The cherry blossoms may be blooming in Vancouver, but the snow is still falling on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. And a new fine-dining option atop Blackcomb makes the lineups at the base of the hill a little easier to swallow.

Christine’s Restaurant had an overhaul last summer as part of the massive Rendezvous Lodge renovation. With spectacular views (when skies are clear and the wind isn’t tossing heaps of snow into the windows) at the top of the Solar Coaster Express, the restaurant also has a new chef: Steve Ramey, formerly of Hawksworth Restaurant.

You can check your helmet, gloves, and ski jacket before entering the room, which has drop-slat ceilings, comfortable leather booths, and gorgeous wood everywhere.

The restaurant’s offerings are exciting right from the get-go: this Caesar is a bold one, with a full pepperoni stick, green bean, olives, mini red pepper, and a lime wedge as garnish.

Meaty seared scallops come with fried chickpeas in a spicy vinaigrette along with peas, cucumber, and tomato. Peanut and Napa cabbage accompany a succulent soy-braised beef short rib.

We loved the barbecue duck salad, the duck marinated in hoisin sauce with ginger and star anise then served with a bright green-papaya salad. Another hit is the char, with its crispy skin and caramelized sunchoke.

Pasta is rolled in-house and burrata is brought in from Italy. There’s a beautiful curry dish and a burger; something for everyone, really. And the area is much more comfortable, relaxing, and quiet than the lodge’s main eating area.

The restaurant will be open for lunch year-round.