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UPDATED! Drink Here Now: The Best Ski Town Coffee Shops

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A few months ago, Curbed Ski rounded up the best ski-town coffee shops in Colorado and now we've taken the list nationwide. Whether its a blue-sky groomer day or a cold and deep no-friends-on-a-powder day, a warm cup of joe starts everything off right. From Sun Valley to Sugarloaf, these are the places we love. But this list is just a starting point, so tell us: where do you get that caffeine fix in the high country? Remember, the list is arranged from East to West, not from best to worst.


-By Katie Shapiro
· All Eater Ski [Curbed Ski Archives]

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Black Cap Coffee

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Tucked right off Main St., Black Cap roasts its beans – all sourced locally – right in the back of the shop. The result is pretty darn good coffee. Don’t miss the Maple Latte…because... when in Vermont, right?

Java Joe's

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An outpost of Maine’s Carrabassett Coffee Company, it’s one of the only options to get your caffeine before hitting the slopes of Sugarloaf. FYI: it’s closed during the off-season and summer, but if you can’t wake up without it, you can order direct through their website.

Liquid Art Coffee House

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An espresso bar, art gallery, community event space and gourmet restaurant – all rolled up into a bright blue a-frame. Newer on the Killington scene, the husband and wife duo Jimi and Beth have already turned it into a funky favorite.

Java Baba's

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This café dedicated to Slow Food has merged the former Mac’s Deli and the State of Bean coffee house spaces into one located directly across from the Okemo Mountain access road. A local favorite, the coffee is consistent, it’s open late and the pizza is surprisingly solid. We just hope their Acoustic Music Series makes a return (currently on hiatus).

Coffee Cats

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Featuring the only “coffee house rockbar ever,” baristas here drop a healing stone into drinks (don’t freak, it’s not mandatory). Pale pastel walls, an authentic fireplace, patio and local art give it the perfect southwestern vibe.

Cuppa Joe

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This Breckenridge favorite serves up delicious coffee and a killer breakfast. Check out their unique latte list and grab a breakfast burrito (watch out, they are huge) that's sure to fill you up before you hit the slopes. Photo from Cuppa Joe Breckenridge

Kava Cafe

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Kava Cafe is known for their made to order miniature donuts, good coffee, and kava, a cold specialty drink that combines kava root, coconut milk, and fresh ginger. Located downtown not far from the gondola, grab your coffee to go and snack on the piping hot donuts on your way up the mountain. Photo from Uncover Colorado

Yeti's Grind

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Avoid the Starbucks in Vail and instead head to Yeti's Grind, a place that does everything from black coffee to elaborate seasonal lattes. The latte art can be beautiful and its a comfortable spot if you are taking a break from the slope. Photo from Yeti's Grind

Victoria's Coffee & Espresso

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The local laptop crowd and tourists alike flock to this Aussie meets Aspen coffee house. A perfect espresso means it’s a little bit pricey, but where else can you grab a vegemite on toast? There’s also an extensive wine list and live music on Thursday’s for après ski.

Mountainbrew

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The coffee (and cupcakes) in this quaint white house make up for the slight lack of ambiance and average breakfast and lunch fare. It’s slightly hidden from the main drag, but there’s an app for that.

The Blend

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Join the Colorado locals at this relatively new coffee hot spot. Comfortable and lacking the pretension that permeates many ski town coffee joints, the Blend has organic Novo coffee, great pour overs, and great breakfast options. Photo from The Blend Coffee Company

Rumors Coffee and Tea House

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Most tourists in town head to the famous Camp 4 Coffee shop, but Curbed Ski prefers Rumors Coffee and Tea House for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty brew. There's also an excellent bookstore next door and plenty of comfortable seating to enjoy your chai tea or espresso.

The Steaming Bean

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This historic building in the heart of town recently changed ownership but still brews the best coffee in the San Juans. “The Bean” hosts nightly events with a full bar boasting Colorado-infused cocktails. Cheers!

Atticus Coffee, Books and Teahouse

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Three words: Red Velvet Mocha. Go here for the books (an amazing mix of new and used) and hole up for an hour or few with a treat from the impressive coffee/tea/food menu. Bonus: there’s often an acoustic guitar player any day of the week and dogs are welcome inside!

Pearl Street Bagels

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We know, we know…it’s not just a coffee shop. But Jackson Hole Roasters is a little too touristy for us after their recent remodel and what goes better with coffee than a fresh bagel and schmear? The cappuccino is on point and regular coffee warrants free refills. Warning: do NOT ask them to toast your bagel for you (rumor has it some locals have even nailed toasters to the building in protest. But trust us, it’s not necessary).

Java on Fourth

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The coffee drinks are big, the music is loud and the passion is high at Java on Fourth. Their signature drinks like the Bowl of Soul (a secret espresso concoction) and Mexican hot chocolate are served in ceramic bowls. To adopt their mission “Wake Up and Live” and help you earn your ski legs, opt for the Keith Richards (four espresso shots).

Keys Cafe

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Make a pit stop on your way to or from the mountain at this little yellow house with a fun hippie vibe (there’s usually bluegrass blaring through the speakers). Fuel up on strong coffee, fresh fruit smoothies and a bite from their solid breakfast/lunch menus (we love the energizing Acai Bowl). But be prepared to wait a few minutes, it’s usually packed.

Coffeebar

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Inspired by Italian street cafes, Coffeebar French presses all of its beans, roasted locally in Reno by Master Roaster Carl Staub. They lessen the daily footprint by using fettuccini as stir sticks, give an “own cup” discount and serving up gelato in compostable cups. Don’t be surprised to see a fish, peacock or snowman looking up at you from your latte – the baristas here are next level.

