The Ultimate Apres-Ski Guide: What to Do When the Lifts Close
Jonathan Barlow
Editor
The Culture
Apres-ski is not an afterthought. At the best resorts, the hours between last chair and dinner are their own event — a transition from cold to warm, from mountain to valley, from adrenaline to something slower and more social.
Here is where to do it right.
Aspen, Colorado
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Accessible only by ski or snowcat. The Veuve Clicquot flows freely, the truffle fries are legendary, and by 2 PM the tables are dancing. Literally. This is the most famous apres-ski experience in America.
Ajax Tavern
At the base of Aspen Mountain, the patio at Ajax is where the town converges after a day on the slopes. Order the truffle fries (a theme in Aspen) and a glass of rose. Watch the parade of talent come down the last run.
Park City, Utah
High West Distillery
A working distillery in a 19th-century livery stable. The whiskey flights are outstanding, and the location — right on Main Street — puts you in the center of Park City's post-ski energy.
The Spur Bar & Grill at the Waldorf Astoria
Fireside cocktails, a curated bourbon list, and the kind of leather-and-timber atmosphere that makes you want to move to the mountains permanently.
Whistler, British Columbia
Garibaldi Lift Co.
The GLC is the definitive Whistler apres spot. Massive patio, live DJs on weekends, and a crowd that has been skiing hard and is ready to match that energy indoors.
Bearfoot Bistro
For a more refined experience. The wine cellar is legendary — they will take you inside to saber a bottle of champagne at -32 degrees Celsius. Not a joke.
Vail, Colorado
Garfinkel's
The institution. Pitchers of beer, live bands, and a patio that catches the afternoon sun. Garfinkel's has been the first stop after skiing in Vail for decades.
The best apres-ski moments are unplanned. You were going to go back to the lodge. You were going to take a nap. But someone ordered a round, the sun hit the patio just right, and now it is 8 PM and you are still here.
That is the point.