The Aurora Summit Restaurant is a new dining destination located at the summit of Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Wyoming, sitting at an elevation of approximately 7,808 feet. It opened its doors in early February 2025 for what has been described as an extended soft opening, welcoming guests Thursday through Monday starting at 4:30 p.m., with the last dinner reservation at 8 p.m. The restaurant is accessible via a scenic gondola ride, offering stunning panoramic views of the Teton Range, the National Elk Refuge, and our town of Jackson below.
Aurora is housed in the newly constructed Summit House building and focuses on elevated regional cuisine inspired by the Greater Yellowstone area. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Brandon Hicks, features dishes like alpine fondue with fingerling potatoes and andouille sausage, buffalo sirloin carpaccio, elk tenderloin, and gnocchi a’la Parisienne, alongside coastal influences such as grilled swordfish and yellowfin tuna tartar.
Hicks, who has worked at notable establishments like Michelin-starred Picholine in New York City and The Battery in San Francisco, emphasizes locally sourced ingredients to highlight the region’s flavors. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list by Food and Beverage Director Nicholas Berti, as well as specialty cocktails like the Peartini, with plans to expand these offerings by summer 2025.
The interior features a striking 24-by-8.5-foot LED mural behind the bar, designed by local artists Bland Hoke and Dan Sanford. This artwork depicts Snow King’s ski runs with lighting effects mimicking sunrises, sunsets, and the aurora borealis, adding a unique ambiance to the space.
The bar seats 10 and welcomes walk-ins, while reservations for dining can be made via Resy or by calling (307) 284-4427, with a reservation fee that’s refunded on the final bill.
Aurora also ties into other summit experiences, such as the Snow King Mountain Observatory and Planetarium next door, where guests can pair dinner with stargazing (packages for this are in development). Starting February 8, 2025, the Summit House introduced a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch service with items like pastries, sandwiches, and pizza slices. A grand opening is planned for spring 2025, which will include additional outdoor dining options and a full menu rollout.
The restaurant complements Snow King’s growing reputation as a year-round destination, alongside activities like the King Concerts series scheduled for summer 2025.
