Spruce Saddle

2023-2024 ski season brought the return of the salad bar! It is pretty diverse and you can get a lot of good GF stuff and even load up on quinoa and other protein options (beans, shredded chicken, hard boiled eggs). The dressing selection is unclear so I usually pack my own or just use olive oil and balsamic vinegar to be safe. On the other side of the cafeteria is the loaded baked potato and ohhh baby that thing loaded with chili (GF) and sour cream (and a bag of Fritos) on a cold day on the mountain is my go to! They serve macaroni and cheese, rolls and crackers right next to the potatoes, so I always ask the staff to change their gloves before serving my potato and they are usually happy to. The potatoes come out of a separate warmer and all the toppings are GF so I feel pretty comfortable. I will say some staff members are clueless about celiacs disease and I’ve never gotten a straight answer about the salad dressings (hence why I bring my own or stick with plain oil and vinegar). Overall not a ton of options, but enough in a pinch when I don’t have time to pack a lunch for skiing.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

This season, the cafeteria is serving baked potatoes (loaded or with chili/cheese) labeled as GF. They were quite tasty! They do also have packaged GF brownie/rice crispy bars. There is also a salad bar.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

There isn’t much in the way of gluten free food options. The only options were pre-packed salads and a cheeseburger, but the gluten free bun wasn’t a guarantee. So the second day I paid over $18 for a single patty and toppings. Even the soup and chili aren’t gluten free!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

During the summer they have an outdoor barbecue. They have separately wrapped gluten free buns for burgers and sandwiches. Fries are cooked in shared oil so not safe, but they have chips or fruit salad. They seemed very knowledgeable of gluten and cross contamination.

The Spruce Saddle is located off of the Centennial ski lift at Beaver Creek ski resort. The food station had a gf list to choose your options. I had a quesadilla and Udi's chocolate chip cookie. They also provide sushi and pho noodles in a dedicated cooker, pizza, soup, salads, wraps and more. I have celiac and was fine after eating, finished skiing the rest of the day.

Celiac friendly?

Yes