Your Guide to Après Ski: Hot Spots, Culture, Music & More
Cheers to all Jerries, snow bunnies, powder hounds, and Black Diamond skiers — it’s après ski time!
Whether you’re new to skiing, you’re an avid snowboarder, or you’re just there to party with friends, après ski is a fun way to hang out and let loose after a morning on the slopes.
And no matter where you are or what you know about ski culture, this guide can help you figure out the BEST places and ways to enjoy après ski across the U.S.
What Is Après Ski?
Après ski is an afternoon social hour that tends to happen in ski towns. Usually held at resorts, restaurants, and bars, après ski is a French term translating to “after skiing.”
It’s similar to happy hour and typically involves:
Cocktails, local brews, and small bites, from roughly noon until dusk
Festive music, seasonal playlists, and the hottest local DJs
Other entertainment, like live bands and popular local talent
As exciting as all that sounds, the hotspots for après ski are a whole lot more fun in person.
Where to Après Ski: 17 Best Spots in the U.S.
Many après ski hot spots put their own unique twists on this popular pastime.
That’s why hopping from ski town to ski town can be so much fun!
Highlighting some of the best hotspots across the nation, here’s a look at some of the best après ski destinations, highlighting:
The general vibe
What to expect
A few cool places to check out in each area
1. Aspen, CO
As a winter wonderland for the elite, Aspen is full of glamor and high-end spaces where A-listers hob nob — and where you can après ski like the super-rich and famous.
Don't let that facade fool you, though.
For après ski, you'll find more than just first-class options, with an array that includes everything from cozy watering holes and local breweries to cigar bars, exclusive wine bars, and more.
Vibe: Uber chic, Ultra upscale
Where to stop: The Little Nell, Aspen Tap, and Zane's Tavern
2. Mammoth, CA
Fun, upbeat, and laid back all at once, Mammoth has a lively après ski scene, with tons of outdoor options available.
There are bars and restaurants within steps of some of the most popular local lifts, as well as vast outdoor patios with fireside seating. You can also hit up BBQ joints, beach bars, and cozy inns for a small taste of everything Mammoth après ski has to offer!
And if you're in Mammoth in April 2023, don't miss the Weekend Après Ski Party.
Vibe: PARTY!
Where to stop: Steeps Bar, Mammoth Rock n' Bowl, and Mammoth Brewing Co.
3. Big Sky, MO
With jaw-dropping views and exceptional skiing opportunities, Big Sky is also home to some exciting après ski spots that offer regionally inspired menus, handcrafted cocktails, and regular live music.
Along with traditional saloons and local breweries, you can also enjoy luxe lounges, charming patios, and global cuisine when you visit Big Sky for après ski.
Vibe: Laid Back
Where to stop: Carabiner Lounge, Vista Bar, and Buck's T-4
4. Park City, UT
Home to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Park City, UT, is where chic meets snow.
In fact, not only is Park City home to the Sundance film festival, but it's also a world-class ski destination with après ski unlike any other.
From classy fare and table service to specialty cuisine and more divey digs, Park City has a diverse and super trendy après ski scene that you're sure to love!
Vibe: Elegant Hipster, Trendsetter
Where to stop: No Name Saloon, The Après Lounge, and High West Distillery
5. Taos, NM
Taos Ski Valley is a surprising gem for après ski, offering some of the finest watering holes, cuisine, and New Mexican-inspired atmospheres around.
Plus, you can find live music 7 days/week on the Tao après ski scene.
Vibe: Chill, Relaxed
Where to stop: The local bowling alley, Taos Mesa Brewing, and the Rolling Still Vodka Distillery
12 More top spots for Après Ski
Want more stops along — and off — the beaten path for après ski? If so, check out some of these popular ski towns too:
Lake Tahoe, CA
Steamboat, CO
Beaver Creek, CO
Winter Park, CO
Breckenridge, CO
Vail, CO
Jackson Hole, WY
Killington, VT
Sunday River, ME
Carrabassett Valley, ME
Loon, NH
Crystal Mountain, WA
Après Ski: What to Wear
Generally, there aren’t any dress codes for après ski, so you can:
Walk off the slopes and come as you are, immediately hitting up a local bar or restaurant, without having to change.
Change into another pair of shoes if you don’t want to wear your ski boots after you get off the slopes.
Keep it casual, dressing warmly if you’re not skiing but you’re meeting up with friends after they do.
You can rely on these general rules of thumb from ski town to ski town. Still, some fancier establishments may have their own dress codes for après ski or special events related to it. So, dress accordingly.
Après Ski Music & Soundtrack: Live Acts & More
Known for flowing drinks, delicious food, and lively festivities, après ski is also a real treasure when it comes to music and live acts, including:
Local bands
Big-name music acts
DJs across various genres
Other talent, like comedians, singer/songwriters, dancers, etc.
You can also count on hearing some traditional playlists, full of beloved classics, in almost any ski town with a thriving après ski scene.
Any and all of those sounds can kickstart the party, set a perfect vibe, and keep the fun going for hours.
More Après Ski Tips: What NOT to Do
Après ski can be chill and low-key, but there’s still some basic etiquette to follow.
To get it right and avoid any uncomfortable situations, here’s a handful of simple rules to keep in mind:
Do NOT bring your skis indoors. Leave them outside at the ski rack provided.
Do NOT forget your sunglasses, especially if you’re hitting up an outdoor venue.
Do NOT be afraid to try something new. You’ll never get a real taste for amazing local fare if you stick to your go-to fallbacks every time.
Do NOT let yourself get stranded. If you’re enjoying après ski on a hill and lifts close at a specific time, keep an eye on the clock, so you don’t get left behind.
Do NOT wait for your whole party. Après ski can start when you’re ready, with new friends waiting to share a morning, lunch, or afternoon of fun!
Do NOT forget about the music. A great soundtrack can elevate any après ski scene, and many venues feature some fantastic DJs, live bands, and other talent that could knock your socks off. So, don’t forget to check out music lineups for après ski too!
Music Can Amplify Any Après Ski Experience
Amazing music and incredible sound can electrify any après ski event, venue, or party. At The Music Trust, we specialize in ALL things music and sound, from DJ booking, live music, and playlist services to music curation, music licensing, event production, commercial AV equipment, sonic branding, and so much more.
No matter what your sound needs may be, The Music Trust has you covered. We have been behind some of the most mind-blowing sounds and the most-talked music events around, bringing all sorts of events to life, including après ski parties, festivals, pool parties, private events, brand launches, corporate events, grand openings, holiday events, and beyond.
Discover more about what we do and how we can help you when you reach out via the form below.
We offer free quotes, helpful advice, and some of the best experts in the business. And we’ll get back to you ASAP.
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Après ski is one thing we know a whole lot about — but it’s not the only one.
