Here are our favorite places to hit up after a day on the mountain:
Boulder County (Eldora)
Avanti Food & Beverage1401 Pearl Street, Boulder
720-343-7757
On a bluebird day, the sunny rooftop at Avanti is the perfect place for après-ski drinks. Order from its hot cocktail menu, which features a house hot toddy and spiked cocoa, or opt for the vodka-based P.O.W.derhound drink, which benefits the nonprofit Protect Our Winters. Bites from Boychik, Rooted Craft Kitchen and other vendors add reasons to visit.
Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery
70 East 1st Street, Nederland
855-633-2739
Known for its St. Louis-style barbecue, this Nederland staple serves up house-smoked brisket, dry-rub wings, hot links and more, including marinated tofu. Pair these with classic sides like cornbread and creamy mac and cheese, plus over a dozen craft beers brewed on site.
Twisted Pine Brewing Company
3201 Walnut Street, Boulder
303-786-9270
The combination of beer and pizza always hits the spot, and Twisted Pine nails both. Snag indoor or outdoor seating to enjoy artisan pies and a lengthy craft beer menu. Those in need of a warm-up should look to the Northstar Imperial Porter, an annual favorite with rich malty notes and a hefty 12.4 percent ABV.
West Side Tavern
1283 3rd Avenue, Longmont
720-526-0360
Longmont is an under-the-radar culinary destination thanks to several stellar eateries including West Side Tavern. This snug restaurant features cozy tents on its heated outdoor patio, allowing al fresco dining even when you get caught in afternoon ski traffic. On the menu, comforting grilled cheese and tomato soup appear alongside elevated entrees and libations.
Clear Creek County (Loveland, Echo Mountain)
Bread Bar1010 Main Street, Silver Plume
When you need a break from I-70 ski traffic, stop at Bread Bar. This Silver Plume mainstay is loved for its craft cocktails, generous charcuterie boards and historic atmosphere. For more than a century, its building served as a local bakery. Now it fills with an après-ski crowd, plus plenty of pups on its spacious back patio.
Westbound & Down
1617 Miner Street, Idaho Springs
This brewery also has locations in Denver and Lafayette and new outposts in Basalt and Aspen following its acquisition of Aspen Brewing and Capitol Creek Brewing in late 2023. But the flagship in Idaho Springs is a go-to for skiers heading back to the city, and it's the ideal stop for award-winning beers and elevated American fare created by chef Casey Taylor.
Metro Denver
Ajax Downtown1899 16th Street Mall
303-323-0017
This sister concept to Ajax Tavern debuted inside Denver’s Limelight Hotel earlier this year. Similar to its Aspen outpost, Ajax Downtown offers an elevated menu with coal-fired mussels, chicken liver pâté and a brisket-short rib burger served with rosemary fries. These and other items, including alcoholic beverages, are discounted during après hour, available on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
BurnDown
476 South Broadway
720-899-3827
BurnDown opened on South Broadway in 2023 and has quickly become a local favorite, especially among large groups. This spacious restaurant and music venue features three stories and a rooftop with fantastic views of downtown and the Front Range. Order a four-person shotski with your choice of spirit alongside other boozy beverages, shareable snacks and hearty American meals.
The Family Jones
3245 Osage Street
303-481-8185
This distillery's recently revamped Highland tasting room is a cozy spot to sip seasonal cocktails or pick up something to sip at home, like its smoked Old Fashioned, which is available in ready-to-drink bottles.
The Golden Mill
1012 Ford Street, Golden
720-405-6455
Those returning to Denver via I-70 should plan a stop at the Golden Mill, a food hall with several vendors and self-pour tap walls serving beer, wine, cider and cocktails. Catch live music, hang out around one of its outdoor fire pits and take advantage of happy hour deals, available on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Eagle County (Beaver Creek, Vail)
The Gambit Bar16 Vail Road, Vail
970-477-8130
This addition to the Sebastian Hotel opened last year in Vail Village. Sophisticated yet inviting, with live music, velvet seating and a green marble bar, the lounge serves artful cocktails inspired by bygone eras. Pair modernized classics from the 1920s to the 1950s with shareable small plates and heartier bites.
