Après-ski: Your guide to the best after-skiing spots in Aspen and Snowmass
Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times
Editor’s note: A version of this story appears in this year’s edition of the Winter in Aspen/Snowmass magazine.
The winter season is upon us, which means locals and visitors alike descend on our four mountains to enjoy the best of what Aspen has to offer. Whether you’re an alpine skier or snowboarder, cross-country devotee, or rugged uphiller, a powder playground awaits every winter outdoor enthusiast in Aspen and Snowmass. Likewise, Aspen is known for the ways we celebrate a great day on the slopes.
The “Merriam Webster Dictionary” defines après ski as a “social activity (as at a ski lodge) after a day’s skiing.” The tradition is rumored to have originated in Norway in the late 1800s before making its way to the Alps, where the French coined the term in the 1950s during the rise of the commercial ski industry.
Nowadays — beginning when the lifts stop turning — just about every country and mountain, from France to Japan and Chile to the United States, has a distinct après style.
In Aspen, the off-mountain offerings are as varied as the terrain. From slope-side champagne and caviar to rooftop revelry and local laidback vibes, there is a place for everyone to kick off their boots, enjoy a libation, convene with friends over the day’s events, and dream about the next day’s adventures.
The Little Nell
With a prime ski-in location, it’s no wonder that The Little Nell has been one of the most popular places to après in town since 1989.
“We often say ‘All trails lead to The Little Nell’ since we’re situated right at the base of Aspen Mountain with Ajax Tavern, the Living Room, and The Wine Bar as the most convenient and energetic après-ski stops in town,” says Jennifer Belmont, director of outlets at The Little Nell.
Indeed, there is nothing like sitting on the patio at Ajax Tavern on a sunny day and taking in the view while savoring culinary favorites like the burger or wagyu Bolognese.
This winter, guests can expect a re-imagined outdoor space at Ajax Tavern, which includes a Veuve Clicquot ski cabin for a bar, lounge chairs, and a new photo opportunity.
Inside, visitors find cozy vibes with banquet seating, a community table and an intimate bar. In the Living Room, a new caviar and Champagne menu is available.
The après lounge at The Wine Bar hosts its kick-off party on Dec. 16 and runs through the season from 3-10 p.m. with plush seating, a roaring fire, a DJ spinning vinyl, and a full bar menu including large-format wines and wines by the glass.
Aspen Art Museum
A relative newcomer to the Aspen après scene, the Rooftop Café at the Aspen Art Museum has become a sought-after place to spend the hours between 5-9 p.m. after a Saturday of leg-burning runs.
“The museum’s après series has been a dynamic addition to the fabric of the Aspen community over the last two seasons, and we are happy for it to continue for the 2023-24 winter season. Locals and visitors alike can expect music and great beverage selections, as well as delightful surprises this après season,” says Angela Belotte, director of events and membership cultivation.
The big draw of this rooftop party involves the beautiful building architecture, music that makes you want to dance, the incredible view of Aspen Mountain set amongst great art, and tasty, locally-sourced, seasonal bites from The Farmer & Chef.
39 Degrees W Hotel, Aspen
Just steps from Silver Queen Gondola, W Aspen’s 39 Degrees has quickly become a go-to après destination. Guests come for the signature cocktails and live DJ seven days a week. Members of The Spring & Dean Barrel Club can access a tailored variety of exclusive whiskey and tequila single-barrel selections, made exclusively with whiskies from the collection, including Weller Full Proof, Stagg Jr, and Heaven’s Door seven-year barrel.
“Après-ski at W Aspen is an iconic experience where guests and locals connect in the vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere of 39 Degrees. Visitors can indulge in bold cocktails and listen to esteemed DJs in the luxuriously intimate 39 Degrees. It’s the place to see and be seen,” says Diego Martinez, W Aspen Insider.
On bluebird days, locals know to head to the WET Deck, Aspen’s only year-round rooftop, to soak in the 360-degree snowy views of Aspen Mountain from the hot tub or a fireside banquette while enjoying the hotel’s culinary offerings and elevated beverage service.
Available for all requests, the W Aspen Après Insider allows guests a customized concierge experience. Order boozy hot chocolate or hot toddies, which wait on the WET Deck, after hitting the slopes simply by texting the hotel’s Après Insider before heading down for one last run of the day.
From shot skis to ski snacks, the W Aspen Après Insider curates exclusive après experiences for guests, bringing this celebrated time of day to a whole new level.
Mezzaluna
For over 34 years, the local favorite has offered Après ski and happy hour wood-fired pizza and drink specials at their location one and half blocks from the gondola at 624 E Cooper Ave. Regulars enjoy sidling up to the bar and catching up with long-term bartenders Greg Hanle, Mark Tye, Steve Paz, Ken McMechan, Steve Blizzard, Pat Lyle, Ted “mate.”
Highlands Ale House
If getting out of the core and skiing or snowboarding what’s known as the “locals’ mountain,” Aspen Highlands — or hiking the Highlands Bowl — is your preference, then you are going to want to end your day at Highlands Ale House.
This ski-in, ski-out establishment at the base of the mountain is a local favorite for lunch and après ski. The vibe includes laid-back, old-school fun with a bar that features “16 beers on tap, 60 bottles and cans, 75 whiskies, an excellent wine list, and more,” according to the website.
The menu is comprised of hearty classics serving up chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, and more to fortify you after an epic day on the slopes.
The crowd is eclectic, drawing a wide array of powder lovers from both the Roaring Fork Valley and visitors from around the globe.
Venga Venga
Snowmass snow bunnies can’t resist an après stop at slope-side Mexican restaurant Venga Venga. Located in Snowmass Village, Venga Venga has the best deck on the mountain. It overlooks the action on the slopes below and is tricked out with a gas firepit and an outdoor television for game days.
The kitchen is run by Latin cuisine pioneer chef Richard Sandoval, who is “internationally acclaimed for his innovative approach in combining Latin ingredients with modern culinary techniques to create award-winning flavors that span 60 locations and four continents,” according to the website.
The restaurant is welcoming and casual while serving up authentic Mexican cuisine. Here, you’ll find all your cantina favorites, from tableside guacamole to street tacos and fajitas to enchiladas. Just make sure to wash it all down with a margarita – or two.
