Arizona Snowbowl unveiled a one-of-a-kind dining experience Sunday, Aug. 24, with the Shift Your Viewpoint Dinner. The event was the first time Snowbowl has offered dinner service aboard the Arizona Gondola. Cabins were fitted with specially designed tables, transforming each car into an alpine restaurant in the sky.
The menu was created in collaboration with Flagstaff’s acclaimed Shift Kitchen and Oeno Wine Lounge; the dinner paired a five-course tasting menu with curated wine selections. Chefs from Shift prepared each course on-site, highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional flavors.
Each 18-minute gondola lap featured a new course and wine pairing, with servers presenting and describing each dish as the cabins returned to the base. The 90-minute experience concluded at sunset, giving guests sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks during golden hour.
“We’re truly grateful for Shift Kitchen and Oeno Wine Lounge creating a dynamic menu that paired their passion for culinary excellence with our unique setting,” said Angie Grubb, marketing manager at Arizona Snowbowl. “We look forward to collaborating with other talented local restaurants to bring more unforgettable dining experiences aboard the Arizona Gondola.”
Here’s a look at the courses served during the evening:
- Course one: Banh mi spring rolls with housemade chicken pâté, smoked duck breast, lemongrass pickled vegetables, jalapeno, and fresh herbs. Paired with Tarland Zero Brut Nature Champagne.
- Course two: Lamb meat skewers with Filipino meat candy sauce and toasted chiles. Paired with Los Milics Jule’s Vermentino 2024.
- Course three: Smoked gouda and potato pierogi with garlic dill sauce and crispy soppressata. Paired with Los Milics Ita’s Rosé 2023.
- Course four: Campfire-roasted bison with farm vegetables and accompaniments. Paired with Los Milics Renato’s Red 2022.
- Course five: Scotchmallow tart with honey marshmallow, caramel, and nut brittle. Paired with Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Snowbowl plans to host additional gondola dinners, pairing sunset views at 11,500 feet with elevated cuisine. On September 28, Snowbowl’s next event will feature Flagstaff favorites Satchmo’s BBQ and Mother Road Brewing Company.
For details on upcoming gondola dinners and events, visit Snowbowl.ski, or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
