The top 5 places to aprés ski in Colorado

22.10.2024 - 21:17 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Some people ski for the fresh air, the mountain views or the sheer physical challenge. But, as I’ll freely admit to anyone who asks, I ski so that I can après-ski. 

This time-honored tradition is truly one of the best parts of schussing down the slopes. “Après” is the French word for “after,” so translated literally, this phrase means “after ski.” It’s like happy hour, but specific to skiing and snowboarding. You eat, you drink, you warm up by the fire or sit outside in the sun, you regale your friends with tales of the day’s best wipeouts or near-misses. It’s a chance to relax and unwind after exerting yourself all day – to finally loosen your uncomfortable ski boots and tame your hunger with something other than the stale pocket granola bar you scarfed on the chairlift.  

In Colorado, the après-ski scene is alive and well. People usually start coming off the slopes for the day around 2pm, though there’s no set start or end time for après. (Sometimes, après just blends right into dinner or late-night bar-hopping.) As you start making travel plans for ski season, consider these top après-ski spots around the state. 

Why it’s great: Over the years, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – just Cloud Nine for short – has earned quite the reputation for its over-the-top après scene. Located on the slopes of Aspen Highlands – one of the four ski areas in Aspen and Snowmass—this Swiss Alps-inspired eatery is the place to go for caviar, Champagne, fondue and serious party vibes. There’s dancing, singing, Champagne spraying and general debauchery (and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a celebrity or two).

Make it happen: Cloud Nine is so popular that you’ll need to make a reservation—yes, even for après. The only way to get here is on skis or a snowboard, as the restaurant is located mid-mountain near the top of the Cloud Nine lift. (This means you also need to keep your wits about you, since you’ll have to ski down to the bottom at the end of the afternoon.)

Why it’s great: After shredding all day at Winter Park Resort, a refreshing pint of craft beer sure does hit the spot. That’s why Fraser Valley residents and visitors alike head to Hideaway Park Brewery, a casual taproom located just a few minutes from the slopes. The scene is super mellow and laid-back, with beanie-clad skiers and riders chit-chatting or playing games as they slowly sip their beers. (In the summer, it’s an equally popular après spot for mountain bikers.) 

Make it happen: Leave your ski gear on (though you might want to ditch your boots in favor of comfier shoes), belly up to the bar and order your favorite style – Hideaway Park has pretty much everything, from hoppy double IPAs to malty brown ales. If you can’t decide, go for a