Posted in Utah August 14, 2017 by

The Amazing Utah Restaurant You Can Only Get To By Gondola

When it’s hot outside, it’s time to head up the mountain to find some fresh, cool air. Why not find a spot where you can enjoy lunch with a killer view? The Needles Lodge at Snowbasin is open for lunch every Saturday until October 7th. The view from the lodge (which is halfway up the mountain) is incredible…but the gondola ride is half the fun!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
To visit this incredible mountaintop restaurant, you'll purchase a tram ticket and hop aboard the Needles Gondola.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
The tram is located right by Grizzly Center at the base of the mountain. Summer gondola tickets are $14 for the day, and the gondola runs from 10 AM to 6 PM until October 8th.
The tram takes you up to 8,710 feet. The 12 minute ride is a thrilling prequel to your dining experience.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
The views from the tram just can't be beat.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
The vertical rise from the base to the restaurant is 2,317 feet. You'll feel as though you're floating above the mountain, with a bird's eye view the entire time.
And what a mountain this is! The beauty at Snowbasin is unparalleled. The fragrant pines and pretty aspens cover the mountain.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
Keep an eye out for wildlife during your ride...you never know when you'll see some deer or even an occasional moose.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
Once you reach the top, you'll hop off right at Needles Lodge.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
The Lodge is open for summer lunch every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, until October 7th.
The lunch menu is typical of a ski lodge - delicious burgers, salads and sandwiches.
Sarah J./Yelp
Pictured is the Buckaroo Burger (1/3 pound beef, brown sugar baked beans sliced brisket, onions, and pepper jack cheese) and the Jamaican Burger (1/3 pound beef, jerked pork belly, mango coconut slaw and gouda cheese).
Mountaintop Brunch is offered every Sunday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, until October 8th.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
Brunch is $44/adults, $22/children ages 6-11. The price includes a gondola ticket. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, and must be made by 4:30 pm on the Saturday before you plan to brunch. Call 801-620-1021.
Before or after your lunch, spend some time hiking at Snowbasin. You'll find tons of great trails and plenty of natural beauty.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
If you love mountain biking, consider buying the slightly more expensive bike pass ($25/day).
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
Bike the 26 miles of trails at Snowbasin, which connect to forest service trails for a total of 50 miles of mountain biking bliss.
Dine for dinner at Needles Lodge on one special night.
Snowbasin
The Farm to Table dinner is a five-course meal that's a complete dining event. The cost is $75 per person, which includes a gondola ride. The dinner is held on September 22nd from 6 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations are mandatory, and this event sells out every year. Call (801) 620-1021 to make a reservation.

Have you dined at Needles Lodge? Tell us all about your dining experience!

In addition to dining at Needles Lodge during, you’ll find tons to do at Snowbasin during summer months. Check out this article to see why Snowbasin might just be your new favorite summer destination.