The tradition of après originated in the Alps, where skiers headed directly to the bars on their last run of the day while still wearing all their ski gear, much like the alleged 19th hole in golf.
Skiing is a social sport that is best enjoyed with strong drinks, good friends and post-lift debauchery.
When you’re choosing a ski resort, the quality of the après spots are a key component that often matter as much as the runs themselves, a version of happy hour on the mountain. Rest assured, Snowmass Village has plenty of places to throw one back whether you’re aggressive on the slopes or happy cheering from the bar. Here are your best bets for where to sip and ski in Snowmass:
Literally steps from the Elk Camp Gondola lift line, Basecamp Bar and Grill is just that – your basecamp. The perfect meeting spot between runs or whenever the urge hits, their rotating menu of 6 for $6 après drinks and appetizers are hard to beat. Warm up with a hot toddy and don’t miss the ahi tuna ceviche with wasabi truffle mustard, it’s one of the freshest fish dishes in all of Colorado.
For a slopeside fiesta, look no further than Richard Sandoval’s Mexican cantina. Personal favorites include the Blueberry Prickly Pear Margarita ($7) and Sangria Roja ($6) complete with red wine, pisco and tropical fruit juices to transport you right from mountains to the beach. If you’ve worked up an appetite, tacos and sliders are just $3 a piece and make a great snack to tide you over.
Inside the Viceroy hotel at the bottom of the Assay Hill run, the Nest features live music Thursday through Sundays for après fun from 3-5 p.m. With a variety of small plates and international sausages, it’s gourmet pub grub with a healthy twist.
Located right smack dab in the middle of base village, Ricard boasts one of the longest après of the day, just in case your version of skiing is like mine (one run, drink break, another run…) With five variations of mussels available by the taster or tub, it’s a French inspired good time from 2-6 p.m.