The best ski resorts in the country have long-been debated even before the days of the internet, but a new debate has emerged regarding the best places to get a drink (or multiple drinks) after a day on the slopes.
These après ski bars were voted on by USA Today readers as the best in the country. Take that with a grain of salt, but I think it’s a halfway-decent list considering it was essentially an internet popularity contest.
Which bars would be on your Top 10 list?
10. 6th Alley Bar & Grill – Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Website Description: “The 6th Alley is our base-area restaurant featuring indoor + outdoor dining with mountain views and table service, a lively bar, and a scenic two-story deck. This is also our famed après destination. Would you like your bloody Mary with bacon, or without?
Rub shoulders with the locals and A-Basin staff, tell your story (feel free to embellish), enjoy local bands on the weekends, and become a legend in your own right. All are welcome here. 2021-22 winter season menu and hours coming soon.”
9. Rocky Mountain Underground – Breckenridge, Colorado
Website Description: “In 2015, RMU transcended from fire-truck offices to its first location in our home town of Breckenridge Colorado. With more than enough room available for our gear and equipment, we wondered what to do with the rest. The age old question arose, why not open a bar?
Located on Breckenridge’s Main Street, you’ll now find two buildings side-by-side hosting the busiest bars in town. A community hub for all mountain life, consisting of live music, charity events, trivia, skis, equipment & gear services, all coupled with an extensive beer and cocktail list in homebuilt bar.
The RMU community hosts home to everybody who loves the mountains. Whether you are after a new pair of skis, maintenance for your bike, or a cold beer, come say hello.”
8. High West Distillery Saloon – Park City, Utah
Description: Staple for anybody visiting Park City. Enjoy a hot cider whiskey as you stroll off the trails that lead right into town. This is one of my favorite après places in the country.
7. Mangy Moose – Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Website Description: “The Mangy Moose is a rustic American Restaurant & Tavern that offers steak & seafood to a bustling crowd among eclectic decor.”
6. TBar – Breckenridge, Colorado
Website Description: “The TBar is the on-mountain après hot spot on Peak 8. With a full service bar and grill and featuring the most microbrews on-mountain and a full menu of sharable apps, the Tbar is the one-stop place for guests looking to fill up and hang out.
5. Iron Furnace Brewing – Franconia, New Hampshire (Near Cannon Mountain)
Website Description: “We are community focused and loyal to our roots, but still not afraid of change and experimentation. Our taproom is a place to gather, for families and friends both old and new. Inviting, lively, comfortable and engaging is the environment we strive to produce. Our beers tend to be hop forward but we still have plenty of variety.
Iron Furnace Brewing sits alongside the Gale River, across from its namesake, at 115 Main St., at the junctions of the Sugar Hill and Bethlehem Roads, routes 117 and 18.”
4. North Pole Bar & Restaurant – Mount Bohemia, Michigan
Website Description: “The North Pole Bar and Restaurant at Mount Bohemia serves breakfast, lunches and dinners. Local Keewenaw Brewing Company and Bell’s beer on draft and mouth watering Crepes are our specialty for a sweet treat. Stop by for some good eats, drinks and to catch a game on the flat screen TVs. Live Music every Friday and Saturday night with Jan Arnold.
3. Clocktower Cellar – Mammoth Lakes, California
Website Description: “Just across from the Village Gondola at the base of the Alpenhof Lodge’s clock tower, you’ll find one of the most beloved restaurants in Mammoth Lakes – the Clocktower Cellar. Located down one flight of stairs, this cozy, down-to-earth restaurant has been a favorite gathering spot for Mammoth locals and visitors alike for over 35 years.
Low ceilings, “beer kitsch” décor, a foosball table, pool table, jukebox and plenty of televisions create an inviting, neighborhood-y vibe for guests of all ages. A selection of more than 160 whiskies, 26 beers on tap and over 50 beers by the bottle makes us the best-stocked pub anywhere in the Mammoth area. Friendly servers and knowledgeable bartenders will walk you through our wide selection of drink offerings and let you know about their favorite menu items. Our daily Happy Hour is one of the best in Mammoth with drink and food specials.
Conveniently located near the free town shuttles with free parking and no cover charge (except for special events), we’re the perfect hangout whenever you find yourself in Mammoth Lakes.”
2. The Village Idiot Bar & Grill – Revelstoke, B.C
Website Description: “One of Revelstoke’s top restaurants located in the heart of town, the Village Idiot has become a local favorite and has left visitor’s planning their next holiday. With an après themed dining area, bar and patio, a cozy family friendly atmosphere while providing great service and exceptional food, they have created something worth experiencing for yourself. Fresh and quality ingredients are used for homemade soups, sauces and dressings with our top secret recipes leaving your taste buds begging for more.
The Village Idiot is now known across the globe for there in house, made to order pizzas. The menu is tailored to suit most palates and/or dietary needs. Included in that is a large variety of quality gluten and dairy free items to choose from. Feature menus can be found in the summer and winter months as well as signature seasonal cocktails and beverages.”
1. Double Diamonds Bar – Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Website Description: “There’s a lot of talk about the “best apres ski discounts” at the base area, but our drinks are the least expensive all day every day(even weekends). If you’re looking for a place where you can get a drink with friendly, fast service just walk across Mt. Werner Circle and check us out!!”
Featured Image Credit: The Village Idiot Bar & Grill