A ski trip is no longer just about hitting the slopes – the après ski scene is as important as fresh powder when heading to the mountains. In peak-season après ski sessions are where you’ll find society’s brightest characters, usually wrapped up in fresh-off-the-runway fits. But, across the US, more and more ski resorts are channeling a new era of après; one that moves away from lawdish parties toward refined fine dining and sophisticated drinking, all in beautiful alpine settings. These are some of the top places for après ski in the US.
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The best places for après ski in Aspen
Aspen’s reputation precedes it. Billionaires are drawn like moths to a flame, and the flashier A-List set has long set in, too. Designer boutiques occupy every other shopfront and the restaurant scene gets flashier every year. And, far from just being style over substance, Aspen famously has some of the US’s best terrain, catering from beginners through to experts.
Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, The St Regis Aspen Resort anchors the après-ski scene with a trio of distinct experiences. Marea at The Snow Lodge, an Aspen outpost of the celebrated New York restaurant, delivers refined coastal Italian fare, while The Snow Lodge continues its seasonal residency with a lively après concert series and intimate performances in the Jade Room. For a more understated unwind, Mountain Social Bar & Lounge offers bespoke cocktails in a polished, lounge-forward setting.
At nearby W Aspen, it’s straight up to the rooftop bar for fireside cocktails and snacks, as well as a dip in Aspen’s only heated rooftop pool – all with 360-degree mountain views. Not ready for the party to end? Sneak off to Hidalgo, the hotel’s late-night speakeasy style bar and tequileria.
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Après ski in Lake Tahoe
While golfing, hiking, and lakefront activities dominate in the warmer months, come winter, a blanket covering of snow over the Sierra allows Lake Tahoe to reach its apex. Located on the Northstar California Resort slopes, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe remains one of the most coveted après ski spots, for hotel guests and visitors alike.
As well as its several signature restaurants (ranging from modern American to Mexican-inspired cuisines), the property maximizes the beauty of the setting with The Backyard – an alfresco location that houses the Backyard Bar & BBQ which serves house-smoked meats and crafts beers. For a more intimate experience, book a private firepit for s’mores crafting and cheese fondue, or reserve a Veuve Clicquot cabana chalet for champagne sipping.
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Where to après ski in Deer Valley
In Utah’s Deer Valley, après takes on a more understated guise than other US ski resorts. At The St Regis Deer Valley, visit The St Regis Bar to try the hotel’s signature bloody mary (each St Regis has its own – Deer Valley uses wasabi celery foam and a black lava salt rim), as well a comprehensive wine list, an extended cocktail offering, and light bites including French onion soup, truffle pizza, and charcuterie boards.
Adjoining the bar, find the Mountain Terrace – a year-round alfresco dining area with scenic mountain views.
Après ski in Beaver Creek
For the most exclusive après ski session in Colorado’s Beaver Creek, look to Bachelor Gulch – a ski-in/ski-out enclave within the wider resort. Here you will find The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, a year-round resort ensconced within the dramatic Rocky Mountain range.
Après ski is catered for in a serious way here. The more typical après experience is granted courtesy of the Fireside Bar. Occupying a prime spot on the mountainside terrace at the base of the ski lift, this alfresco location serves champagne and caviar in a casual setting; some seats cozy up to the fire pit, others are heated and look out on the slopes. As one of Beaver Creek’s most popular après ski parties, there’s live music every day, and at weekends, a DJ takes up residence.
For dinner, there’s the signature restaurant, WYLD, which serves a decadent seasonal menu as well as an extensive wine list. Alternatively there’s the casual Sakaba for Japanese-inspired dishes and a sake-led cocktail menu, or Buffalos – the hotel’s take on a cosy gastropub.
For the final drink of the night, it’s over to The Great Room – a grand stone-walled lounge anchored by a three-story fireplace and wide-reaching views of the slopes.There’s daily live music, accompanied by a varied drinks list.
