These Ski Town Bars Are Already in Midseason Form, and It’s Just October
On Sunday, Oct. 11, roughly 1,200 sheep will march down Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho. This longstanding event known as “The Trailing of the Sheep” is one of the more unique festivals in the U.S. When all is said and done, you’ll end up at The Casino Bar watching NFL Sunday Ticket on every screen as the last sheep clears town. The lifts may not be spinning, but the bar stools certainly are.
Are Ski Towns Worth Visiting in October?
Yes, ski towns are definitely worth visiting in the fall and they know it. Vail’s town manager is on record saying that growth opportunities are in the shoulder seasons. In 2024 Northwest Montana, particularly around Glacier National Park, set visitation records largely in September and October. Vail, and on a bigger scale, Colorado could use a rally like this in visitation numbers after their rough 2025/26 winter which saw the lowest skier count since 1991/92.
For travelers like us, that means no lines to get in the bar, off season prices and happy hours that only local know about.
8 Ski Town Bars Running at Full Speed Right Now
1. Lookout Tavern — Killington, Vermont
Plot twist. Killington’s most famous après bar, The Wobbly Barn, keeps the lights off until November. Meanwhile, right up the access road, the Lookout is pouring pints seven days a week. Enjoy yours on the rooftop deck and take in the best foliage view in town. The gondola is open for fall operations one more week. Take a ride up then grab a seat at the bar for happy hour 3-5 daily.
2. No Name Saloon — Park City, Utah
Three floors, each with its own bar, a heated rooftop that overlooks Main Street and 17 screen for football on a Saturday and/or Sunday. What’s better than that? Order the buffalo burger. Pair it with their scratch Bloody Mary starting at 10 a.m. on weekends. Yes, this is as dangerously good of a time as it sounds.
3. Alpine Rose at Brighton Resort — Brighton, Utah
Brighton calls its party “Not Oktoberfest,” and parking and admission are free. This should tell you all you need to know about the vibe. Running weekends starting at noon through October 11, there is live music, cornhole and Foodie Wars, where the Brighton Kitchen staff goes head to head against guest chefs in an all out food battle. Part of the proceeds go to the Utah Food Bank.
4. The Casino & Pioneer Saloon — Ketchum, Idaho
The 30th running of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival kicks off this week, October 7-11, culminating on Sunday at noon with the Big Sheep Parade on Main Street. Take in the parade and all of its sheepy glory then walk on into the Casino. This old West card room will have the NFL on all of the TVs. Looking for a more steak and wings kind of place? The Pioneer opens the bar at 3:30 and has you covered.
5. Great Northern Bar & Grill — Whitefish, Montana
The Great Northern is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day and not matter what time you go, there is always something different to do. 29 taps, pool, shuffleboard, and ping pong keep you occupied during the day and into the early evening. Then, once night time really kicks into high gear, everyone in the Flathead Valley knows that it’s the place to be for live music.
6. The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern — Keystone / A-Basin, Colorado
This iconic dive bar sits on US 6 directly between Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, the two resorts who are characteristically in a competition to see who can open first. Das Lokal Biergarten is the spot in the fall. Right out front through October you’ll find a touch of Bavaria with Stiegl, soft pretzels and brats.
7. Longhorn Saloon — Whistler, British Columbia
This is by far the rowdiest patio in Canada and it sits at the base of the gondolas. The best part is that in the fall you can get a table without the winter minimum. Thursdays are Country Night and that keeps you rolling right into the season.
8. Sunday River Brewing Co. — Bethel, Maine
Sunday River fired up the snow guns for a test on Sept. 19 and captioned it “Your move, Mother Nature.” In the past, the resort has opened as early as October 14 and also ran the lifts on Halloween in 2024. Wait for this year’s opening at Sunday River Brewing. It’s open every day but Tuesday and has plenty of beers on tap to keep you occupied until opening day.
2026/27 Opening Dates & The Super El Niño Hype
When will the lifts actually start spinning? Here is where things stand across the country:
- Sunday River: Listed for November 15 on Ikon calendars.
- Arapahoe Basin & Keystone: Targeting “ASAP” (A-Basin’s earliest historical opening date is Oct. 9).
- Killington: Aiming for mid-November (opened Nov. 12 last season).
- Sun Valley: Official kickoff set for November 26 (Thanksgiving Day).
- Jackson Hole: Opens November 27. The Mangy Moose launches its brand-new ski club the same day to mark its 60th anniversary (with custom Icelantic anniversary skis arriving in town this month).
The Weather Outlook:
We have all heard the hype. NOAA has projected the odds for a very strong Super El Niño this winter above 90%. In the past this type of pattern has favored the southern Rockies and resorts such as Wolf Creek, Telluride, and Loveland. So if you’re fans of those places, start prepping soon.
Enjoy It While It Lasts
When the snow guns fire up, the days of small crowds at these bars are over. The stools are fill with people in ski boots, lines at the doors form and patio tables get a minimum.
Midseason form in October means one thing: you’re early. That’s the whole point.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres