Our Guide to the Best Après Ski Spots in Aspen
Après skiing can be just as much of a sport as the actual day on the hill. From raging pool parties to champagne showers and mellow hangouts scattered throughout downtown - the fun is endless in Aspen!
So where are the best places to après in Aspen before heading home to relax at your vacation rental? And what must you order? Well, let’s see ...
Ajax Tavern
Located conveniently at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern’s sun-drenched patio notoriously has a packed après scene almost daily in the winter. Famous for its truffle fries and view of the mountain, you can usually expect a wait at this popular spot. In fact, if you wish to eat après skiing - we highly suggest a reservation.
Last minute choice? Not to worry - quench your thirst at a convenient additional outdoor bar in between songs from the DJ and incredible people watching to make you stay until the sun goes down.
The W Aspen Wet Deck
Aspen Apres at its finest! With 360" views of Aspen Mountain, the town, and Red Mountain complete with firepits, hot tub and pool the scene is tough to beat. DJ's spin regularly on the weekends year round so watch the paragliders over Aspen Mountain in the summer and the skiers, ski down Aspen Mountain in the winter.
Cloud 9
Located on Aspen Highlands Mountain (which is not yet open for skiing in 2022), directly off of the Cloud 9 chair lift, the cozy, European-style cabin with the backdrop of the iconic Maroon Bells is simply breathtaking. Reservations encouraged with 2 separate seatings, it is a ski in and ski down Apres adventure. The menu is elegant with caviar, fondue, prix fixe lunch selections, and, of course, cocktails, wine, and beer. Known as one of the best aprés scenes around, the glamorous Cloud 9 is THE place to see and be seen. Anyone who loves Veuve Clicquot is sure to love Cloud 9! Be prepared to dance in your ski or snowboard boots and be sprayed with champagne. Also, open for snowcat dinners.
Hotel Jerome's J Bar
Located inside the historic Hotel Jerome, the J Bar has been known as Aspen’s favorite watering hole for well over a century. Many familiar faces, such as Hunter S. Thompson, who frequented the J Bar in the 1960s and 70s, loved the authentic saloon ambiance.
If you’re looking to imbibe in classic Jerome style, order the infamous Aspen Crud, a drink steeped in the Hotel Jerome’s history. Like many bars across the country, Prohibition forced the J Bar to convert into a soda fountain. They invented the Aspen Crud, a milkshake with a ‘kick’, around that time for people to covertly enjoy a taste of the good stuff!
For an even cozier afternoon, step into the Jerome’s living room. The dark ambiance is the warmest and sexiest in town. A glass of wine by the fire is the ticket!
Aspen Brewing Company
Head to the Aspen Brewing Company’s tap room in downtown Aspen to experience the town's only brewery. You’ll find a room full of locals with their four-legged friends (yes, it’s pet-friendly, as is most of Aspen) and delicious local brew. The Taproom has a killer happy hour daily from 5-7 p.m. with $4 pints and $15 pitchers. They also serve wine, cocktails, and a full gastropub menu!
The Limelight
The lounge at the Limelight has become a major aprés hot spot! It offers fantastic happy hour specials and live music most days of the week. Locals and visitors alike flock daily to the Limelight to enjoy relaxed seating, a lively yet friendly atmosphere, and gourmet comfort food and drinks. Try one of their flights depending on what day you're visiting: whiskey on Wednesdays, Tequila on Tuesdays, and beer or dessert flights any day! Any one of their wood fired pizzas are definite favorites in our books!
Chica Aspen
Straight from Miami, poplular Latin restaurant Chica, helmed by celebrity chef Lorena Garcia, opened in the Residences of The Little Nell. Next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Chica is a hot spot for Apres. In the afternoon you can hear the sounds of music beckoning you to the outdoor terrace to swing, dance, eat and party with your friends into the sunset. Dynamite views of Aspen Mountain and expansive enough to breathe in the fresh mountain air and mingle with friends.
Highlands Ale House
Located at the base of Highlands(which is not yet open for skiing in 2022), the Ale House is the place to be on a sunny Colorado Bluebird Day. Their patio is massive and there is no better place to soak up a few rays after a hard day of skiing. They have amazing snacks and food, a great beer list, and good vibes all around. Get a pitcher of something special from their rotating tap here, and don't forget a pizza…
And remember, après skiing doesn't have to only apply to skiers and snowboarders. For non-skiers, a happenin' après spot can be a great place to socialize and meet up again with friends that were on the hill all day!
If this isn't enough aprés for you, come stay with us in March for the annual Aspen Après Ski Cocktail Classic! For four days, this event features tastings, craft cocktails, parties and pop-up bars, special dinner pairings, and a Great Après Ski Pub Crawl and Cocktail Competition (of course). Oh... and lots of skiing and fun!