Five great … snacks on the slopes

Sunset, March, 2005 by Harriot Manley

BEAR VALLEY

Bear Valley Lodge. The fancy Creekside Dining Room offers nightly specials prepared by Parisian chef Lionel LeMorvan. Afterward, lounge in front of the four-story stone fireplace. $$$; dinner daily, reservations recommended. www.bearvalleylodge.com or 209/753-2327.

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HOPE VALLEY

Sorensen's Resort. Tables made of polished tree trunks fill Sorensen's Country Cafe. Try the good-as-grandma's beef burgundy stew. $$$; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, dinner reservations recommended. www.sorensensresort.com or 800/423-9949.

KIRKWOOD

Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Former rooming house and saloon has offered hearty meals since 1864. Now the Kirkwood Inn serves plate-size pancakes for breakfast and barbecued ribs for dinner. $$$; breakfast Sat-Sun, lunch and dinner daily. www.kirkwood.com or 209/258-6000.

MAMMOTH LAKES

Tamarack Lodge & Resort. In the Lakefront Restaurant at this rustic 1924 lodge, sample French-born chef Frederic Pierrel's fresh seafood and wild game. $$$$; dinner daily, reservations recommended. www.tamaracklodge.com or 760/934-2442.

SODA SPRINGS

Rainbow Lodge. A 16-mile, mostly downhill ski takes you to the lodge's Engadine Room (call for snow levels; 530/426-3871); or drive in from 1-80. $$$; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. www.rainbowlodge.net or 530/426-3661.