Ski and snowboard season is just around the corner. While Utah resorts wait for snow, their kitchens are busy preparing the food they will be serving guests this season, from stew and chili that will keep you warm on the slopes to sandwiches and fries that will give you the energy to stay on the mountain until last chair.

Keeping warm on the slopes

Snowbird’s stew at The Summit restaurant tops the list of Frederic Barbier, the resort’s food and beverage director. Barbier is quick to endorse the rotisserie sandwiches as a close second: “They’re so simple but so good.” Barbier tells guests to try the new short rib sandwich on the Plaza Deck, as far as new recipes go.

The melting raclette cheese from Deer Valley’s Fireside Dining is highly recommended by Emily Summers, the resort’s spokesperson. And in case that didn’t already sound exquisite enough, starting Dec. 17, guests will also have the option to be taken to dinner via horse-drawn carriage.

Alta puts a high expectation on an all-American classic from their own Alf’s restaurant. “They have really good french fries, you can’t miss the french fries,” says Andria Huskinson, spokesperson at the resort. Located on the Albion side of the mountain, Alf’s is a cafeteria-style restaurant where guests can find an array of comfort foods, and Huskinson says their views aren’t half bad, either.

Solitude’s Roundhouse restaurant is also known for its fries. “There’s nothing better to munch with friends, or get an order to yourself with a refreshing beverage against the beautiful views of Roundhouse’s wrap-around patio,” says Solitude spokesperson Sarah Huey. The famous fries are tossed in spices and served up hot with curry aioli, and apparently a must-try.

On the topic of curry, if you’re heading out to Powder Mountain this season, spokesperson JP Goulet says the Green Curry Ramen at Powder Keg bar is a must-have after a day on the slopes.

This season, Park City Mountain Resort has more than one new dish that its excited about. The Chili Verde Poutine from Lookout Cabin includes braised pork, crème fraiche, and Heber Valley jalapeño cheese curds. Also at Lookout Cabin is a portabello mushroom stuffed with a spinach artichoke dip along with feta, arugula and a nice balsamic reduction to finish it off. For the vegans looking for something hearty enough to get them through a day on the mountain, Legends Pub and Grill offers an Asian noodle salad that has soba noodles at the center, a medley of vegetables and a sesame ginger dressing to tie it all together.

Energy to keep going

It’s about 1 p.m. and you’ve been on the slopes for a few hours. You’re having a hard time feeling your toes or the tip of your nose. It’s time for a lunch that will warm you up enough to spend the rest of the day on the mountain warm and revived.

At Alta, Huskinson tells guests to get the chili at Alf’s: “After you eat it, you’ll want to go burn off those calories on the mountain.” If you want to take it a step further, Huskinson encourages guests to go up to Collins Grill on the third level of Watson’s Shelter where you can exchange your boots for a nice warm pair of slippers and a piece of their famous double chocolate molten cake.

No talk of snow resort food would be complete without mentioning Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili. After that hearty meal, you’ll be set to spend the rest of your day on the slopes until the sun begins to set and the night chill sets in, at which point it’s time for Fireside Dining. “This is our most popular dining experience, offering favorites from the European Alps served from stone fireplaces,” says Summers.

Sundance ticket holders can also try a chili from the Foundry Grill, the resort’s farm-to-table location. Served with local cheddar, roasted tomatoes and house-made creme fraiche, the resort’s executive chef, Ryan Burnham, says the bison chili won’t disappoint. “Perfect for a chilly day where you don’t want to go outside, or for when you’ve been outside and need to warm up with something warm and hearty, it makes for an excellent apres-ski dish,” he says.

This season, Park City Mountain senior manager of dining, Katie Guffey, plans to warm up with the french onion grilled cheese and side of tomato soup at the resort’s Legacy Lodge. “It’s like a soup-and-sandwich with a bonus soup,” she says.

Drinks and more

Snowbird’s Barbier also encourages guests to try the 16 other restaurants that are located across the mountain, especially the burger at Mid Gad.

Deer Valley will open Fresh Tracks Kitchen this season in Snow Park Lodge. According to Summers, the resort’s newest addition will offer “a selection of wholesome, customizable, hot bowls, salads, warm soups and grilled-to-perfection smash burgers served to your table, the dishes feature sustainably raised, seasonally fresh, and whole ingredients.” The restaurant will run on a new online ordering system that allows guests to submit orders remotely.

If you’re looking for a place to get a drink and some sustenance after a long day at Park City Resort, check out The Farm, which stands out among the resort’s seven other dining locations. Jessica Miller, Park City’s spokesperson, says The Farm exists “in true brasserie fashion.” Along with wine, craft beer and cocktail options, the restaurant offers a variety of frites plates, house-made cheeses and small plates meant to be shared. For an enhanced dining experience, reserve the heated yurt outside the restaurant.

The Tree Room is the first building ever built at Sundance Mountain Resort. The restaurant is aptly named, considering the living tree that is the focal point of the space. Alysha Jeppson, the resort’s marketing manager, says the tree makes the atmosphere of the restaurant seem like an experience on its own.

“The building is designed with large windows to facilitate natural lighting and views of surrounding nature, especially magical with drifting snow and changing colors of the seasons,” she says. “The dining philosophy incorporates modern French techniques with American comfort in a rustic Western, Rocky Mountain setting.” Beyond the restaurant’s ambiance, Burnham says the wine list is top-notch.

Wanting to try something different? Cecret Coffee Shop located in Alf’s restaurant at Alta is the perfect place to go when you’re on the run but need a quick pick-me-up, thanks to Cecret’s ski-up window. Among coffee drinks and other beverages, Cecret offers two to three types of waffles to choose from.

Roundhouse at Solitude doesn’t just offer curry fries, it features different curries and serves the Indian staple with naan and rice. Plus, the restaurant offers a chicken pot pie that Huey says is worth a try.