USA TODAY 10Best
Apres-ski hot spots: 10 best places to drink and relax in North America
Best Apres-Ski Bar (2024)
When the sun goes down and the lifts shut down for the day, bars and restaurants in ski towns across North America fill up with skiers and snowboarders looking for a great time with good friends. We asked a panel of ski and snowboarding experts to nominate their favorite post-slope watering holes, then readers voted to determine the winners.
These 10 après-ski bars offer top-notch food, drink, and atmosphere — a perfect setting to close out a perfect day on the snow.
- The Longhorn Saloon - Whistler, British Columbia
- Rocker at Palisades Tahoe - Olympic Valley, California
- The Fitz at Manor Vail Lodge - Vail, Colorado
- Rafters at Red Mountain Resort - Rossland, British Columbia
- The Belfry - Montgomery Center, Vermont
- Camp Boule Buvette de Montagne at Le Massif - Petite-Riviére-Saint-François, Quebec
- Iron Furnace Brewing - Franconia, New Hampshire
- Mangy Moose - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- The Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort - Seven Springs, Pennsylvania
- Outer Range Brewing Co. - Frisco, Colorado
Photo courtesy of Rob Perry / Longhorn Saloon
No. 10:
The Longhorn Saloon's patio sits conveniently at the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas, making it the perfect place to grab a refreshment between runs. The saloon is a hub of activity with a constant stream of visitors throughout the year, and it offers a casual food menu alongside beer, wine, cocktails, and champagne.
Photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe
No. 9:
The Rocker, named after a type of ski invented by Palisades icon Shane McConkey, is located in the center of Palisades' village. Guests at The Rocker can enjoy brunch, happy hour specials, and "Wine Down Wednesdays," as well as a well-rounded menu featuring an array of cuisines and classic pub fare. With tons of televisions, it's also one of the best spots in town to watch a game after a long day on the slopes.
Photo courtesy of Manor Vail Lodge
No. 8:
Located inside the Manor Vail Lodge, The Fitz is a destination for foodies and families alike, known for serving comfort food and drinks with a bit of flair. Their delicious menu is filled with delicious choices, like their grilled mahi-mahi fish tacos, rib-eye sandwich, and Fitz Burger, all of which hit the spot after a day on Vail's epic slopes. With an impressive local draft list, it's also a great spot to grab a drink.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Voykin | RED Mountain Resort
No. 7:
Mine timbers from the 19th century frame this lively après-ski destination in British Columbia. Rafters serves up comfort food and craft beer — incredible options for refueling after a day on the mountain. Plus, this fun, laid-back pub brings in live music and guest DJs for post-shred entertainment.
Photo courtesy of SolStock / E+
No. 6:
Located just minutes away from the Jay Peak Resort, The Belfry is a local, family-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of creative seafood dishes and other pub fare. The Belfry is housed in a former one-room schoolhouse — it oozes rural Vermont charm.
Photo courtesy of Jean-Sebastien Chartier-Plante
No. 5:
Located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in Quebec, Canada, Camp Boule Buvette de Montagne is a great après-ski option at Le Massif de Charlevoix. With beautiful views and warming food, it’s a popular spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks after completing a run.
Photo courtesy of Ariana Howard
No. 4:
Hop on over to Iron Furnace Brewing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to kick back after a day on the slopes. In addition to an array of brews, most of them hop-forward, this après-ski spot also serves a casual menu filled with hearty pub fare.
Photo courtesy of Jay Nel-McIntosh
No. 3:
The Mangy Moose restaurant and saloon is perfectly named, given its proximity to Wyoming’s Teton Mountain Range where plenty of moose, in addition to some fantastic skiing, can be found. Food and drinks are served in the funky, lodge-like dining room, and live music is featured regularly.
Photo courtesy of Seven Springs
No. 2:
Ski right up to The Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, the hot après-ski hangout at the base of the slopes. With a number of entertainment stages and a spacious outdoor deck, it’s also known for its spirited nightlife.
Photo courtesy of Sean Greene
No. 1:
Outer Range Brewing Company commits 1% of their equity, profit, product, and time to The Summit Foundation, which gives back to the Summit County community. With a prime location in the Colorado Rockies, their famous Thai-ish fried chicken is a post-skiing favorite.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Constance Beverley
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports... Read More
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports activist, Constance Beverley joined the Share Winter Foundation as the CEO in 2017. Share Winter Foundation strives to (1) improve the lives, health and fitness of youth through winter sports, and (2) create a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community. In addition to her work with the Share Winter Foundation, Constance has worked with other winter sports organizations including the Kelly Clark Foundation, SheJumps, STOKED, and Boarding for Breast Cancer.
Constance Beverley
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports activist, Constance Beverley joined the Share Winter Foundation as the CEO in 2017. Share Winter Foundation strives to (1) improve the lives, health and fitness of youth through winter sports, and (2) create a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community. In addition to her work with the Share Winter Foundation, Constance has worked with other winter sports organizations including the Kelly Clark Foundation, SheJumps, STOKED, and Boarding for Breast Cancer.
David Muther
My name is David Muther. I was born in Springfield... Read More
My name is David Muther. I was born in Springfield Vermont in 1985. I spent 4 years and 5 days in the US Navy onboard the USA Abraham Lincoln. I grew up spending my time in ski school since my grandmother ran the kitchen at Okemo Mountain. I started snowboarding the day they allowed it on the hill when I was 10 years old. At 15 I started teaching snowboarding to kids. And I've been teaching ever since. I now live in Lake Tahoe where I make snowboarding content and do my best to help people learn not only on the hill but through social media. Online I go by @Halfcabking.
David Muther
My name is David Muther. I was born in Springfield Vermont in 1985. I spent 4 years and 5 days in the US Navy onboard the USA Abraham Lincoln. I grew up spending my time in ski school since my grandmother ran the kitchen at Okemo Mountain. I started snowboarding the day they allowed it on the hill when I was 10 years old. At 15 I started teaching snowboarding to kids. And I've been teaching ever since. I now live in Lake Tahoe where I make snowboarding content and do my best to help people learn not only on the hill but through social media. Online I go by @Halfcabking.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
SnowBrains
Built to Inspire, SnowBrains is the best source of... Read More
Built to Inspire, SnowBrains is the best source of intelligent ski & ride news, editorials, weather, photos, and videos. Our goal is to keep you, our friends, informed in a smart and easily digestible way. Connect with SnowBrains on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Linkedin or the podcast app.
SnowBrains
Built to Inspire, SnowBrains is the best source of intelligent ski & ride news, editorials, weather, photos, and videos. Our goal is to keep you, our friends, informed in a smart and easily digestible way. Connect with SnowBrains on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Linkedin or the podcast app.
