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Photograph: Shutterstock/David Krasensky
Photograph: Shutterstock/David Krasensky

The best spots for après ski in the U.S.

Whether you spent the day on the slopes or looking to unwind as if you did, there's an après ski spot with your name on it

Katie McAleer
Written by Katie McAleer
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Skiers and snowboarders know your time on the slopes is only half the fun. When the lifts close or when your legs just can’t handle another run, it’s time for the après ski to begin! Après ski is a French term literally translating to “after ski.” The term first became popular in the Alps in the 1950s as a catch-all phrase for post-ski activities. In the U.S. today, the term après ski is most commonly used to describe post-ski drinks and parties.

Ski resorts across the U.S. have been trying to distinguish themselves in the increasingly popular winter sport. The 2022-2023 season was a record-breaking year for many resorts; some go for family-friendly, promoting their ski schools and kid-friendly activities. Many distinguish themselves by focusing on luxury experiences, five-star dining, world-class spas and top-notch accommodations—which is especially attractive for those who don't ski.

But what many skiers look for when planning their next trip is the après-ski scene! They want slope-side drinks, live music and DJs, afternoon parties, and places to go out in the evening. Here are our top 10 après ski spots in the U.S.

Best après ski in the U.S.

1. Weekend Après Party at Canyon Lodge | Mammoth, CA

Every Friday and Saturday afternoon from 2 to 5pm, head to the Lincoln Bar’s Sundeck at Canyon Lodge for the number one après ski party in the U.S. This party is legendary for a reason: Be prepared to dance, crowd surf and get a champagne shower. You can ski straight to Canyon Lodge or take the complimentary village gondola up. We recommend getting there early to grab a spot for the fun. Founding DJ WLDCT spins every Friday and Saturday afternoon, but be sure to check the events calendar for full details.

2. The Vintage Room | Deer Valley, UT

Where après ski meets luxury, the Vintage Room is 1,600 feet up at the St. Regis Deer Valley Upper Resort Ski Beach. The attire is listed as après ski chic; once you’re in, enjoy the raw bar, oysters, caviar, champagne or a signature cocktail. They have a live DJ Thursday-Sunday starting at 2:30pm, there is a VIP area that takes reservations but otherwise it is first come first serve. You can ski in and ski out. The Vintage Room is accessible via a walkway from the St. Regis.

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3. Cloud 9 | Aspen, CO

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When you think of the term après ski, you probably picture something like Cloud 9 in Aspen. The European-inspired cabin is located on the top of a mountain and… there is no lift to get there. The only way to get to Cloud 9 (and to leave) is to ski or snowboard, intermediate and advanced trails only. Reservations are required and you must be 21+ to sit in the après seating area. Expect fondue, a DJ spinning music all afternoon and lots of champagne showers! It’s pricey, but we think every skier should put it on their après bucket list.

4. Mountain Village Plaza | Big Sky, MT

Big Sky puts on an epic après ski party every Friday to Sunday on the Mountain Village Plaza. With a DJ spinning, skiers pour into the plaza to dance, drink and party. Mountain Village Plaza is located at the base of Big Sky Resort, just steps away from the lifts. There are a number of bars and restaurants surrounding the plaza, including Montana Jack, Umbrella Bar, and Carabiner. Get all the details on weekly mountain events, including Après in the Plaza, here.

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5. Snow Lodge | Aspen, CO

Anyone who frequents Montauk in the summer will feel right at home here. Brought to you by the same team behind the Surf Lodge, the Snow Lodge is the winter version of a Hamptons rager, comprising a supper club, a lounge and an après-ski courtyard. Located inside the St. Regis Aspen Resort, the Snow Lodge has some of the best DJs spinning in the Jade Room and world-class headliners in the après-ski courtyard. You can make reservations for dinner or the Jade Room lounge, but some larger acts require tickets, so be sure to check out the lineup.

6. Venga Venga | Snowmass, CO

Snowmass Village is often branded as more lowkey and family-friendly than neighboring Aspen, but that doesn’t mean it is without its après spots. Mexican cantina Venga Venga is right off the slopes and has happy hour daily and live music on weekends. They take reservations for inside, but the real après party is out on the patio. Grab a spot by a fire pit, take in the stunning mountain views, and then eat, drink, and dance.

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7. Fireside Bar at The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch | Beaver Creek, CO

On Saturday afternoons, head to the Mountain Terrace of The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, where you will find the Fireside Bar and the best après ski party in Beaver Creek. Just steps away from the Bachelor Gulch express chair lift, the cozy spot offers the quintessential après scene: cocktails, light bites, and live music and a DJ on the weekends.

8. T-Bar | Breckenridge, CO

T-Bar | Breckenridge, CO
T-Bar | Breckenridge, CO
Photograph: Shutterstock/Jacob Boomsma

Located at the base of Peak 8, T-Bar is the go-to spot for après in Breckenridge. The slope-side bar offers craft beers, cocktails and various sharable appetizers. They also have an expansive deck with amazing views, plus a rotating list of DJs spinning on most Fridays and Saturdays. Voted one of the best après bars in Breckenridge, TBar is the perfect spot to end your day.

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9. Million Dollar Cowboy Bar | Jackson Hole, WY

An iconic western bar and entertainment venue located right in the heart of Jackson, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must-visit if you’re in Jackson Hole. Attracting people from all walks of life there is live music and western dancing every night, enjoy a drink at the bar and if you’re hungry you can order from the grill window. They can attract some big acts and sell tickets for some of their shows in advance; be sure to check out who’s playing.

10. Pickle Barrel | Killington, VT

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Killington is called ‘The Beast of The East’ for many reasons: its size, its claim to the longest season in the east, and its being a favorite choice for those seeking nightlife on their ski trip. Pickle Barrel has been a staple Killington party spot since the 1960s, with four bars, three levels and two stages. If you’re staying within 6 miles of the club, call the Barrel Rider and they will send a free shuttle to pick you up and bring you home at the end of the night so everyone gets home safely.

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