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The Best Ski Town Coffee Shops

by Greg Colquitt | January 5, 2018

While the East is seeing prodigious numbers in snowfall…

skiers and riders in the Western Rockies are learning how to ride on dirt and grass. No matter the weather, in times of plenty and times of scarcity there’s always time for coffee. Here’s a list of some of the best caffeine drug dealers in American ski towns.


 

Liquid Art Coffeehouse — Killington, VT

Closest Resort: Killington
Why we like it: Stepping into this shop is like jumping into a color blasted oil painting with great coffee and food to compliment. Come for the caffeinated brews and stay for the paintings. Stop in after skiing for dinner and catch Liquid Art’s inspired menu items like sausage & muzzle soup with polenta lasagna.

PK Coffee, LLC — Stowe, VT

Closest Resort: Stowe
Why we like it: Clean, elegant, and rooted in New England culture, PK Coffee features Counter Culture coffee and locally sourced Vermont milk. You may find yourself diving into a hand-made pour over or maple syrup latte alongside a cheddar biscuit before heading out to rip turns at Stowe.

Ungrounded Coffee Roasters — Rawsonville, NH

Closest Resort: Stratton Mountain
Why we like it: Beyond the coffee, the grassroots story of Ungrounded Coffee’s founders and quest for a simple life with snowboards in hands fuels the culture of this cozy hamlet. Just a stone’s throw away from one of New England’s gems, this organic roaster churns out delicious blends and single origin roasts fueled purely by a passion for coffee.

 

Treeline Coffee Roasters — Bozeman, MT

Closest Resort: Bridger Bowl
Why we like it: Truly taking a step above the rest, Treeline brings perfectly roasted beans to their full potential in their chic open-air cafe in Montana’s gateway to Yellowstone. The cafe and roaster combines a fierce passion for sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee with honest Montanan friendliness, ensuring your day in Bridger’s varied terrain will be off to a good start.

First Ascent Coffee Roasters — Crested Butte, CO

Closest Resort: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Why we like it: Tucked away on the western edge of CB’s main drag, Elk Avenue, First Ascent is a cozy in-house roaster with delicious espresso and tea. Since, after all, they are in Crested Butte, this shop is devoutly committed to Colorado adventure, even featuring hand-crafted instant coffee for your next trek into the backcountry or up CB’s world-class resort.

The Coffee Apothecary — Taos, NM

Closest Resort: Taos Ski Valley
Why we like it: True to the spirit of Taos, the Apothecary combines the transcending powers of delicious coffee with tremendous customer service and an inviting environment to make this shop a go-to for your next Taos excursion. Be sure to try the cold brew and one of the other “hot” brew options like a Chemex or French press.

 

J5 Coffee — Leavenworth, WA

Closest Resort: Steven’s Pass
Why we like it: Just over the mountains from the heart of all things coffee, J5 Coffee has brought the quality of Seattle coffee into the quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth in fantastic fashion. Come with an appetite only for coffee because the focus here in this small clean cafe is roasting and brewing organic beans. Be sure to go in for a cup before your short drive up to Steven’s Pass in the morning.

Thump Coffee — Bend, OR

Closest Resort: Mount Bachelor
Why we like it: Located in the middle of it all, Thump is the nucleus of the city and where you go before your day begins. From hand-made chai and coffee to pastries that will make your mouth water from one look, this shop will cover all your bases. Be sure to engage your barista, he or she will have some neat things to tell you about your coffee that you probably didn’t know!

Over the Edge Bikes & Coffee — South Lake Tahoe, CA

Closest Resort: Heavenly
Why we like it: Bikes, beer, coffee, okay? The coffee itself comes from San Francisco’s Ritual Coffee and they make their coffee the way their work on their bikes–damn well. Don’t let winter ski season stop you from going in to the bike shop though. It will be well worth your visit and it’s only 1 mile away from the chair lift at Heavenly.

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