Aspen’s Peak Pancake: The History of Bonnie’s on Ajax

Perched mid-mountain on Aspen Mountain (fondly called Ajax by locals), Bonnie’s is much more than a ski-in eatery—it’s an enduring icon of Aspen’s alpine culture. Known for its legendary oatmeal pancakes, apple strudel, and cozy, rustic vibe, Bonnie’s has been at the heart of Aspen’s ski scene since its inception in the 1960s.

From its beginnings under German ski racer Gretl Uhl to its legacy as Bonnie’s Restaurant, this beloved spot represents the soul of Aspen Mountain.

The Birth of Bonnie’s

Bonnie’s story began in 1966 when Gretl Uhl, a German ski racer, and her husband, Sepp, built Gretl’s Restaurant on Aspen Mountain. They ran the restaurant for 14 years, turning it into a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

In 1980, Gretl passed the torch to her friend Bonnie Rayburn, who renamed the restaurant Bonnie’s and added her signature white bean chili soup to the menu. Under Bonnie’s stewardship, the restaurant maintained its rustic charm and commitment to serving high-quality, homemade meals.

Today, Brigitte Birrfelder, who grew up skiing Aspen Mountain and working alongside Bonnie, continues the tradition. Brigitte’s father, a chef from Switzerland, managed the Sundeck restaurant at the top of the mountain for nearly three decades, embedding a deep culinary heritage in her approach to running Bonnie’s.

The Legendary Oatmeal Pancake

Among Bonnie’s most celebrated creations is the oatmeal pancake—a dish so iconic that it draws early risers and backcountry skiers eager to indulge before the lifts even start spinning.

The secret? A unique batter infused with oatmeal, which gives the pancake its hearty texture and unforgettable flavor. Locals and visitors alike agree that this dish transcends breakfast, embodying the spirit of a perfect ski day on Ajax.

The Spirit of Bonnie’s

Bonnie’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where community and tradition thrive. For decades, skiers have flocked to its cozy interior for hearty meals like German bratwurst with sauerkraut and potato salad, homemade soups, and, of course, Gretl’s famous apple strudel, made using the original 1966 recipe and Rome apples from Paonia.

Longtime employees and regulars form the backbone of Bonnie’s enduring charm. Some, like assistant manager Marlene Mickey and her mother, Bryce Maple, have worked under all three owners. Maple’s dedication is immortalized in a plaque celebrating her near-5-million vertical feet skied commuting to Bonnie’s.

As Aspen Skiing Co.’s ski school videographer Burnie Arndt puts it:

“Bonnie’s is, in many ways, the soul of Aspen Mountain. It’s family, it’s local, and all the food is handmade with love.”

A Must-Visit for Every Aspen Skier

Supermodel Elle Macpherson summed it up best:“Bonnie’s serves the best food on all four mountains.”

Whether it’s the legendary oatmeal pancakes at breakfast, the salad bar for lunch, or Gretl’s apple strudel as an après-ski treat, Bonnie’s offers a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.

From ski bums to celebrities, everyone feels at home at Bonnie’s—a place where Aspen’s history, culture, and cuisine converge.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Mid-mountain on Aspen Mountain (Ajax), must go up the gondola first and then ski down to it. 
• Must-Try Dishes: Oatmeal pancakes, white bean chili soup, Gretl’s apple strudel
• Hours: Open during ski season (check Aspen Mountain’s operating schedule for details)

So next time you’re carving turns on Aspen Mountain, stop by Bonnie’s for a meal steeped in history and served with love. After all, no trip to Ajax is complete without indulging in its legendary pancake and soaking up the atmosphere of this iconic ski-in gem.