The George Restaurant & Pub
292 East Meadow Drive, Vail
970-476-2656
Few spots near Vail Ski Resort offer a better happy hour than the George. From 3 to 6 p.m. daily, get you-call-it drinks for $6, starters and pub grub for $12, plus entrees like filet mignon and plum duck for just $22 — though a pound of king crab legs for $60 may be the best deal at this laid-back pub, which stays open until 2 a.m.
The Red Lion
304 Bridge Street, Vail
970-476-7676
If you want to catch live entertainment in Vail Village, the Red Lion is the place to be. Performances start as soon as the lifts stop turning, and another show follows at 9 p.m. The historic tavern is also known for its lengthy drink list and generous plates, including its signature French dip and “world famous” loaded nachos.
Stoke & Rye
126 Riverfront Lane, Avon
970-790-5500
This base-area restaurant at Beaver Creek serves classic après-ski dishes like alpine-blend cheese fondue, French onion soup and cacio e pepe made in a wheel of Parmesan.
Two Arrows Coffee | Bar
225 Wall Street, Vail
970-763-5101
Start and end your day of skiing at Two Arrows, a coffee shop and cocktail bar open daily from 7 a.m. to as late as midnight. Warm up with a turmeric latte or boozy turmeric toddy. Alcohol is optional in coffee and cocoa, too. In addition to hot beverages, this snug Vail Village shop serves signature cocktails, beers on tap and a selection of wine.
WYLD
0130 Daybreak Ridge Road, Avon
970-343-1168
The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch features several après-ski restaurants and bars. Michelin-recommended eatery WYLD ranks as one of the best, thanks to its Beaver Creek views and Colorado-inspired menu. Enjoy Imperial Ossetra caviar service, table snacks like salmon tartare and seasonal entrees from chef Jasper Schneider.
Grand County (Winter Park)
The Ditch on 4078941 U.S. Highway 40, Winter Park
970-363-7113
theditchon40.com
Check out this family-owned spot for Tajín-rimmed margaritas and New Mexican eats, including Hatch green chile, which appears on burgers, smothered burritos, tacos and chiles rellenos. Snag a seat indoors or sit outside on the deck, which faces downtown Winter Park.
Fraser Valley Distilling
410 Zerex Street, Fraser
970-363-7792
This small-batch distillery offers an impressive selection of single-malt whiskeys, gins and agave spirits. Sample them as a flight or in the form of craft cocktails, which are discounted on Wednesdays and from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. Fraser Valley Distilling also serves delicious shareables like hand-cut fries, cast iron skillet cornbread, flatbreads and charcuterie.
Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge
160 Sunspot Way (top of the Gondola and Explorer Express), Winter Park
970-726-1446
Unlike most on-mountain eateries, Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge at Winter Park Resort is accessible without a lift ticket. Even non-skiers are welcome to enjoy its live music and après-ski cocktails on select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
Gunnison County (Crested Butte )
A Bar Above CB620 Gothic Road Unit C-125, Crested Butte
512-332-6096
This base-area restaurant offers tasty sandwiches and Sicilian pan pizzas, cocktails and a wide selection of craft beer, plus live music, to boot. Shows draw a local crowd and plenty of skiers still clad in their bibs and boots. While it may be a bit pricey, the vibe at A Bar Above CB can’t be beat.
Bonez
130 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
970-349-5118
Colorful Mexican folk art, flavorful dishes and hungry skiers fill this popular hangout in downtown Crested Butte. Bonez is known for its margarita menu, tequila flights and DIY guacamole. Other highlights include its queso blanco, sizzling fajitas and a generous selection of vegan options.
The Secret Stash
303 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
970-349-6245
The Secret Stash is the most popular restaurant near Crested Butte, famed for its specialty pizzas, including the meat-and-cheese-loaded Booty Call and the Notorious F.I.G. made with blue cheese crumbles and black mission figs. Pair pies with bold drinks including boozy slushies, which hit the spot even in the wintertime.
