this winter.

Now available for $499 at .

The post This New Ski Mountaineering Pack Was Born From Cody Townsend鈥檚 Fifty Project appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 a known fact that ski towns aren鈥檛 always a bounty for fabulous food. Sure, there are a lot of wings and pretzel knots (some very good!), but when you want something more than standard fare, where to go? Breckenridge bustles with restaurant options and for the top spots, we follow the locals鈥� lead.

Dinner

There鈥檚 no better way to rest those ski legs than over a fine dinner. These spots are all on the nicer end, but kids are welcome too鈥攋ust go early.

Fine dining is chef-owner Matt Vawter鈥檚 wheelhouse. Before returning home to the mountains in 2020, Vawter spent nearly two decades cooking at two of Denver鈥檚 best: Fruition Restaurant and Mercantile Dining & Provision. Rootstalk, which sits in a gracious 1889 Victorian, calls on all the touchpoints of white-tablecloth dining without any of the stuffiness. Seasonal dishes like delicate cavatelli with foraged mushrooms and ricotta and roasted duck breast with butternut squash are just a few of the many highlights.

Don鈥檛 miss: Diners craving a chef-counter experience should request one of the coveted seats when making a reservation.

Rootstalk was such a hit that Vawter opened Radicato, a more Italian and casual take on fine dining, this past June. The restaurant sits upstairs (come back in the summer for one of Breck鈥檚 best decks) and has all the energy of a well-loved gathering spot. We love sitting at the nine-seat bar and people-watching over bites of carpaccio, the homemade pasta (order the lobster bucatini with crusty bread crumbs if you see it), and any of the thoughtful veggie sides.

Don鈥檛 miss: Radicato bakes its own focaccia and allows you to choose how you want to top it鈥攚ith pesto and burrata, with chicken liver mousse and stewed fruit, with pine nut tapenade and anchovies, and the list goes on.

It鈥檚 almost inconceivable that a restaurant this size could offer three different dining experiences鈥攁t the bar, in the bar area, and in the dining room. And at Aurum, which means gold in Latin, there鈥檚 no wrong choice. The eclectic menu runs from crowd-pleasing crispy curried cauliflower with hazelnut dukkah and spaghetti squash fritters to braised pork osso buco and housemade pastas. For our money, we like sitting in the bar area and ordering a collection of shared plates, plus the never-fail Aurum Manhattan gussied up with Green Chartreuse.

Don鈥檛 miss: Happy hour means Aurum鈥檚 greatest hits (cue the French onion burger and the Korean fried chicken) are nearly half off and the deals on drinks are just as good.

When the Breck Distillery branched out from hard spirits into food a few years ago, the restaurant (which sits just outside of town on Airport Road) was immediately mobbed. And that hasn鈥檛 changed鈥攏ot when cocktail wiz Billie Keithley’s drinks are perfect every time and the chicken and grits and udon cacio e pepe satisfy in the way only comfort food can.

Don鈥檛 miss: The flame-grilled baguette comes warm and toasty and bathed with horseradish garlic butter. Order two.

Lunch

Whether you鈥檙e strolling through town or taking a break from the slopes, one鈥檚 still gotta eat.

Anyone who speaks Italian will know that the English translation for piante is plant. So goes this very busy, 100% plant-based pizza spot. The blistered-crust pies are excellent (even the carnivores agree!), and the menu reads like most any other pizzerias: margarita, pepperoni, buffalo. In other words, the plant-based cheeses and meat substitutes stand in beautifully.

Don鈥檛 miss: Top your pizza with the cloud-like housemade cashew ricotta.

It鈥檚 a fact: You will never not see a line in front of Cr锚pes a la Cart. No matter the weather or the temperature, the queue for cr锚pes folded around fillings like melty Nutella or savory pesto and chicken stretches down the sidewalk. Psst, if you don鈥檛 want to wait forever for that treat, pop into the alley for the tiny brick-and-mortar, or hit the Silverthorne location (inside Bluebird Market) as you鈥檙e passing through.

Don鈥檛 miss: Why gild the lily? A cr锚pe showered in nothing but butter and sugar is perfection.

French-inspired sandwiches, which are built on lengths of chewy ficelle, mean you always have an excuse to picnic鈥攅ven if it鈥檚 in the snow. The Cheese Shop鈥檚 ham with strawberry jam, butter, and greens is our pick, but the Southside鈥檚 mortadella, salami, aged provolone, and spicy giardiniera combo is a very close second.

Don鈥檛 miss: The jams, crackers, tinned fish, and other foodstuffs on the shelves make terrific last-minute hostess gifts.

Breakfast

Don鈥檛 forget the most important meal of the day.

Located on Breck鈥檚 bustling main drag, Semplice Cafe鈥檚 unassuming spot is easy to walk right past. But take a minute to slow down and you鈥檒l find a selection of breakfast burritos, a.m. paninis, toasts, and smoothies. The menu is predominantly vegan and vegetarian, though a few exceptions are made for bacon and chorizo.

Don鈥檛 miss: Hit the slopes with a J Wook breakfast burrito (scrambled eggs, tomato, quinoa, sweet potato, black bean, spinach, and green chile) in your pocket and you won鈥檛 need to eat again until dinner.

If you want to dish on powder stashes while sipping hot coffee and chowing on an egg sandwich, The Crown is your spot. The locals鈥� hangout serves breakfast until 11:30 a.m. and the menu will fill you up with choices like Texas toast topped with goat cheese, avocado, and tomatoes. The price is right too鈥攖hat toast will cost you a mere $6.50.

Don鈥檛 miss: The boozy beverages: bloody marys, mimosas, spiked hot chocolate, and more.

Rather than immediately rushing off in the direction of the lifts, there are days when you need to slow it down. For those mornings, head to La Fran莽aise French Bakery and ogle the stocked pastry case. Our go-tos are a strong black coffee and a flaky almond croissant or a slice of the decadent, need-to-share-it quiche du jour. Gather your goods and stay a while.

Don鈥檛 miss: Throw in a pinwheeled raisin brioche pastry for good measure.

On Mountain

Where to refuel if you didn鈥檛 pack a pocket PB&J.

With five peaks and nearly 3,000 skiable acres, Breckenridge Ski Resort is big. But no matter where we鈥檙e skiing, we always make our way back to Robbie鈥檚 Tavern for lunch or apr猫s. The restaurant is located at the base of Peak 8, in the middle-ish of the mountain, with easy access to blues and blacks鈥攁nd fare that鈥檚 more nuanced than what the cafeterias serve. The soups鈥攑ork green chile, red chili con carne, and pot roast stew鈥攁re staples, even on sunny days.

Don鈥檛 miss: Robbie鈥檚 slopeside deck offers unobstructed views of the mountain and three fire tables keep you toasty warm.

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