Top 10 Resorts for Après-Ski
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The classic Aspen scenario is filled with stylish skiing followed by stylish drinks. Slopeside and downtown options abound, including The Bar at The Little Nell, Mezzaluna, the J-Bar inside Hotel Jerome, 39 Degrees in the Sky Hotel, The Cirque, The Cantina, and lots more.
Whistler has big steeps with a big après-ski scene to match. Ski right up to the Garibaldi Lift Co., located at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola, where ski films play in the background and an energetic crowd fills the bar. Merlins, Monk’s, and Dubh Linn Gate are also at the base of the mountains, while Dusty’s Bar & BBQ and Black’s Pub, a truly Canadian pub, are nearby in the Whistler villages.
After a day of shredding the slopes, Heavenly’s laidback slopeside pubs and grills and glitzy casino bars will make your sore muscles happy. Try FiRE + iCE, Mulligan’s Irish Pub, or Harvey’s Casino, which conveniently leads right into Heavenly’s Vegas-like nightlife.
Killington has a thriving scene when the slopes close down. For ski-to-the-door hotspots, check out the Mahogany Ridge bar at the K-1 Lodge, the Long Trail Pub at the Snowshed Lodge, and the Bear Mountain Lounge at the Bear Mountain Lodge (which serves up views of the Superpipe and the legendary Outer Limits bump run). Looking for a rowdy scene outside the resort on Killington Road? Head to the Wobbly Barn (above) or the Lookout Tavern.
Tremblant’s village is filled with great choices, from lively Le Shack to the lounge at the Caribou. Grab a freshly-brewed cold one at La Diable Microbrewery, and be sure to visit the Bar Cafe d’Epoque with happy hour specials and DJs.
Vail runs the gamut for après-ski scenes – you’ll find down-to-earth right down the street from in-crowd hangouts. For great people-watching at the base, head to Garfinkel’s. Check out The Red Lion, Sarah’s Lounge, and Bart & Yeti’s for traditional Vail après-ski. Other good choices include Pepi’s and the Tap Room.
The slopeside Legends Bar & Grill is classic Park City après-ski, located in the Legacy Lodge. In town, the young crowd heads to O’Shucks and Harry Os. Also check out the Wasatch Brew Pub for hand-crafted brews and ales like the Polygamy Porter (well, it is Utah, after all) and the 1st Amendment Lager.
On-mountain après drinks can be found at the Silver Bullet Saloon and the Maggie. But for many, the best part about Breckenridge is the town itself. It has a great atmosphere for après-ski, evidenced by the energetic crowds at the Breckenridge Brewery and the popular margaritas at Mi Casa. For a double dose of après-ski revelry, check out the diverse live music at Sherpa & Yeti’s.
The base area at Whiteface is the main destination for après-ski action. Kick back and relax at the Cloudspin Lounge, which has a deck and features live music throughout the season. To widen your options, visit Steinhoff’s and R.F. McDougall’s down the road, or visit nearby winter sports haven Lake Placid and hotspot Burlington.
After your last run, go straight to the Fireside Tavern at the mountain for a mellow drink, then head on down to the boisterous Matterhorn Bar to get the night going. The Shed and the Rusty Nail are also great après-ski joints after a long day of carving turns.