The Nugget is a local favorite in Durango.
The Nugget Mountain Bar
La Plata County (Purgatory)
The Nugget Mountain Bar48721 U.S.-550, Durango
970-749-4412
Hang out with the locals at Nugget Mountain Bar, located along the scenic San Juan Skyway and just south of Purgatory. Mountain views surround the renovated log cabin, which features a full bar and bites from the Backcountry Gourmet food truck. Nosh on filet mignon or crab cake sliders inside or on the patio, which hosts live music every Friday and Saturday.
Purgy's Restaurant
24 Sheol Street, Durango
970-385-2100
This base-area eatery is located at Purgatory Resort, one of the most affordable places to ski in Colorado. When the lifts stop turning, settle into one of its Adirondack chairs or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit. Warm bowls of chili, loaded baked potatoes and hearty burgers hit the spot after a day on the slopes, as do cold beers and cocktails from the adjacent Bear Bar.
Union Social House
3062 Main Avenue, Durango
970-759-4144
All are welcome at Union Social House, an easygoing neighborhood bar in downtown Durango. Enjoy games, a dog-friendly back patio, boozy beverages and food truck eats from Sherpa Momo Ghar, which specializes in Himalayan dumplings, as well as Adoughbe Pizza. Frequent live music adds another reason to visit.
The interior of Prospect, one of the best après-ski restaurants in Colorado.
Auberge Resorts Collection
Pitkin County (Aspen, Snowmass)
Ajax Tavern685 East Durant Avenue, Aspen
970-920-6334
thelittlenell.com
The Little Nell and après-ski go hand in hand, and the hotel’s Ajax Tavern is one of the best places to take in the fun. It’s located at the base of Aspen Mountain next to the Silver Queen Gondola, offering stellar views of the slopes. The truffle fries and wagyu double cheeseburger are musts on the menu, as are the vegan cauliflower gratin and French onion soup.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
76 Boomerang Road (top of the Cloud Nine lift), Aspen
970-923-8715
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro gives Aspen Highlands visitors a taste of après-ski in Europe. Gooey raclette and layers of fondue transport guests to the Swiss Alps. Steak tartare, caviar and champagne also appear on the menu, along with crème brûlée for dessert. Make the experience even more special by booking a snowcat ride to the mid-mountain eatery.
Prospect at Hotel Jerome
330 East Main Street, Aspen
970-429-7798
This Michelin-recommended restaurant resides within one of the most iconic hotels in the state. Last season, chef Ross Kilkenny debuted a culinary experience that showcases the bounty of the Roaring Fork Valley region. The $225 winter dinner menu includes ten courses of small bites, dishes and shareable plates, which can be paired with beverages sourced solely in Colorado. This year, Prospect is also offering two- and three-course versions of the experience, which cost $79 and $95, respectively.
Routt County (Steamboat Springs)
Bésame818 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
970-761-2561
The current menu at Bésame highlights the intersection of Latin American and Asian cuisine with tasty tapas including gyoza al pastor, ancho chile duck wings and patatas bravas with Kewpie aioli. During its daily happy hour, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., take 30 percent off these and other tapas, 25 percent off wine and 50 percent off house cocktails.
Oak Creek Tavern
105 Main Street, Oak Creek
970-736-2535
oakcreektavern.com
Located in a small town about thirty minutes south of Steamboat Springs, this century-old watering hole that was once called Elk's Tavern is beloved by locals and visitors — one out-of-towner loved it so much, he bought the place in 2021. Skyler McKinley has kept its classic mountain charm intact, making this an ideal pit stop for cold beers and good times.
Slopeside Grill
1855 Ski Time Square Drive, Steamboat Springs
970-879-2916
slopesidegrill.com
Slopeside Grill offers a classic après-ski experience at the base of Steamboat mountain. Think shotskis, warm libations and cocktail pitchers, plus big plates of pub classics including wings, burgers and artisan pies. Savory pot roast and housemade mac and cheese are other favorites served inside and on the heated patio.
