A Snowshoe Supper At Lynn Britt Cabin
By Christine Benedetti
It’s a proven fact that dinner tastes better when you earn it. That’s certainly the case with the Lynn Britt Cabin snowshoe dinners, for which guests ascend the 3,590 feet from Snowmass Village Mall to the mid-mountain restaurant for a three-course dinner and wine pairing. The hike-to dinner is a unique twist on the weekly dinners offered at Lynn Britt, which are serviced by a snowcat.
Getting There
It may sound daunting, but the gentle hike to the cabin is an enjoyable early evening experience. Participants are greeted by a guide at the end of the Snowmass Mall on Fanny Hill, in front of Venga Venga. Discounted snowshoe rentals can be reserved in advance, or guests can also hike in stabilizers (tiny crampons for sneakers). Experienced uphillers may opt to use their own skinning equipment as well.
From there, diners ascend Snowmass Ski Area under the Village Express lift, following the groomed trail to the twinkling lights of Lynn Britt where a roaring fire and warm cider, cocoa and Champagne greets guests. (The entire hike takes about 20 minutes.)
From there, diners ascend Snowmass Ski Area under the Village Express lift, following the groomed trail to the twinkling lights of Lynn Britt where a roaring fire and warm cider, cocoa and Champagne greets guests. (The entire hike takes about 20 minutes.)
The Dinner
The intimate Lynn Britt cabin seats just 60 people, and diners sit with their own parties. Each table is welcomed with truffle-infused popcorn as an appetizer, while waiting on drinks which are made by a bartender who entertains from the corner. Along with a la carte cocktails, guests can add a three-course wine pairing to the dinner for $35.
The three-course dinner ($100) includes a starter, entree and dessert. Though the menu changes, it’s seasonally themed and sourced by chef Brett Thompson, so may feature something like a hearty greens salad, Colorado short ribs and flourless chocolate cake.
The servers are attentive and the evening’s cadence is languid. As the sun sets early in the evening, darkness embraces the rustic cabin and a sense of intimacy takes over. At the end of the night, participants have the option to descend from the cabin on foot, with the help of a headlamp, or they can return in the warmth of a snowcat.
The entire excursion takes about 3 ½ hours, turning a traditional alpine dinner into a memorable and magical affair.
The three-course dinner ($100) includes a starter, entree and dessert. Though the menu changes, it’s seasonally themed and sourced by chef Brett Thompson, so may feature something like a hearty greens salad, Colorado short ribs and flourless chocolate cake.
The servers are attentive and the evening’s cadence is languid. As the sun sets early in the evening, darkness embraces the rustic cabin and a sense of intimacy takes over. At the end of the night, participants have the option to descend from the cabin on foot, with the help of a headlamp, or they can return in the warmth of a snowcat.
The entire excursion takes about 3 ½ hours, turning a traditional alpine dinner into a memorable and magical affair.
Updated January 2019
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