Doctors Rank Food at Airports Serving Winter Recreation Areas

WASHINGTON—Travelers headed to the nation’s winter recreation areas can find healthful food at major airports that are gateways to the snowy slopes. Winter vacationers who want to maintain high levels of energy and fend off colds should look for healthful, plant-based options, say doctors and dietitians with the Physicians Committee—a nonprofit of 12,000 doctors.

“Outdoor exercise in the winter months has many benefits, and the best foods to fuel your performance are plant-based,” says Karen Smith, R.D., senior dietitian for the Physicians Committee. “Foods like black bean burgers, pasta primavera, and Tuscan bean soup are packed with protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, and can keep you energized on the slopes or in the rink.”

Reno-Tahoe International Airport, gateway to Squaw Valley, Heavenly, and other ski resorts, earns the top score of 88 percent for healthful food. Health-conscious travelers can find tasty options including The Toasty Vegan Panini at the airport’s two Wild Garlic Pizza and Pub restaurants. Vancouver International Airport, accessing Whistler-Blackcomb, is the lowest-ranked airport due to the high number of fast-food outlets—at least 11—that offer artery-clogging burgers, chicken, and cheese.  

Anchorage International Airport, accessing the Alyeska resort, is in third place with a score of 83 percent. Denver International Airport, gateway to Vail and other top-notch resorts, ranks fourth for healthful food with a score of 81 percent. Salt Lake City International Airport, serving Snowbird and other resorts, lands in fifth place with a score of 80 percent.

The final percentage score for each airport divides the airport's number of restaurants serving health-conscious fare by its total number of restaurants. All information was collected by online searches. An airport restaurant receives a point if its menu includes at least one healthful, plant-based, high-fiber lunch or dinner entrée.