Purebread

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Whistler’s favorite bakery (and maybe all of Canada for that matter) has popped up shop in the village for the 13/14-ski season. Family owned and operated, the Lamming’s know their coffee just as well as their bread. You can also visit their main shop in Function Junction – just outside of town. Either location you choose, Pure Bread is an absolute Whistler must.

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Black Cap Coffee

Tucked right off Main St., Black Cap roasts its beans – all sourced locally – right in the back of the shop. The result is pretty darn good coffee. Don’t miss the Maple Latte…because... when in Vermont, right?

Java Joe's

An outpost of Maine’s Carrabassett Coffee Company, it’s one of the only options to get your caffeine before hitting the slopes of Sugarloaf. FYI: it’s closed during the off-season and summer, but if you can’t wake up without it, you can order direct through their website.

Liquid Art Coffee House

An espresso bar, art gallery, community event space and gourmet restaurant – all rolled up into a bright blue a-frame. Newer on the Killington scene, the husband and wife duo Jimi and Beth have already turned it into a funky favorite.

Java Baba's

This café dedicated to Slow Food has merged the former Mac’s Deli and the State of Bean coffee house spaces into one located directly across from the Okemo Mountain access road. A local favorite, the coffee is consistent, it’s open late and the pizza is surprisingly solid. We just hope their Acoustic Music Series makes a return (currently on hiatus).

Coffee Cats

Featuring the only “coffee house rockbar ever,” baristas here drop a healing stone into drinks (don’t freak, it’s not mandatory). Pale pastel walls, an authentic fireplace, patio and local art give it the perfect southwestern vibe.

Cuppa Joe

This Breckenridge favorite serves up delicious coffee and a killer breakfast. Check out their unique latte list and grab a breakfast burrito (watch out, they are huge) that's sure to fill you up before you hit the slopes. Photo from Cuppa Joe Breckenridge

Kava Cafe

Kava Cafe is known for their made to order miniature donuts, good coffee, and kava, a cold specialty drink that combines kava root, coconut milk, and fresh ginger. Located downtown not far from the gondola, grab your coffee to go and snack on the piping hot donuts on your way up the mountain. Photo from Uncover Colorado

Yeti's Grind

Avoid the Starbucks in Vail and instead head to Yeti's Grind, a place that does everything from black coffee to elaborate seasonal lattes. The latte art can be beautiful and its a comfortable spot if you are taking a break from the slope. Photo from Yeti's Grind

Victoria's Coffee & Espresso

The local laptop crowd and tourists alike flock to this Aussie meets Aspen coffee house. A perfect espresso means it’s a little bit pricey, but where else can you grab a vegemite on toast? There’s also an extensive wine list and live music on Thursday’s for après ski.

Mountainbrew

The coffee (and cupcakes) in this quaint white house make up for the slight lack of ambiance and average breakfast and lunch fare. It’s slightly hidden from the main drag, but there’s an app for that.

The Blend

Join the Colorado locals at this relatively new coffee hot spot. Comfortable and lacking the pretension that permeates many ski town coffee joints, the Blend has organic Novo coffee, great pour overs, and great breakfast options. Photo from The Blend Coffee Company

Rumors Coffee and Tea House

Most tourists in town head to the famous Camp 4 Coffee shop, but Curbed Ski prefers Rumors Coffee and Tea House for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty brew. There's also an excellent bookstore next door and plenty of comfortable seating to enjoy your chai tea or espresso.

The Steaming Bean

This historic building in the heart of town recently changed ownership but still brews the best coffee in the San Juans. “The Bean” hosts nightly events with a full bar boasting Colorado-infused cocktails. Cheers!

Atticus Coffee, Books and Teahouse

Three words: Red Velvet Mocha. Go here for the books (an amazing mix of new and used) and hole up for an hour or few with a treat from the impressive coffee/tea/food menu. Bonus: there’s often an acoustic guitar player any day of the week and dogs are welcome inside!

Pearl Street Bagels

We know, we know…it’s not just a coffee shop. But Jackson Hole Roasters is a little too touristy for us after their recent remodel and what goes better with coffee than a fresh bagel and schmear? The cappuccino is on point and regular coffee warrants free refills. Warning: do NOT ask them to toast your bagel for you (rumor has it some locals have even nailed toasters to the building in protest. But trust us, it’s not necessary).

Java on Fourth

The coffee drinks are big, the music is loud and the passion is high at Java on Fourth. Their signature drinks like the Bowl of Soul (a secret espresso concoction) and Mexican hot chocolate are served in ceramic bowls. To adopt their mission “Wake Up and Live” and help you earn your ski legs, opt for the Keith Richards (four espresso shots).

Keys Cafe

Make a pit stop on your way to or from the mountain at this little yellow house with a fun hippie vibe (there’s usually bluegrass blaring through the speakers). Fuel up on strong coffee, fresh fruit smoothies and a bite from their solid breakfast/lunch menus (we love the energizing Acai Bowl). But be prepared to wait a few minutes, it’s usually packed.

Coffeebar

Inspired by Italian street cafes, Coffeebar French presses all of its beans, roasted locally in Reno by Master Roaster Carl Staub. They lessen the daily footprint by using fettuccini as stir sticks, give an “own cup” discount and serving up gelato in compostable cups. Don’t be surprised to see a fish, peacock or snowman looking up at you from your latte – the baristas here are next level.

Purebread

Whistler’s favorite bakery (and maybe all of Canada for that matter) has popped up shop in the village for the 13/14-ski season. Family owned and operated, the Lamming’s know their coffee just as well as their bread. You can also visit their main shop in Function Junction – just outside of town. Either location you choose, Pure Bread is an absolute Whistler must.