The 10 Best Après-Ski Bars in North America

Whether you ski or snowboard, half the fun of a winter vacation is what you do when you finally call it a day on the mountain. A drink and a good dinner is mandatory after hours of fresh powder (we hope) and a couple of trips up the chairlift. And there’s no reason you can’t bring your favorite tunes with you either.

The Blaster marks Nixon’s introduction to the mobile wireless audio category with big sound that can fill a room (or a snow park) like never before. The ultra lightweight speaker with shock and water resistant construction is made to withstand the elements—and the perfect size to fit in your mountain pack. Since après-ski has become as much a part of the experience as the skiing itself, we decided to put you on to some our favorite watering holes and restaurants for the upcoming season, while dishing on what song will surely be on repeat at each location. So take off your boots, step up to the bar, and meet some new friends.

City: Telluride, Colo.
Address: 231 W Colorado Ave.
Website: newsheridan.com
Song on repeat: Johnny Cash – “Hey Porter”

If you’re in Telluride, there’s no doubt you’ll want to end your day somewhere with a little history after a long day on the mountain. The town wouldn’t allow for anything else. The New Sheridan Hotel, which was first built in 1891 (it burned down a few years later and was rebuilt in brick in 1895) during the San Juan Mountain Gold Rush, is just that place, with a pool table and a long mahogany bar, perfect for a few glasses of neat whiskey. And if you’re hungry, which we all know you will be, you can either enjoy dinner at the bar or head into the hotel for a fancy meal at the Chop House.

City: Vail, Colo.
Address: 291 Bridge St.
Website: vendettasvail.com
Song on repeat: Culture Club – “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?”

It’s a great thing when you can finish a day of skiing and go to one place for an entire night of great food and lively drinking. Vendetta’s, located in the heart of Vail Village, has been home to both since 1983. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes, wipe the snow off your beard, and go grab a W.V.A. Pizza (Pesto, Grilled Chicken, Garlic, Artichoke Hearts, and Roma Tomatoes) and a cold IPA at the bar. And you might want to leave a slice for later. This might be a long night.

City: Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Address: 3295 Village Dr.
Website: mangymoose.com
Song on repeat: Blues Traveler – “But Anyway” (Hey, at least it’s not “Run Around”)

Jackson Hole is home to some…fancy stuff. There’s a lot of money that doesn’t always match up to a well-curated aesthetic. So go somewhere fun and low-key when you’re in town and avoid the Rich Cowboys. The Mangy Moose has a great selection of beer and signature drinks (stick with the beer), and a whole long menu to fill your belly while relaxing after a killer day on the hill. And if you’re in the mood for live music, the Mangy has a lot of it, so get ready to do a little dancing if your legs are still working.

City: Taos, N.M.
Address: 100 Kachina Rd.
Website: thebavarian.net
Song on repeat: Happy Louie – “Mountaineer Polka”

Get ready for a lot of words you can’t pronounce when you head into The Bavarian Lodge. The entire wait staff is dressed head to toe in lederhosen and dirndls, and a Kachelofen, a Bavarian tile stove, warms up the room. The Bavarian has a great selection of beers from the Spaten Brewery in Munich and whole mess of German food that may or may not contain some sort of sausage. We know that German-themed bars can sometimes be a little hokey, but the Bavarian is different, and by the end of the night, we guarantee you’ll be swinging your large mug from side to side singing a polka song whose lyrics you don’t quite fully understand.

City: Killington, Vt.
Address: 2229 Killington Rd.
Website: wobblybarn.net
Song on repeat: Daft Punk – “Get Lucky”

The Wobbly has been entertaining East Coast skiers since it opened its doors in 1963. The building is constructed from collected pieces of 10 old barns across New England and serves some of the best steaks in Vermont. If you’re in Killington on a weekend, make sure to drop in on Saturday where there’s always live music from 4-8 p.m. After that, the Wobbly turns into a nightclub where you can be sure to dance well into the night. And don’t worry about a hangover, the cold mountain air will knock it out of you by the second run. Maybe the third…

City: Sugarloaf, Maine
Address: 9004 Main St.
Website: thebagandkettle.com
Song on repeat: Whatever the locals want to sing that day

The owners of Maine’s Bag and Kettle don’t consider their establishment an “English Pub.” In fact, they’ve gone as far to list off the distinctions between the two on their website. (“We are 3,500 miles closer to Eustis.”) Whatever the theme of the bar, it’s a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes of Vacationland. Grab a burger, maybe some poutine and a Bag and Kettle Brewing Company Potato Ale, made from locally grown Yukon Golds. Then find yourself a local and see if you can distinguish their accent from the guys you met while studying abroad in London. It shouldn’t be hard.

City: Squaw Valley, Calif.
Address: 1960 Squaw Valley Rd.
Website: squawchamois.com
Song on repeat: Anything Jack Johnson and/or the “New Jack Johnson”

Open since 1969, Le Chamois is the place to go for all your après-skiing needs in Squaw Valley. It’s a lively place, so come hungry, thirsty and prepared for conversation. Grab a glass of red wine, get a spot outside and cozy up to the pretty people standing close by. Make sure it’s a large so you can offer a few slices to your new friends. Take in that California view before you go back to San Francisco and get on the Google bus back to work.

City: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Address: 28194 U.S. 6
Website: arapahoebasin.com
Song on repeat: Def Leppard – “Pour Some Sugar On Me”

The Beach, situated in the A-Basin parking lot, is a different kind of après-ski destination. Backing up to the three lower mountain chairlifts, The Beach is a glorified tailgate, a perfect spot to drink a beer and a hearty lunch on your gas grill for lunch or after a full day of skiing. There are 10 spots available for reservation and the rest are first-come, first-served. Pack up your car the previous night and get there early on Saturday morning. And hey, if you don’t get to enjoy The Beach as an après-ski destination because you never made it to the slopes after your AM Bloody Mary, we don’t blame you.

City: Park City, Utah
Address: 447 Main St.
Website: nonamesaloon.net
Song on repeat: Loretta Lynn – “Don’t Come Home Drinking With Loving On Your Mind”

In a past life, Park City’s No Name Saloon was The Alamo, a gritty bar on Main Street where you could grab a cheap domestic beer after a day in the POW. The new owners have kept a similar vibe, updating the menu and decor just enough to attract a wider range of customers. And that’s not always a bad thing. Order some fish tacos, a round of tequila shots, and grab a seat on the heated deck. Park City is way too handsome to spend a night drinking inside.

City: Whistler, B.C.
Address: 4165 Springs Ln.
Website: whistlerblackcomb.com
Song on repeat: Arcade Fire – “Rebellion (Lies)”

Whistler is one of the finest ski destinations in North America, so we flock there often. And while you’re in Canada, make sure to end your day at the Garibaldi Lift Co., located above the Whistler Gondola building. With a beautiful view above ground, Garibaldi is a perfect place to grab a few beers and a snack before heading out for a long evening of more beers and snacks. Enjoy Canada.