Skoki Lodge – The food at the Skoki Lodge has been bringing people to the backcountry for many years. Now, the head chef and co-owner of the lodge, Katie Mitzel, has put together a cookbook that shares some of her most well-known recipes with food lovers everywhere.
The Skoki Cookbook: Trailblazing Through History and Culinary Delights is a work that has taken almost five years to put together.
“The idea for the cookbook came from our guests because they were very determined to get my recipes. I decided after being there for 15 years that I would agree with them,” said Mitzel.
The lodge was built in 1930 and has been a haven for backcountry enthusiasts for years.
When Mitzel took over the kitchen at the lodge, she was determined to bring something special to a trip to the backcountry.
“For me, cooking is an evolution and artistic outlet. I followed a creative writing career, and when you read the cookbook you will see that present,” she said. “There is quite a bit of humour and exciting cooking methods that I use. I like to call it backcountry gourmet. It is eclectic and fun.
I like to use massive flavours with a really punchy taste. I like to mix things together that people wouldn’t normally see.”
Since the book has been on the shelves, Mitzel has been pleased with how people have enjoyed it.
“It has been a great joy to see the response which has been very big. It is exciting to see the pictures and memories that they get to share over and over again.”
Mitzel said she has had the chance to learn from great chefs over the years and has taken this experience into her own kitchen.
“I have taken lots of experiences that I have taken from other chefs and combined them with my own things. You learn a lot from watching other people. I really think people deserve to enjoy what they are eating,” she said.
People who come to the lodge have said they enjoy many of the meat dishes that Mitzel has created.
Since opening the doors, Mitzel has served many different people, including two members of the British Royal Family.
“We hosted the Royal Highnesses Prince William and Kate at the lodge in July of 2011. It was a wonderful experience. I felt quite honoured, and it was the highlight of my cooking career.”
Mitzel said it was wonderful to have the support she received from friends who helped put the book together.
“I am glad that people are enjoying it, and I am looking forward to sharing it with Golden.
The book can be purchased in Golden at Bacchus Books and Café (now Four Points Books in Golden).
Update: Katie Mitzel is now the owner/operator of Bacchus Cafe in Golden, BC. It is located upstairs at Four Points Books (formerly Bacchus Books).
Katie Mitzel (author of Skoki Lodge Cookbook) – New Cookbook Brings the Flavours of Canada’s Rocky Mountains to Your Kitchen
Experience the rugged beauty of Canada’s backcountry, one recipe at a time, with Rocky Mountain Cooking: Recipes to Bring Canada’s Backcountry Home, the highly anticipated cookbook from celebrated backcountry chef and bestselling author Katie Mitzel (The Skoki Cookbook).
Published by Appetite by Random House, this stunning hardcover offers a culinary journey inspired by life in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
For over two decades, Katie Mitzel has served as chef at remote backcountry lodges nestled among breathtaking peaks, feeding explorers who travel miles to embrace adventure in the wild. Now, she’s bringing those flavours and stories to home kitchens everywhere.
In Rocky Mountain Cooking, Katie shares her favourite recipes influenced by the natural beauty of the Rockies—recipes that are hearty, simple, and bursting with unexpected flavours.
From Skillet-Baked Huevos Rancheros to Baked Halibut with Scallops and Asparagus, each dish is crafted to be accessible for home cooks, using everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re recharging after a busy day or reminiscing about outdoor adventures, Katie’s recipes bring the spirit of the Rockies to your table. Delight in sweet treats like Lemony Lavender Buttermilk Cake or fuel your next adventure with Climbers’ Cookies.
But this cookbook is more than just recipes. Filled with breathtaking photography of rugged landscapes and profiles of select backcountry lodges, Rocky Mountain Cooking captures the essence of unplugging, reconnecting, and savouring the simple pleasures of life in the mountains.
Key Highlights:
- Over 75 recipes inspired by Katie’s years as a backcountry chef, designed for home cooks.
- Stunning photography showcasing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
- Profiles of iconic backcountry lodges that have inspired these dishes.
- Stories of cooking in remote locations, from hauling water by hand to baking at altitude.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or someone looking to bring the mountain magic home, Rocky Mountain Cooking is a celebration of hearty, fulfilling meals and the joy of gathering around the table.
Rocky Mountain Cooking: Recipes to Bring Canada’s Backcountry Home is available in hardcover from Appetite by Random House.
About Katie Mitzel:
Katie Mitzel is a celebrated backcountry chef and bestselling author of The Skoki Cookbook. With over 20 years of experience cooking in remote lodges across Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Katie’s work reflects her passion for the outdoors and creating comforting, flavorful dishes that highlight the beauty of nature.
