The economy's recent somersaults make it difficult even to think about winter jaunts. But we Coloradans know a thing or two about weathering storms, and - lucky for us - we don't have to travel far to make our spirits soar.

Some of the sweetest words you'll hear while on a well-deserved winter mini-vacation are "Let's go out to dinner." Sharing sustenance with friends and family somehow wards off winter's chill, even when your wallet feels iced.

We've rounded up the best mountain restaurants to suit every budget and mood, from a casual cafe with lowly price tags to a lofty French brasserie that's conducive to celebrating togetherness. Reservations may be easier to come by this year, but it's still a good idea to book ahead.

Aspen

Ella Restaurant & Bistro, 348 Main St., Carbondale; 970-704-0377; ellacarbondale.com

* The allure: Innovative cooking with clever use of local ingredients is the benchmark of Ian and Jessie Kipp's unfussy bistro. The husband- and-wife team (Ian cooks; Jessie, a sommelier, oversees the front of the house) tend to a perpetually packed dining room flanked by a bank of windows shimmering with natural sunlight, saffron-hued walls and a floor-to-ceiling wine rack.

* Show stoppers: Orange, ricotta and spinach ravioli topped with arugula, Serrano ham and a balsamic reduction; and calamari arrabbiata with pancetta, pickled poblano chiles and kalamata olives

* Other recommended Aspen restaurants: D19, Montagna, Matsuhisa, LuLu Wilson, Six89, Smoke Modern Barbecue, Russets and Tempranillo

Beaver Creek

Restaurant Avondale, The Westin Riverfront Resort, 126 Riverfront Lane, Avon; 970-790-5500; avondalerestaurant.com

* The allure: This gorgeous gastronomic temple offers panoramic scenery through three walls of windows, plus an apres-ski fire pit and booths and banquettes lined with railroad books. The pedigreed kitchen is overseen by chef Thomas Salamunovich, the brains behind the award-winning Larkspur and Larkburger.

* Show stoppers: Hand-crafted charcuterie board; cured Spanish tuna toasts with Chimichurri, white beans and piquillo peppers

* Other recommended Beaver Creek restaurants: Splendido, Beano's Cabin, Spago, Vin48 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Route 6 Cafe, Dish Restaurant and Juniper

Breckenridge

Food Hedz World Cafe, 842 Summit Blvd. No. 19, Frisco; 970-668-2000; foodhedz.com

* The allure: Soft on splash and flash but big on bold flavors, this classy cafe from former Keystone Ranch chef David Welch offers whimsical artwork, low prices and thrilling dishes celebrating Colorado ingredients. The fact that it's wedged into a strip mall makes it an off-the-eaten-path find.

* Show stoppers: At lunch, the red curry noodle bowl stocked with chicken or pork, vegetables, seared tofu, rice noodles, cilantro and mango; at dinner, the roast Long Island duckling with braised red cabbage, brown butter spaetzle and blackberry sauce

* Other recommended Breckenridge restaurants: Samplings Wine Bar & Restaurant, Hearthstone, Top of the World and Crown

Durango

Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main St., Durango; 970-403-1200

* The allure: If you think "Irish cuisine" is an oxymoron, this jovial dining den and pub bedecked with imported bric-a-brac may soften your stance. The staff is as endearing as their accents and the all-European beer roster and wallet-friendly menu are soul-soothing comfort.

* Show stoppers: Guinness cheese soup; bangers and mash; and shepherd's pie and Irish stew

* Other recommended Durango restaurants: Gazpacho, Cosmopolitan, Cyrus Cafe and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q

Steamboat Springs

Bistro C.V., 345 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs; 970-879-4197; bistrocv.com

* The allure: This ballyhooed newcomer deserves the accolades, thanks to a cosmopolitan vibe and a tidy menu of slightly more than a dozen creations from a seasoned kitchen crew. It wins you over with its accommodating service and scene-stealing views from behemoth windows that hug the dining room.

* Show stoppers: Small plates like duck liver pate, salmon belly tartare and chicken-chorizo pot pie, and large plates like heirloom potato-truffle gnocchi with white cheddar bechamel and a Wagyu beef burger crowned with foie gras, pickled onions and piquillo pepper ketchup

* Other recommended Steamboat Springs eateries: Cafe Diva, Winona's Cafe and Mazzola's Italian Restaurant

Vail

Centre V Brasserie at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, 675 Lionshead Place; 970-754-7777; arrabelle.rockresorts.com

* The allure: Modeled after La Coupole in Paris, this unabashedly French establishment is a good bet to impress out-of-state denizens. The slopeside patio, one of Vail's best perches for scoping singles, vibrates with energy after the slopes shut down. The dining room, with vaulted ceilings and stagy fruits de mer station, is conducive to an intimate fest for two.

* Show stoppers: bouillabaisse and steak au poivre

* Other recommended Vail restaurants: Restaurant Kelly Liken, La Tour, Larkspur Restaurant and Sweet Basil

Other notable eateries

* Allred's and 221 South Oak in Telluride

* Alpenglow Stube and Ski Tip Lodge in Keystone

* Base Camp Bakery & Cafe, Ranch House Restaurant and Fontenot's in Winter Park

* Le Bosquet and Slogar in Crested Butte

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