Top Spots for Après-Ski in the U.S.

There are nearly as many ways to enjoy après-ski (French for “after skiing”) as there are paths down a mountain. Just like there are gentle slopes and challenging black-diamond trails, there are après-ski experiences for every taste: from shot-skis at a lively dive bar for the adventurous, to fondue and warm beverages by a crackling fire for those new to it. We've compiled a coast-to-coast guide to the finest winter resort towns in the United States, where après-ski can mean sampling whiskey at the nation’s sole ski-in/ski-out distillery or settling into saddle stools at a rustic saloon. As everyone knows, what unfolds after you leave the slopes can be nearly as thrilling as the descent itself. For more insights into the fashion, drinks, and customs of ski culture off the slopes, be sure to check out our global guide to all things après.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Renowned for its closeness to Grand Teton National Park and its celebrity appeal, Jackson Hole is graced with “cowboy powder,” a light, dry snow that places it high on any list of the finest ski resorts in the United States. From the slopeside Teton Village to the charming historic town of Jackson, local watering holes put a western twist on après traditions. Just steps from the Aerial Tram, which ascends 4,139 vertical feet up the mountain, the Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon has been a favorite since 1967, celebrated for its live music and frozen Sloshies, including the huckleberry mule. For a more upscale experience, The Handle Bar at the Four Seasons offers delicacies like smoked trout dip and duck-fat wedges with beer cheese. Down by the iconic town square, marked by its famous elk-antler arches, follow the glow of a legendary neon sign in the Rockies: the bronco rider that lights up the nearly 90-year-old Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where the barstools are crafted from saddles. Don’t forget to trade your ski boots for cowboy boots before hitting the dance floor.

Park City, Utah

The Beehive State has transformed its image from one known for exclusively serving “near beer” (before 2019, Utah liquor laws limited beer ABV to just 3.2 percent), and Park City has evolved into a vibrant après-ski hotspot. Popular spots near the slopes include the Umbrella Bar, a cozy yurt where you can enjoy a warming beef chili paired with a Uinta Hazy Nosh IPA, and the No Name Saloon, famous for its delicious buffalo burgers housed in a historic 1905 mercantile building. For a more upscale experience, try a Bloody Mary at the St. Regis Deer Valley; each location of this luxury chain puts its unique twist on the classic tomato-based cocktail first crafted at its original New York City venue. Here, the 7542 Mary features locally distilled vodka and a wasabi celery foam. If you’re a fan of craft spirits, don’t miss the High West Saloon, North America's only ski-in/ski-out distillery, where you can enjoy seasonal cocktails like the Catherine’s Pass, made with Douglas fir brandy.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley Resort is located on the outskirts of Ketchum, where Ernest Hemingway spent his later summers and is buried; notably, he completed For Whom the Bell Tolls in suite 206 of the ski lodge. For sheer convenience, nothing beats the River Run Day Lodge, which sits at the base of Bald Mountain and is renowned for its Bloody Marys and live music. However, we suspect that the famous author might also have enjoyed some of the town’s more rustic dive bars: Lefty’s Bar and Grill for burgers and brews; Apple’s Bar & Grill for fantastic mimosas; and Grumpy’s, a local favorite since the '70s, known for its 32-ounce schooners of beer and nostalgic corn dogs that bring back childhood memories.

Stowe, Vermont

This New England ski resort ranks among the largest on the East Coast, offering a range of terrain from family-friendly slopes to challenging runs, including Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state. Its après-ski scene is just as varied. The Matterhorn Bar & Restaurant serves as the quintessential local gathering spot, where bands have entertained patrons since the 1950s (including acts like the Monkees and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals), with regulars' mugs proudly displayed above the bar. Throughout the village, notable spots include the WhistlePig Pavilion at the distillery of the same name, known for its wood-fired barbecue, whiskey flights, and cocktails such as the blueberry julep. Another highlight is Doc Ponds, boasting a collection of 1,000 records and irresistible snacks like Vermont cheddar fritters. The bar’s unusual name stems from an 1876 court case, The State of Vermont v. One Keg of Lager Beer, where the good doctor testified in favor of the beer, which ultimately prevailed.

Hunter, New York

Sure, the Catskills might not rival the Rockies, but they possess their own unique charm, and their close proximity to New York City has made Hunter Mountain a popular weekend getaway for urban dwellers. Located near the base, Scribner’s Catskills Lodge is a stylish reinterpretation of a 1966 motor lodge, where you can enjoy s’mores by the fire or savor a maple Old-Fashioned at the on-site restaurant, Prospect. For a touch of Old World ambiance, Jägerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern offers an après-ski experience with a German flair, featuring a selection of German beers, beer-and-shot combinations (like Hefeweisse paired with apricot liqueur or Maibock with herbal liqueur), and European-inspired cocktails made with ingredients such as Becherovka and Jägermeister.

Taos, New Mexico

This vibrant artsy hub adds a Southwestern twist to the après-ski tradition. Don’t let the New Mexico setting deceive you: the town is perched at nearly 7,000 feet, while the ski valley exceeds 9,000 feet, making it quite chilly, and spice has become a favorite way for skiers to warm up post-run. Expect to find green chile cheeseburgers at the Burger Stand, chile stew at Alley Cantina (some parts of which date back to the 16th century), and vodkas infused with Chimayo red chile and Hatch green chile at Rolling Still Distillery. One of the most atmospheric locations in town is the Taos Inn’s Adobe Bar, which has been a haven for weary travelers since the 1930s—though we’re not certain if guests back then had the luxury of choosing from a dozen margaritas, including the Hot Mama, crafted with green chile–infused tequila, passionfruit, and a brown sugar/red chile powder rim.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen epitomizes a certain ski-and-be-seen lifestyle, and it’s no surprise that this chic atmosphere is most palpable in the town’s upscale hotel bars, such as Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell, the rooftop Wet Deck at W Aspen, or the Lounge at the Limelight. However, the crown jewel might just be the original. Established in 1889 during Aspen’s silver rush, the Hotel Jerome is rich with history and charm, offering enough diverse après options to keep you busy for an entire long weekend without repeating a single experience: enjoy caviar and champagne on a floating ice tray at the heated pool; curl up with cocktails in the Winter Garden; sip espresso martinis at the whimsically decorated Felix Roasting Co.; indulge in small bites by the Living Room fireplace; or opt for a $145 multi-course cocktail journey at Bad Harriet. For something uniquely different, visit the Woody Creek Tavern, housed in a 1940s log cabin adorned with memorabilia from its most famous former patron, Hunter S. Thompson.

Big Bear Lake, California

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake serves as Southern California’s answer to Lake Tahoe, situated by its own picturesque lake. However, it retains a charming small-town, rustic atmosphere that sets it apart from its more glamorous northern counterpart. On the mountain, enjoy your days at Laybacks Bar, located just outside the main lodge; Slopeside Speakeasy, found at the base of Chair 2 at Snow Summit ski resort; or Skyline Taphouse, perched at the top of Chair 1, where you can take in stunning views of the towering 11,503-foot San Gorgonio Mountain. In the village, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is a local favorite for its house-crafted beers and the signature “avocado bomb,” a spicy-tuna-filled, beer-battered avocado, while Himalayan Restaurant pays homage to the rich flavors of Tibetan, Nepalese, and northern Indian cuisine.