You can’t go skiing without following up with some sort of après. It’s just wrong. So, keeping in mind the fact that you’ll be indulging in party-a-plenty this season, these are a few of the spots you should be sure to check off of your list; this list includes North American destinations only.
Bear Mountain, CA. Photo by Nate Abbott.
Après:
01. Wherever your friends are
There’s really no better way to end the day than trading stories and telling jokes over a few adult beverages and greasy appetizers. While our allegiances may lie with one après spot or another, the reality remains that from the Four Seasons to the parking lot, the best place to après is wherever your friends are.
02. Whistler, BC
A good time is never far away in the Whistler Village, where a bounty of party patios awaits your arrival. Enjoy endless après beers, or download the Resort Guide to find out where to taste Hank’s top five Caesar’s in Whistler.
03. Aspen, CO
Aspen knows how to après, whether sampling the raw bar and sipping a martini at Ajax Tavern, soaking in the Sky Hotel hot tub or chasing the oh-so-popular mobile champagne bar, The Oasis.
04. Big Bear, CA
Located a mere two hours from the bright lights of Los Angeles, Big Bear has one of the best patio scenes in the après game. Bear Mountain’s Beach Bar, located on the 13,000-square-foot sun deck, is perfect for good times under the So Cal sunshine.
05. Squaw Valley, CA
High Camp anyone? Where else can you shred Nose to Fingers all day long and then hit the midmountain pool? Nowhere. When you’re ready to ditch the bikini, head down to Le Chamois for a few beers.
Jossi Wells and Colby West, Aspen, CO. Photo by Nate Abbott.
Nightlife:
01. Whistler, BC
As much as an incredible powder day can be the foundation of a great ski trip, no vacation would be complete without some tales of late night shenanigans, and Whistler Village may very well be the mecca for that. From the ambiance of Garibaldi Lift Co. to the late night dance sessions likely to take place at Garf’s and the Longhorn Saloon, you’ll never have a boring night.
02. Aspen, CO
When night falls, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to go in downtown Aspen. Spots like Little Annie’s and the brewpub offer locals and visitors a low-key vibe for relaxing. If you feel like stepping it up a notch, head over to the dance floor at Escobar or take in some live music at Belly Up. The town is always alive and ready to serve up a good time.
03. Mont-Tremblant, QC
Tremblant’s base village has a decisively European feel, which of course includes a raucous nightlife scene. The Café d’Epoque offers a different themed party every night of the week, and Le P’tit Caribou has been the place to party in Tremblant for over 18 years.
04. South Lake Tahoe, CA
With numerous clubs and casinos just steps from the bottom of the gondola this hedonist’s paradise can get a little #yoloswagcray. Finish off a day on the hill with Heavenly’s Unbuckle Après Party at the Tamarack Lodge and then head down the hill for a night you’ll never forget, if you can remember it.
05. Breckenridge, CO
Of course we can’t leave this Summit County staple off the list. If you’re looking to bro down, there’s no place better than CC’s for sweaty good times. To get off the beaten path, head up to the haunted-hotel-turned-ping-pong-bar, The Brown, or take in some live tunes at Three 20 South. Freeskier recently hosted its Sweet 16 party in Breck—it wasn’t a bad time…
Also Read: Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America: The best of 2014
This information was originally presented in Freeskier’s 2014 Resort Guide, now available on iTunes.
