Destination: Après

THE BEST PLACES TO FIND THE PARTY AT 16 IKON PASS DESTINATIONS

If there’s one universal truth on the mountain, it’s this: nothing beats après. While each Ikon Pass destination has its own take on après — be it monster nachos, killer wings, or signature brews — here’s a list of some of the most unique and legendary après-ski scenes on the planet.

Alta Ski Area
Wood paneling, shotskis, and taxidermy could very well be the three universal signs of a legit après-ski scene. At Alta’s original après spot, the Peruvian Lodge — or, P-Dog, as the locals call it — you get them all. After making your turns, pop on by for some free appetizers, popcorn, and amazing mountain views while you listen to live music and groove alongside fellow ski bums.

Aspen Snowmass
Pop some bottles and treat yourself to lavish après at the iconic Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro atop the Cloud Nine Lift at Aspen Highlands that’s known for its boisterous après scene. Score one of its twice-daily lunch seatings, and you may even spot a celebrity or two. You’ll also want to post up on the sun-splashed patio at Ajax Tavern for some legendary truffle fries and bubbly while you take in some of Aspen Mountain’s best people watching.

Big Bear Mountain Resort
For a quintessential Southern California après experience, pop off the skis and head directly to Bear Mountain’s world-famous and recently renovated 26,000-square-foot sun deck. From there, you can take in all the terrain park action and grab a Bloody Mary from Laybacks or head to Skyline Taphouse at Snow Summit to get a taste for Big Bear Mountain Resort’s only mountaintop dining, plus sweet-and-savory waffle station.

Crystal Mountain
Head downstairs at Crystal Mountain’s Alpine Inn to find the cozy Bavarian ratskeller-style (read: basement) bar and Pacific Northwest ski scene staple, The Snorting Elk Cellar. With its roaring fire, old-world charm, and 18 locally brewed tap beers, this iconic après bar was voted one of the “Top 7 Sweetest Ski Bars in the US” by Outside Magazine two years in a row.

Deer Valley Resort
If you left the kids at ski school, grab a craft cocktail at Deer Valley’s first-ever 21+ après-ski bar, The Sticky Wicket, a vintage ski–inspired bar on the newly-transformed second floor of the Royal Street Café at Silver Lake Lodge. As if that weren’t enough, you can also stop by the Brews and Tunes Après Series every Saturday through April 6.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Unstrap and unwind in the heart of Teton Village at Jackson Hole’s most famous après establishment — the Mangy Moose, a staple since 1967. With its heaping portions, famed spicy margaritas, and legendary live music, it’s no wonder Forbes Traveler named this two-story saloon one of the “10 Hottest Après-Ski Bars in the World.” RPK3 is another happy hour favorite, with specials like the cheese fondue and the “Happy Meal:” a 16-ounce PBR and shot of Ten High whiskey.

Killington – Pico
Come for the famed steakhouse with legendary soup, salad, and bread bar — and stay for the ski boot dance party that rocks into the night. Constructed with salvaged wood from 10 New England barns, The Wobbly Barn has been a Killington après legend for more than 50 years. The Lookout and its award-winning jumbo wings are two more Vermont ski town staples. Fun fact: Before emerging as an après icon, The Lookout was Killington’s first ski lodge when it opened in 1958.

Mammoth Mountain
Whiskey connoisseur? Then you’ll love après at the Clocktower Cellar — famous for its selection of 160-plus whiskeys, 26 tap beers, and 50 bottled brews. With its booze and comfort foods, Mammoth Mountain’s only underground pub is sure to help you forget about a hard day on the mountain. Head to the Canyon Lodge Sundeck every Friday and Saturday for their legendary après party, complete with DJ spinning from an elevated gondola, champagne showers, crowd surfing, and more.

Palisades Tahoe
No trip to Tahoe is complete without a beer at Le Chamois & Loft Bar, the two-story chalet and pseudo ski museum, locally known as The Chammy. Stop in for après happy hour deals, like the beloved Buddy Pass: 20 pints of Budweiser for $80. You can ride the tram to High Camp for drinks at 8,200 feet or take a spin in the Tram Car Bar, a restored 70s-era aerial tram cabin, serving up fun bevvies, like the boozy Thin Mint and the kids’ Pow Pow hot cocoa, topped with gingerbread man.

RED Mountain
Named #1 Après-Ski Spot Globally by Powder Magazine and #1 Best Après-Ski Bar in Canada by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice, Rafters is known for its world-famous nachos, Canadian craft beers, and bar-wide sing-a-longs. Head to this iconic, kid-friendly British Columbia gem for their weekend Shred Specials and always-popular “No Shower Happy Hour” after a long day on the slopes.

Steamboat
Get your goggle tan on while sipping a signature cocktail near the massive outdoor fire at Timber & Torch, Steamboat’s base-area’s après staple. Affectionately known as Ski Town USA®’s “5-Star Dive Bar,” the ski-in-ski-out après gem TBar is one of Steamboat’s best-kept secrets. Housed in a former ski patrol trailer, the TBar is a local favorite for its stiff drinks and mouthwatering menu — don’t miss the legendary chorizo mac and cheese or the peanut butter-and-bacon panini.

Stratton
Beat the chill with the famous hot mulled wine at The Drift at Mulligan’s — Stratton’s only outdoor heated bar. With Vermont craft beers, house-infused vodka, and signature cocktails, like the hot eggnog and brandy “Bomb,” it’s the perfect place to celebrate a day well spent. Try the Fire Tower Restaurant & Tavern for a unique après experience, and don’t miss Stratton’s “worst kept secret,” the Green Door Pub, known for its old-school bar games and $3 Narragansett pounders.

Sugarbush Resort
After a long day on the slopes, sink into a “speakeasy” booth near a roaring fire at Chez Henri, a Village favorite at Sugarbush Resort for more than 50 years. Après the fancy way with classic French cuisine and Vermont Cheese Fondue at this iconic Parisian bistro in the heart of New England. Not into escargot? Grab a burger and beer at Castlerock Pub, a hand-tossed pizza at Green Mountain Lounge, or a German-style sandwich at the retro-themed Wünderbar.

Sugarloaf
No trip to the Loaf is complete without trying The Bag & Kettle’s famous Bag Burger — a beef patty served with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and secret “Bag Sauce.” This English-style pub at the Sugarloaf base in Maine has been an après favorite for more than 50 years thanks to its iconic burger and tap beer selection, including the popular Potato Ale.

Tremblant
Noted as the best après-ski bar in North America, 10 years in a row, by Ski Canada Magazine, Le P’tit Caribou is a Quebec legend that’s not to be missed. Go for the poutine and stay for the DJ and bottle service, or trek over to Central Tapas & Nightclub for small plates, big flavor, and a chef’s signature cocktail — try the fan-favorite smoky-sweet Passionate Mezcalini.

Winter Park
Pop off the skis and pile into the gondola for Mountaintop Après at Winter Park Resort, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4 to 8 PM at Sunspot Lodge. Indulge in the alpenglow off Parry Peak as you and your crew groove to live music and enjoy some fresh brews. You can also Après at Mary Jane with live DJ and food and drink specials — don’t forget your Après Club Mug!