Baita 2000
The Art of Après-Ski, Italian Style
If you are skiing in Limone Piemonte and looking for a lunch spot that defies the ordinary, you need to point your skis toward the Cabanaira chairlift. At the top, hidden artfully into the rugged mountainside, you will discover Baita 2000. It feels like a secret fortress of leisure, boasting a magnificent round deck that offers commanding views of the Rocca dell'Abisso. This isn't just a place to refuel; it is a destination in itself.
Overview
Baita 2000 is a venue of two distinct personalities. Arrive early, around 11:45 AM, and you step into a cozy, welcoming alpine refuge. The air smells of steaming polenta and melting cheese, and the menu reads like a love letter to Piedmontese tradition. Here, you can start your feast with delicate Vitello Tonnato or share a board of salumi e formaggi at tagliere—cured meats and local cheeses designed for grazing between laughs. House specialties like gnocchi de patate alla fonduta di formaggi locali (pillowy potato gnocchi pooled in the richest local cheese fondue), ravioli al plin, or Milanese con patate fritte tempt even the most devoted skier to linger a little longer at the table. For heartier appetites, there’s a costata alla griglia, perfumed with rosemary and served with a rustic contorno, or steaming bowls of polenta—whether concia, laced with cheese; studded with sausage; or blanketed by a wild and meaty ragu di cervo. And don’t skip dessert: their tiramisu is as decadent as the mountain view. The cuisine is solid, traditional, and comforting, capturing the essence of the region with hearty cured meats and local wines. However, as the afternoon wears on, the vibe shifts dramatically. By 1:30 PM, the second seating of lunch wraps up, and Baita 2000 transforms. A DJ takes over the deck, and what was a peaceful lunch spot becomes a high-altitude outdoor club. The energy is infectious. Champagne corks start popping, music echoes off the surrounding peaks, and it’s not uncommon to see skiers dancing on tables in their boots. The drink menu matches this luxurious, high-energy atmosphere perfectly. You will find premium bubbles like Ruinart and Dom Perignon flowing freely. For larger groups—or just those intent on celebrating life—the wine list features impressive large-format bottles. You can order Magnums, Jeroboams, and even Mathusalems of top-tier wines, including the prestigious Tignanello from Antinori. For those who prefer a quiet meal without the bass bumping, strategy is key. We highly recommend booking a table right when they open at 11:45 AM. If you promise the owner you'll eat and be back on the slopes by 12:30 PM, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and luxurious service before the party truly begins. Access is part of the adventure; park at Limone 1400 and ride the Cabanaira chairlift up to this mountain hideaway. With fair pricing, gracious staff, and a Google rating of 4.1 that reflects its popularity, Baita 2000 offers an unforgettable mix of adrenaline, flavor, and fun. Whether you come for the polenta or the party, you won't leave disappointed.