Best Après Ski Spots in the USA
Skiing and snowboarding are some of the greatest joys in life. There are few things better than getting out on the slopes and flying down the mountain, ripping through the snow.
But what ski day is complete without a night of drinking and good eats after a long day on the mountain? Below are some of the best aprés spots in the US.
What Is Aprés Ski?
The word aprés is actually a French word that simply means “after.” So aprés ski (pronounced “‘ah pray ‘ski” simply means “after ski” or “after skiing.”
This refers to ideal places to eat, drink, soak in a hot tub, and hang out after a long day of skiing. Popular in Switzerland and Austria and imported from the Alps to the US, these spots are a big part of ski culture on this side of the Atlantic.
Now that you know what it means, let’s get into the best aprés ski places in the country.
Jackson, Wyoming
If you're looking for a place to ski in and party after a long day on the slopes, Jackson, Wyoming, is one of the best après ski destinations for you.
This small town is home to a number of bars and clubs that stay open late and maintain the nightlife, so you can keep the party going all night long after a long day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort which is a few miles down the road from town.
If you're looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from as well. Try the Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon for steak and pizza, along with vegan and vegetarian options. Or, try the Caldera House for cuisine and decor inspired by the Italian Alps.
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Jackson:
The Mangy Moose is one of the most popular bars in Jackson Hole, and it’s known for its live music and lively atmosphere. Other noteworthy après ski spots in Jackson Hole include the Silver Dollar Bar and The Handle Bar. That’s just a few of the spots out there, so make sure you head to town and explore the various bars, restaurants, and concert venues.
The only bummer about this town is that overnight camping is highly regulated within city limits, so you’ll need to find a campground outside of town to park your adventure van. Snake River Cabins, Fireside Resort, and Virginian RV Park are some terrific options close to town.
Vail Ski Resort
Vail is one of the most famous and iconic ski towns in the United States, North America, and even the world. It offers plenty of options for après skiing and fine dining once you get off the gondola
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Vail:
One of the most popular après ski spots in Vail is Two Elks Lodge, which offers stunning views of Vail Mountain and a menu full of hearty mountain food. Other notable après ski spots in Vail include Garfinkel’s and Blue Moose Pizza Co.
Stay at Aunt Sara’s River Dance RV Resort
A bit of a hike up I-70 from Vail is the amazing Aunt Sara’s River Dance RV Resort. It’s the perfect place to camp with your adventure van and break out of the fire pit. It’s got world-class views of the surrounding mountains, plenty of picnic tables and water and electric sites too.
Park City, UT
Park City, Utah, is another excellent option for après ski. It’s home to the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City Mountain Resort.
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Park City:
There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in Park City, but some of the most popular après ski spots include the High West Distillery & Saloon and the No Name Saloon.
Steamboat Springs Ski Resort
Heavenly Steamboat Springs is one of the best ski resorts in the country, and it offers plenty of options for après ski. It’s loaded with that mountain town charm we all love and has some great places to drink and eat.
Stay at KOA Holiday Campground
This KOA has it all. Not only are there beautiful campgrounds, but there’s also a heated pool, mini golf, and a free bus that takes you straight into Steamboat Springs. It’s the perfect home base for your ski trip.
Stay at Bluebird Backcountry Campsite
Bluebird Backcountry is an excellent spot to camp during the post-ski session. This ski area lets you camp slopeside, so you can easily get an early start the next day. It’s the ultimate place to unwind, park your adventure van, and have a memorable weekend of skiing.
Best Places for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Steamboat Springs
One of the most popular bars in Steamboat Springs is Old Town Pub, which offers live music seven nights a week as well as a menu full of pub favorites. Other après ski spots in Steamboat Springs include Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill and Storm Peak Brewing Company.
Breckenridge, CO
Breck is an absolute classic when it comes to Aprés ski. This charming Colorado mountain town is just off the highway, so you can even come here if you’re skiing at Copper Mountain or one of the other nearby ski areas.
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Breckenridge
There are so many places to choose from in this small town. T Bar: Peak 8 and Rocky Mountain Underground are great drinking spots. And nothing beats Crepes A La Cart, a cute crepe stand right on Main Street.
Sun Valley, Idaho
After a long day of skiing, there's nothing better than enjoying a few drinks with friends at one of Sun Valley's many apres ski bars. Whether you're searching for a cozy spot to warm up by the fire or a lively bar with live music, there's an apres ski bar in Sun Valley waiting for you.
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Sun Valley:
The Ram Bar features a large fireplace, making it the perfect place to warm up on a cold winter day with a well-curated selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Whiskey Jacques has live music every night (you read that right) and a menu of delicious pub fare. Head to the Sawtooth Club to enjoy views of the mountains while sipping on your favorite drink; it has one of the most extensive wine lists in town.
Lake Tahoe
After a long day of skiing, there's nothing better than kicking back with a cold drink and some good company. The best place to kick back after you take your skis off is one of Lake Tahoe's many apres ski bars.
Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to warm up by the fireplace or a lively bar with live music, you'll find it all at Lake Tahoe. Grab your friends and head to one of these great apres ski bars for a night you’ll remember.
The Best Aprés Ski Drinks and Eats in Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for fireplaces to warm up by, Squaw Valley is an ideal spot to drink some wine or hot chocolate while you take in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Northstar California also has a luxurious fireplace with comfortable seating and breathtaking views.
If it’s delicious and unique beverages that you’re on the hunt for, check out The Bar at Alpine Meadows, a lively hotspot that’s the premier place to grab a drink, hear live music, and socialize with other skiers. The Bar at Sugar Bowl is another fun and festive spot with delicious cocktails and friendly staff.
Killington, VT
Finally, we head east to Killington, Vermont, a town with probably the best apres-ski scene in New England. It’s close to Killington Resort, Okemo Mountain, Sugarbush, and plenty more ski destinations.
Best Place for Apres Ski Drinks and Eats in Killington
If you’re a fan of whiskey, you can’t miss Still on the Mountain distillery. It’s right at the base of Killington and has some incredible offerings, including house-made bourbon, vodka, gin, tequila, and rum.
Jax Food and Games is a charming pub with lots of local brews, the historic Lookout Tavern was Killington Resort’s first lodge in 1958, and Casey’s Caboose is a must-try restaurant nestled inside a 1900 railroad snowplow car.
Load Up the Van for Your Next Ski Adventure
Pile in your adventure van and get ready for your next winter road trip ski vacation in one of these amazing towns. Beautiful skiing during the day, and the best aprés ski at night. It’s hard to think of a better trip.
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