For those of us who still brave skier traffic, here’s a tip: Beat the back-to-Denver gridlock with dinner at the Ski Tip Lodge. Here, you’ll tuck into the the 1880s stagecoach-stop-turned-ski-lodge for a four-course dinner (including dessert) by a roaring fire.

Chef Kevin McComb’s ever-changing menu offers the likes of creamy butternut-squash soup; caramelized sea scallops with Manchego ravioli, golden chanterelles, and a drizzle of pancetta-lobster cream; or the delicate baby-greens salad with crispy almonds and an apricot-rum vinaigrette. And those are just the starters.

Move on to the entrées, such as bacon-wrapped Angus beef fillet and crispy oxtail or the decadent foie gras and duck-confit-stuffed pheasant breast. Either way, save room for the silky pumpkin panna cotta with homemade cinnamon ice cream and warm oatmeal cookies.

Tip: Considering you’re not idling on I-70, the $69 dinner ($32 for kids) seems like a steal.

764 Montezuma Rd., Keystone, 1-800-354-4386