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Brought to you by Ikon Pass
It’s 3:45 pm on a warm spring day. With 15 minutes left of shred, your spirits lift as you lap the last chair, your thoughts turning towards sunshine soaked decks, ice-cold beers, and plate upon plate of crushable food. Yup, the digital screen on your cellular device says it all: it’s après-O-clock. Time to connect with the crew and raise the stoke on an afternoon scene of stacked plates, libations, and suntans. With all of the hunger-obliterating, thirst-quenching, patio-perched options dotting the Ikon Pass, the only question is where to go first?
Le Shack
Mont Tremblant
A legendary, long-time must for skiers at Mont-Tremblant, Le Shack mixes Québécois charm with every-so-funky mountain decor. Often lauded as serving the best burgers on the hill, après admirers can also work their way through generous servings of poutine, towering plates of decked-out nachos, and plenty of merry-making mulled wine. It’s the perfect combination for an afternoon pause while soaking up the best patio in the village.
Montana Jack
Big Sky
Offering over 100 beers with up to 24 on tap, Montana Jack specializes in craft burgers to pair with a wide selection of craft beers. Located in the Mountain Mall at Big Sky’s Mountain Village – directly at the base of Ramcharger & Swift Current – Montana Jack is as close as you can get to the slopes without hopping on a chairlift. Featuring a slope-side deck, big screen TV’s, and sweeping mountain views, it’s one of the most accessible places to enjoy the Big Sky après scene.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Aspen Highlands
Nothing feels quite like popping bottles while basking in the sunshine of spring. In fact, it’s the perfect reason to treat yourself to a lavish session of après at Aspen Snowmass’s Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. Take advantage of the decadent Veuve Clicquot ice bar while sprawling out on the sun-soaked deck space. Glass in hand, sit back and watch the show. This party-fueled, mid-mountain bistro sets the stage for a boisterous après ski scene.
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High Camp
Squaw Valley, California
Pack the swimsuit and carve out enough time to take a dip in a hot tub at high altitude while at Squaw Valley’s High Camp. Situated at 8,200-feet above sea level, the pool & Hot Tub Deck sits as one of the highest après hot tubs in the Sierras. Catch some shade with your sunnies and take up a seat in at the Umbrella Bar. In-between cervezas, hit up the hot tub and soak up views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra peaks.
TBar and Timber & Torch
Steamboat
Affectionately known as Ski Town USA®’s “Five-Star Dive Bar,” cruise into slope-side après by way of runs Right-O-Way or BC Ski-way. One of Steamboat’s best-kept secrets, TBar is housed in a former ski patrol trailer and is known for springtime picnic table lounging, stiff drinks, and a mouthwatering menu (don’t miss the legendary chorizo mac and cheese or the peanut butter-and-bacon panini). Of course, don’t miss the chance to grab a drink at Timber and Torch. Après goers can perfect their goggle tan on while sipping a signature smoked cocktail, prepared table-side, on the expansive patio.
The Peruvian Lodge
Alta Ski Area
Wood paneling, shot skis, and taxidermy could very well be the three universal signs of a legit après ski scene. Couple that with floor to ceiling windows flooded with bright spring sun, and a pool that sits just outside the door, and you will have described Alta’s Peruvian Lodge – or, P-Dog, as the locals call it. After working on your goggle tan all day, pop on by for free appetizers, popcorn, and fantastic mountain views while listening to live music and mingling with fellow ski bums.
The Snorting Elk Cellar
Crystal Mountain
Head downstairs at Crystal Mountain’s Alpine Inn to find the cozy Bavarian ratskeller-style (read: basement) bar and Pacific Northwest ski scene staple, The Snorting Elk Cellar. Inside, cozy up with its roaring fire, old-world charm, and 18 locally brewed tap beers. And when the sun is shining, consider cutting the ski day short to shore up one of the limited, highly coveted seats on the slope facing front deck. From either vantage, it’s easy to see why this iconic après bar was voted one of the “Top 7 Sweetest Ski Bars in the US” by Outside Magazine two years in a row.
