Après Ski Guide
Après ski in Aspen and Snowmass Village is not just something to do after a day of skiing and riding—it’s a vibrant component to experiencing everything this small yet global Valley has to offer.
For budget-conscious diners, après ski menu specials are a great way to save on dinner.
Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as having the best après ski scene in North America, Aspen is the epicenter of it all, with more outstanding options just down the road in Snowmass Village.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner to sample a cocktail with friends, a buzzing bar filled with new faces, or an atmosphere bumping with music and energy, the scene at Aspen Snowmass always delivers. And, with outdoor patios and fresh mountain air, it's easy to catch some sunshine while you sip.
As always, keep your eyes out for pop-up DJs around our four mountains and après specials to celebrate spring skiing. Cheers!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner to sample a cocktail with friends, a buzzing bar filled with new faces, or an atmosphere bumping with music and energy, the scene at Aspen Snowmass always delivers. And, with outdoor patios and fresh mountain air, it's easy to catch some sunshine while you sip.
As always, keep your eyes out for pop-up DJs around our four mountains and après specials to celebrate spring skiing. Cheers!
Snowmass
Sam's
Whether you’re there for the negroni spritz, a fine wine, or a beer—Sam’s ambiance warms from the inside out. Perched atop Sam’s Knob and known for its welcoming ambiance, antipasti, variety of Italian fare, and incredible views of Mount Daley, this is the spot to grab a rosé or an Italian wine and take in the beauty surrounding Snowmass.
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Lynn Britt Cabin
Set in the perfect landscape for a light lunch or après ski (complete with the optional use of a shotski) Lynn Britt Cabin is a staple on the slopes of Snowmass located directly under Village Express and accessible from the mid-way station. Sporting an impeccable wine list, a rustic-yet-elegant dining room, and outdoor seating with a newly built Maker’s Mark bar perfect for al fresco toasting on bluebird days, Lynn Britt Cabin is the best après in Snowmass. Swing through to enjoy DJs Thursday through Sunday.
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Elk Camp
Elk Camp is the hub for so many things at Snowmass with festive celebrations throughout the season— and in the afternoon, drinks on the patio are a must. The bar offers a large drink selection with modern decor and spacious seating areas indoors and outdoors to chill out with your travel group.
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Sundeck
Casual yet classic as Aspen Mountain’s oldest après spot, The Sundeck opened in 1946-1947, Aspen Mountain’s first official season. Sit outside in Adirondack chairs to soak in the views or around picnic tables as friends come and go—sipping on cocktails and enjoying some flavorful fare. If the temperatures drop, opt to stay warm inside, at the bar, the fireplace, or open dining room seating.
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Ajax Tavern
Location is everything. As you ski down Little Nell on Aspen Mountain, you’ll see its namesake hotel and what appears to be a sprawling party taking place on the patio. That would be the famous Ajax Tavern, the spot to see and be seen, and of course, eat truffle fries with a locally brewed draft beer in the fresh air and sunshine.
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The Wine Bar
The Little Nell’s former après-ski bar, Chair 9, has transformed into a lively wine bar, offering intimate seating areas, an extensive list of wines by the glass, a vinyl DJ booth, and a full bar menu. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, cap off your perfect day surrounded by colorful characters in a modern setting.
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Limelight Lounges
Whether you’re in Snowmass or the town of Aspen, the Limelight Lounge is the place to be. Modern décor, relaxing, live music on weekend evenings, and huge windows that invite the outside light in, both the Limelight Aspen and the Limelight Snowmass offer daily specials from 3 to 5pm. Order a cocktail or a glass of wine and a personal pizza made with fresh ingredients and enjoy an intimate gathering in what feels like a close friend's living room.
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Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
This cozy, European-style cabin with a backdrop of the iconic snow-covered Maroon Bells is a highlight of any Aspen Snowmass vacation, complete with champagne parties, bumping music, and an energetic crowd ready for a good time. Located near the top of the Cloud Nine lift on Aspen Highlands, this on-mountain experience is iconic and in high demand, so a reservation is required for attendance.
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Merry-Go-Round
A laidback hangout perfect for grabbing a drink after hiking the Highland Bowl or lapping Loge Peak. This is where organic food meets a welcoming bar at mid-mountain and DJs perform throughout the season as part of the Après Series. Whether you’re enjoying a beer or a bucket of Aperol Spritzes, MRG will make you feel like a local.
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Cliffhouse Restaurant
Take in a casual beer or a glass of wine while sitting outside overlooking Pyramid Peak and the ridgeline of Aspen Highlands. Located at the top of both the Tiehack Express and the Summit Express, Cliffhouse is easy to get to and the descent down offers greens, blues, and blacks so every level of skier can soak up the scene.
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The Backyard at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge
Extend your après this winter season at The Backyard, a new outdoor hangout with heated seating in the recently renovated Buttermilk Mountain Lodge. Located at the base of Buttermilk and a friendly neighbor to all four mountains, The Backyard is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and some tasty bites, enjoy a DJ set every Saturday, and settle into the après scene’s new favorite stomping ground.
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Once you’re off the slopes, there are hard-to-beat local spots just steps away from the hill.
Home Town BBQ
From Buttermilk, head to Home Team BBQ walking distance from the Buttermilk Base Area inside The Inn at Aspen for beers on tap and some of the best smoked meats you’ll find in the Valley.
WET Deck
After you wrap at Ajax Tavern or The Wine Bar, head over to WET Deck rooftop at the W Aspen for 360-degree views of Aspen, strong cocktails, and a trendy locals’ scene complete with a pool and hot tub.
Venga Venga
As you head down the frontside of Snowmass, stop at the top of the Skittles Lift on Fanny Hill at Snowmass Base Village for a margarita, some mezcal, and flavorful shared plates via a daily happy hour at Venga Venga.
Highlands Alehouse
A visit to Aspen Highlands won’t feel complete without a stop at the Highlands Alehouse, located at the base of the mountain. Enjoy delicious wings—with veggie options—and drinks with the locals.
