Seasoned skiers and riders know that although spring skiing means lots of sun-drenched turns, the morning crust on the slopes can be formidable. Copper Mountain has just the hangout at which to wait until the snow softens: Toast & Co. New this season, the Center Village spot is sure to become your breakfast and coffee (and mimosa) go-to. The menu is deep with Benedicts, pancakes (caramelized pineapple!), and egg sandwiches, but our standing order is the quinoa breakfast bowl—a fantastic combo of quinoa, coconut milk, poached eggs, pea shoots, avocado, toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and feta.

Many of Toast’s offerings have a local bent: The feta is from Buena Vista’s Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy; the hash’s chorizo comes from Sara’s Sausage in Palmer Lake; the green chiles hail from Pueblo; and the Ozo Coffee comes from Boulder. That attention to detail also comes through in the decor, pairing mismatched cloth napkins with vintage china and antique mirrors. Toast’s cozy vibe encourages a slow ease into the morning, so take in the details, enjoy your breakfast, and only when the sun is high, head out onto the slopes.

Calling all nonriders: Take a spin down Copper’s new alpine coaster. The Rocky Mountain Coaster zips along 5,800 feet of track, making it one of the longest rides on the continent.

Après bonus: At the end of the day, head back to Toast & Co. for hard-earned drinks and small plates. Or, for heartier fare, dig into a heaping pile of Ten Mile Tavern’s pastrami fries with Gruyère, rosemary, garlic dill pickles, and rye IPA mustard.

Center Village, Copper Mountain

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.