Latin Hot Spots in Ski Towns

The snow is falling and there is only one thing to do: head west and hit the slopes. If you are already planning a trip this season, or are toying with the idea, consider visiting these popular mountain hubs in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Utah. Most have been rated as the country's top ski towns but that's not what's got us all excited; it’s the Latin cooking, of course! While Richard Sandoval has claimed Colorado as his Latin canvas, other lesser-known chefs are creating quite a stir in some of the smaller resort communities such as Bend, Oregon, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. From fast casual to upscale opulence, these restaurants feature some of the best authentic Mexican and Latin cuisine north of the border. So, when you’ve conquered the hill and are ready to head off the mountain, make sure to check out these restaurants. There is nothing better than good food and drink at the end of a long day working up an appetite.

Venga Venga, Snowmass Village, Colorado

A Latin culinary superstar, Richard Sandoval already had the Colorado food market covered with restaurants in and near Denver. So it's no surprise that he opened his first slope-side restaurant in Snowmass Village, right outside of Aspen, just two years ago. Venga Venga, meaning “C’mon,” is a cantina and tequila joint where patrons can enjoy authentic Mexican food just minutes after completing their last run. Guacamole is prepared tableside and menu items include the usual suspects: burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and tacos. For Après-ski, grab a seat at your own personal fire pit on the patio and enjoy $6 cocktails, a bucket of Coronas for $20, and some tasty s’mores.

If you go: try Tacos Al Pastor with marinated pork, grilled pineapple, cilantro and salsa verde.

El Chubasco Mexican Grill, Park City, Utah

If you want to get a real flavor for Mexican food in Park City, Utah, then veer away from Main Street and hit El Chubasco. This hidden gem, located in the Prospector Square Shopping Center, is a no-nonsense, casual restaurant that locals rave has some of the best tacos and enchiladas. The serve yourself salsa bar features more than twenty different salsas, radishes, fresh limes, and other toppings. And a trip won’t break the bank.

If you go: try any burrito “smothered” with cheese and salsa.

Cima, Beaver Creek, Colorado

For the third time, Conde Nast Traveler has named the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Beaver Creek its number one ski destination. Fittingly, Richard Sandoval is resort's headlining chef.  Cima, Spanish for peak or summit, features contemporary Latin cuisine, more upscale than his Snowmass slope-side eatery Venga Venga. The main centerpiece of the restaurant?  A spectacular view of Beaver Creek Mountain.

If you go: head to the patrio and try short ribs with Oaxaca cheese potato puree, huitlacoche mushrooms, and hoisin-adobo sauce

Pica’s Taqueria, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is known more for its 4,000 feet of vertical terrain than it is for its rustic food scene. But there is no disputing that Pica’s is the spot for authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu boasts a variety of burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and of course, tacos. The brainchild of former L.A. based Latin food chef Andy Parazette, Pica’s makes its own tortillas daily. It is also touted has having one fantastic margarita, made with fresh-squeezed lime juices.

If you go: try Baja Fish or Shrimp Tacos, which are dipped in beer batter, deep-fried, and topped with creamy lime cabbage, chipotle salsa, fresh tomatoes and salsa.

Barrio, Bend, Oregon

This neighborhood Spanish kitchen, just a short drive from the base of Mt. Bachelor ski resort, was the creation of Steven Draheim and Joel Cordes, both Bend natives. The business partners teamed up years after they each made their mark with their Latin-inspired food carts, Soupcon and El Sancho. Barrio expands on what made them each successful on the corner by offering elevated street food for lunch and a more upscale Spanish menu for dinner.

If you go: try the House Paella with chorizo and chicken.

Boca, Sun Valley, Idaho

About to celebrate its one-year anniversary, and coming off the high of being named "Best New Restaurant" in Sun Valley by the Idaho Mountain Express, this spot is just minutes from the base of the valley's main ski zone. Boca stands out by serving high-end Latin cuisine with bold flavors, including tapas and Spanish-style flat breads, or cocas. The space, which displays art from a local gallery, is a fun, warm and social atmosphere.  A live Latin fusion jazz band enhances the experience, drawing crowds year-round.

If you go: try House Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs with candied serrano chilies.