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DISCOVER
Sunday, October 29, 2000
Off the slopes, into the night There's no end to selection of food and drink DARREN SAMUELSOHN, THE OLYMPIAN Swapping stories of a sublime run. Aching feet, out of ski boots and back in sneakers. And beer flowing freely as another day on the slopes comes to an end.
Just as golf has its 19th hole, skiers too have their haven for post-participation relaxation and reflection.
It's called Apres Ski, which in French means "after skiing." And with venues named "Snorting Elk," "Whiskey Pete's" and "Bull's Tooth," there's no telling what kind of fun is being had at Washington's ski resorts.
So with ski season fast approaching, here's a look at what's offered at the Big Four ski resorts nearest to South Sound -- Crystal Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass and White Pass -- for food, drink, entertainment and overnight accommodations.
Crystal Mountain
Skiers and snowboarders can lunch at The Summit House, which is home to one of the most breathtaking restaurant vistas in North America. The pizza, pasta, soup and salad eatery sits high above the resort and looks out at the summit of Mount Rainier.
For skiers and snowboarders who aren't inclined to such heights, Crystal Mountain is still home to a diverse range of other eateries.
The resort's largest building, the Silver Creek Lodge, contains three different food venues and an expansive area for folks who've brought their own grub from home.
The Cascade Grill serves fast-food style breakfasts and lunches. At the Silver Creek Deli, made-to-order sandwiches, pizza, beer and wine are available. Caffeine-hungry souls can get their fix from the espresso bar.
In the lodge's upstairs quarters is Sourdough Sal's, a sit-down restaurant popular for post-skiing revelry. Live music is featured regularly throughout the winter.
Then there's the Alpine Inn, a separate building tucked into the woods across the footbridge in Crystal Mountain parking lot A. There's a sit-down restaurant at the popular hotel, which offers a full dinner menu.
For lunch or dinner, check out the Snorting Elk Deli, which offers soups, sandwiches, pastries and stone-fired pizzas. Hard to miss, considering the party-like atmosphere, is the Snorting Elk Cellar. This toasty tavern is home to a roaring fire, full cocktail service and a regular schedule of live entertainment.
For overnight accommodations at Crystal Mountain, there's a range of options.
If a hot tub and heated pool sound like your idea of post-skiing relaxation, check out the Alta Crystal Resort (800) 277-6475. The 80-year-old lodge has both, as well as rooms with fireplaces and a honeymoon log cabin for the romance-minded.
For ski-to-your-front-door amenities, check out the Crystal Mountain hotels, (888) SKI-6400. Alpine Inn, Quicksilver Lodge, Village Inn and Crystal Mountain Lodging Suites.
White Pass
The resort that sits just 90 miles from Olympia is home to its fair share of activities to mix into a snow-filled day.
At the Village Inn, ski and snowboard guests are rewarded after a winter day with a large heated swimming pool. The condominium units sleep one to eight people and are fully equipped with kitchens, private baths and balconies.
At White Pass's Day Lodge, lunch is served in a cafeteria-style setting. Espresso and snacks are available, and there's plenty of room for folks who brought food from home.
At night, a full service dining room in the Day Lodge serves sophisticated meals from about 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
For a more casual feel, head to the Sitzmark Lounge on the second floor of the Day Lodge. Beer, wine, snacks and entertainment are available here. Rumor has it that ski instructors are known to provide live music performances on occasion.
Skiers and snowboarders also stay in the nearby community of Packwood (800) 963-7898, which has a variety of motels, restaurants and lounges.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
There are seven lodges spread out over this large resort, with lunch readily available wherever you turn. There's also plenty of space to park with your lunch sacks if you brought food from home.
Night life at this Cascade Mountain resort revolves around Summit West, where food and drink are served at the Timberwolf Pub. This is the place to be for live music with performances scheduled for Saturday nights beginning after Christmas.
Whiskey Pete's at Summit Central and the Denny Mountain Bar at Alpental are also renowned for their atmosphere.
For overnight accommodations, the place to stay on site is the Summit Inn (800) 557-7829. A hot tub, swimming pool and sauna are there to greet guests at the 80-room hotel, which is located next to the chairlifts at Summit West.
Stevens Pass
At Stevens Pass, skiers and snowboarders have three lodges to choose from, all of which are home to eating establishments for the whole family. Among the local favorites is the Iron Goat Pizza Station in the Pacific Crest Lodge.
For post-skiing fun, insiders recommend the Bull's Tooth Pub in the Granite Peaks Lodge and Soft Landing in the Tye Creek Lodge. The former is home to good beer and the latter is the place to be for Saturday night live entertainment, including as bluegrass and rock.
While there are no overnight accommodations at Stevens Pass, the resorts encourage folks to head into one of the numerous communities in the surrounding lowlands.
Call the Apple Capital of Washington in Wenatchee (800) 57-APPLE, the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth at (509) 548-5807 and the recreational haven of Lake Chelan (800) 4-CHELAN for more information. The Olympian Copyright 2000
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