Après-ski culture is more than just a culture. It’s a six-month-long lifestyle. An appropriately wild after-ski bar scene can turn a good mountain location to a great one, and a great one into an unforgettable one. You may think it’s a bold argument to claim that the best part of skiing is the after-party. Yet with après-ski bars like these eight around the country, it might be time to reconsider the importance of what goes down after hitting the slopes.
The Rack in Sugarloaf, Maine
Don’t be misled by The Rack’s barn and barbecue appearance. There are $2.50 beers during après hours and ’80s ski decor. Plus at night things get wild with live bands and parties that can last into the early morning. And if you want to push off going out into the cold, there are arcade games in the downstairs area.
Wobbly Barn in Killington, Vermont
Sure, you could go to Wobbly Barn for the steaks, but you’ll want to stay for the nightclub parties. Wobbly Barn has been open since 1963. It’s made a name for itself as one of the best après-ski parties in the United States, thanks to live music, DJs, and a dance floor packed with people looking for a good time.
Le Chamois in Olympic Valley, California
Le Chamois is the spot to be if you like to party. A large outdoor patio, rooftop access, and cheap “Buddy Passes” for group rates on pints of Budweiser make Le Chamois a place of legends. Hit the bar for some cheap Bud as soon as the lifts stop running and you’ll be sure to join the patio party of a lifetime.
The Mangy Moose in Teton Village, Wyoming
Something about large gatherings of people makes drinking after the slopes so much better. The Mangy Moose can offer the crowd and more. It’s a large two-story building featuring food, wine, and a grocery store. But the real reason you want to go to The Mangy Moose is for the bar and live music. Past performers include Jason Aldean and Julian Marley.
The Clocktower Cellar in Mammoth Lakes, California
For a memorable post-ski drinking experience in Mammoth, you’ve got to go underground to the Clocktower Cellar. It’s loaded with more than 150 whiskies and 26 beers on tap. It’s more than enough variety to make you forget any bumps and bruises from a rough day on the mountain.
Garfinkel’s in Vail, Colorado
Elegance doesn’t have to be a requirement for an after-ski party. Garfinkel’s (or Garf’s) has cheap beer, well drinks, and pub food with a mountain view to die for. It can get packed around the bar inside, but that’s what patios are for.
Cloud Nine in Aspen, Colorado
You don’t go to Cloud Nine after you’re done skiing; you go right in the middle of your ski day. It’s made a name for itself as one of the rowdiest ski parties in the country, despite being located halfway up a mountain and being only accessible via skis or snowboard. For the best idea of what a Cloud Nine party is like, consider the fact that it set a record for popping 140 bottles of Champagne in one lunch sitting.
Snorting Elk Cellar in Enumclaw, Washington
Sometimes you just want to escape the world for a bit, sip a hot toddy, drink some good craft beer, and take some shotskis. If that’s your style, make your way over to the Pacific Northwest and head down into Snorting Elk Cellar. There’s live music on Saturdays, and a good time every day.
