When it comes to hot sammies to fuel you up and warm your belly come winter, local eateries don’t do boring. These handheld legends are packed with flavor, personality, and just the right amount of juiciness. Whether it’s a fiery trip to the underworld or a veggie burger that somehow out-parties the meat eaters, every bite comes with a story. So loosen your belt, grab a napkin (or three), and sink your teeth into a few hot sammies even Ol’ Man Winter would devour.
Wild Plum Pesto Chicken Sammie/Classic Burger: Wild Plum’s Pesto Chicken Sandwich literally flies off the shelves and into the jacket pockets of skiers and riders, says owner Jason Partovi, touting it as their bestseller come wintertime. He credits it to gourmet pesto and succulent chicken, and fact that you can take it from kitchen to gondola car in a few short strides. Want something just as drooly but slightly drippier (bring a napkin with you on the gondo)? Its Classic Burger is also a cold weather fave, thanks to heaps of chipotle aioli.
Hypnotic Chicken Tender (Hot or Original): One bite and you’ll start clucking out compliments. This longtime favorite at Hypnotic Chicken (which you can pick up at their to-go window on the way to the slopes) is the kind of sandwich that could convince even a vegan to ‘just take a little taste.’
The Egg Bacon & Avocado Egg: Breakfast, lunch, or existential crisis? This bacon-avocado-egg beauty is here for you, featuring an over-hard egg with pecan-smoked bacon, fresh smashed avocado on a grilled brioche bun, and smothered in comfort and cheddar. Get it to go and chomp it on the lift while your seatmates look on in envy as green as its avocado.
Cruiser Tortas Carnitas: Of course, you have to get this one with fresh jalapeños, says owner Kris Shea. He might not even serve it to you otherwise. “What makes it so sweet is that it comes with marinated pulled pork with fresh red onions, fresh jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, all perfectly toasted and topped with housemade chipotle mayo, fresh guacamole, and shredded lettuce,” he says. “It’ll definitely keep you going on the slopes.”
Drunken Onion Housemade Veggie Burger: Sober enough to taste amazing, but wild enough to party with your taste buds. This veggie burger bar none is made with lentils, bulgar wheat, and portobello mushrooms, then topped with its namesake drunken onions. It packs a punch for fuel but also won’t weigh your down when you’re trudging up for that next backcountry lap. Pro tip: add smoked bacon and let your inner rebel say, ‘Veggie who?’
Skull Creek Greek Hades: Hotter than a breakup text and twice as satisfying. That’s the storyline behind this noontime nirvana, laced with spicy chicken shawarma, roasted serranos, grilled peppers and onions, feta, harissa aioli and sriracha. That enough hot stuff for you? All combined, it’ll have you questioning your life choices – in a good way.
Yampa Sandwich Co. French Onion Dip: Think of it as your cozy-sweater sandwich: melty, meaty and ready for a good dip. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget your manners and go full caveman, soaking up every last drop of it like it’s your life’s purpose. “It’s great because of its sweet and savory caramelized onion jam,” says co-owner Dave Pepin. “And who doesn’t like dipping their sandwich in some warm au jus in wintertime?” The only problem: getting your gondo mate to hold the au jus while you dunk.
