Most Killington eateries are about fast food—not junk food, mind you, but rather turning tables over as fast as possible to accommodate the hordes that fill their doorways every night. During ski season, go early or prepare yourself for a long wait for a table.

Such is the case at The Garlic (1724 Killington Rd., 802/422-5055, www.thegarlicinkillington.com, 3 p.m.–midnight daily, $16–28), where you can literally smell the namesake ingredient before you even open the door. Cozy with dim lighting, the dining room is filled with the comforting scent of marinara sauce—not surprising, as freshly made pastas are a specialty. (Also don’t miss the osso buco and saltimbocca.)

For hearty aprés-ski comfort foods, make your way to The Grist Mill (Killington Rd., just off the road from Summit Pond, 802/422-3970, www.gristmillkillington.com, 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sun., $8–20), where house specialties like deep bowls of French onion soup and country turkey dinners fly from kitchen to table.

The pace slows notably at the quiet, sophisticated likes of Hemingway’s (4988 Rte. 4, 802/422-3886, www.hemingwaysrestaurant.com, 6–10 p.m. Wed.–Sun., $25–38). Here’s where to treat yourself to an elegant meal—Continental cuisine like lobster risotto and Niman Ranch pork loin expertly prepared and served with military precision—in several rooms as eclectic as Hemingway himself. (There’s a Key West garden room, plus a Ritz room with boldly hued walls and crystal chandeliers.)