Just yards from the exhilarating ski runs is a secret world that very few get to experience. Only a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the Red Pine Lodge, we found ourselves in a quiet, magical forest winding our way towards the Alpine Lake. Deep powder was no problem with the lightweight and easy to use snowshoes. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
Our guide provided us with poles for extra stability and explained how to extend or retract them in order to accommodate for the undulating terrain. The vistas and photo ops were non-stop. I could have just taken pictures the entire time. Our knowledgeable guide spoke about the surrounding flora and fauna and pointed out an abandoned hawk’s nest hidden high in a tree. Our guide also pointed out wildlife, like the Starling Jay that flew by to say hi!
My stomach began to growl when I thought about our second part of the journey: lunch at the on-mountain restaurant, Lookout Cabin! The Lookout Cabin, which boasts expansive views of the Park City, is situated at the top of the Short Cut chairlift and the mid-station of the Orange Bubble Express.
When we arrived, the staff at the Lookout Cabin gave us special menus with items selected for the hungry snowshoe participant. Instantly, out came the cheese fondue with fruits, miniature salted potatoes and bread cubes!
I had to remind myself to eat light since lunch was up next. I ordered the horseradish and honey glazed salmon served over a bed of spinach, with a light dressing. It was so tasty! Ready to head back into the forest, we said goodbye to our accommodating staff and got back into our snowshoes ready to burn some calories.
I have to point out the other choices from the Lookout Cabin menu, which is not just for snowshoers, but for anyone at all who stops by to have a drink from the full-bar menu. The Alpine Mac N’ Cheese, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Salad, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad and the Grilled Chicken & Salami Panini all come with the Rocky Mountain Fondue and a non-alcoholic beverage of your choice. In summary, this was just an amazing experience no matter what your tastes!
For a complete offering of snowshoe tours or to learn more, call 435.615.3369.
Lookout Cabin is open for lunch from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call 435.615.2892.
By: Christie Johnson