Après Ski during ski season has reached mythical stature. However, what most people don’t realize is that the mountain in summer, wildflowers, bluebird skies, a gondola that takes you somewhere nobody drives to, earns that cold beer just as much. Afterall, that’s why bars have decks, right? Here are three of the best summer apres ski decks doing it right when the snow is gone and the sun has nowhere to be.
1. Garfinkel’s — The Ultimate Summer Après Deck in Vail Village
Best summer après deck Vail Village outdoor
Sitting directly below Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn, Garf’s sun-drenched deck has been the place to be since 1993. 30-plus years and the formula hasn’t needed much adjusting. Colorado craft beer on tap, wings and nachos that hit just right, and a front-row view of the mountain that reminds you what you just came down from. Garf’s is the place where the après energy shifts from activity to conversation. A short walk from either gondola base, you’ll find it without trying. It’s unpretentious, reliably good, always in the sun, and well worth the visit.
2. The Sundeck — Iconic On-Mountain Summer Patio at Aspen
Photo Credit Craig Turpin @Risingsunphotog
Best summer on-mountain deck Aspen Mountain gondola
A little place called Aspen delivers, even in the off season. Hop on the Silver Queen Gondola straight to the top of Aspen Mountain. There you’ll find The Sundeck, the oldest, most iconic perch on Aspen Mountain. Order from any of the gourmet dining stations, and head outside to take in the views from the patio. This summer they are even offering brunch on select Saturdays starting on July 4th. Adirondack chairs, a full bar, and a view of the Elk Mountains that give new meaning to accessibility. Bluegrass concerts run Sundays through summer at the top of the mountain and they are free with a gondola ticket, starting at noon. Cold drink, live music, and insane views…this is really difficult to improve upon.
3. High West Saloon — Year-Round Ski-In, Ski-Out Patio in Park City
Best summer outdoor patio Park City Mountain ski resort
The only ski-in, ski-out distillery in the U.S. sits between Park City Mountain’s Town Lift and Park City Mountain Resort’s Quittin’ Time trail. Here you can find year-round energy without hesitation. The second-floor patio overlooks Park Ave with fire pits and craft cocktails built around award-winning Utah whiskey. It’s the place to be before or after a prix-fixe dinner right next door at The Nelson Cottage (new this season). Summer at High West is the open-terrace-and-fire-pit version of the same spot that pours bourbon after pow days in January. The time of year may be different. The vibe, however, is always the same.
Order: The Whiskey Lemonade on the patio. Then figure out the rest.
The Ruling
Aspen, Vail, Park City…three different reasons to chill a little longer. The mountain earned the visit. The deck is your finish line.
Ride or walk up. Order something to whet your whistle. Stay until the light changes.
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