T Bar
2045 Ski Time Square Drive, Steamboat Springs
970-879-6652
tbarsteamboat.com
Set adjacent to Slopeside Grill, T Bar is another base-area mainstay known for its après atmosphere. The self-described “five-star dive bar” serves an eclectic comfort-food menu, with options such as Swiss rösti with Black Forest ham and Chicago-style Italian beef. After a hot meal, settle into one of the bar's Adirondack chairs with a craft beer or cocktail.
San Miguel County (Telluride)
The National100 East Colorado Avenue, Telluride
970-239-6151
Husband-and-wife team Kate and Chris Thompson debuted the National in December 2023. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes shared plates and upscale entrees like vadouvan-spiced pork chop, housemade bigoli carbonara and Moroccan vegetable tagine. A curated wine list and other libations are also served in the sophisticated 120-year-old space.
New Sheridan Historic Bar
231 West Colorado Avenue, Telluride
970-728-4351
newsheridan.com
Telluride’s oldest bar has remained unchanged since 1895, featuring mahogany wood paneling and filigree light fixtures. The interior also includes a fireplace, two pool tables and foosball. Local musicians perform every Thursday, and you can kick back with $5 shots of Jack Daniel's.
Timber Room
568 Mountain Village Boulevard, Telluride
855-923-7640
Timber Room is located within Madeline Hotel & Residences and is accessible from Telluride via the free gondola. Take a scenic ride to experience its cocktail program and luxurious dinner menu while seated near the indoor fireplace or on the covered, heated patio. Highlights include caviar service and Alpine-style fondue plus roasted bone marrow and ricotta gnocchi served with black truffle Parmesan sauce.
Summit County (Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone)
6th Alley Bar & Grill
28194 U.S. Highway 6, Dillon
970-513-5705
arapahoebasin.com
6th Alley is a great place to take in the easygoing vibes at A-Basin. This base area bar and grill is famous for its Bloody Mary, the perfect pre- or post-skiing beverage. Snack on shareables inside or from its slopeside two-story deck, and enjoy tunes from local bands on the weekends.
Breckenridge Distillery
1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge
970-547-9759
137 South Main Street, Breckenridge
970-547-9759
In addition to its Main Street tasting room, Breckenridge Distillery has a full restaurant adjacent to the Airport Road lot (the only free parking area with easy access to Breckenridge Ski Resort). Catch the complimentary shuttle to and from the slopes, then visit the distillery for award-winning bourbon and other spirits, including its new candy cane vodka. A food menu starring steak cuts and globally inspired sides adds to the selection.
Downstairs at Eric's
111 South Main Street, Breckenridge
970-453-1401
Located in downtown Breckenridge, Downstairs at Eric's is a family-friendly sports bar complete with dozens of flat-screens and arcade games. Casual comfort food is its specialty, with wings, pizza and burgers on the menu. There are thirty beers on tap and 48 options by the bottle, plus cocktails and a selection of wine.
Forage and Feast
3045 A (top of the American Eagle Lift), Frisco
866-656-1546
Copper's dining concept Forage and Feast is located in the Aerie lodge. Perched at the top of the American Eagle Lift, it offers stunning views of the Gore and Ten Mile Ranges. Savor après-ski classics like poutine and truffle Parmesan fries, along with hearty entrees including venison steak served with pumpernickel bread pudding. It closes at 4 p.m., but it’s worth calling it a day early to experience this on-mountain eatery.
Moose Jaw
208 Main Street, Frisco
970-668-3931
This Frisco staple celebrated fifty years of business in 2023. Photos of regulars from over the years hang on the walls, a reminder of how many people have found a home away from home here during its run. Stop in for burgers and cheap beers, and you just might find yourself becoming a regular, too.
Outer Range Brewing Company
182 Lusher Court, Frisco
970-455-8709
outerrange.com
Set in downtown Frisco, Outer Range is easily accessible from all four of Summit County’s ski areas. It’s a busy place on winter afternoons given its mountain views, sunny patio, heated yurt and solid menu. Enjoy a lengthy tap list and an on-site restaurant, Bird Craft, which is known for its Thai-inspired fried chicken.
Rocky Mountain Underground (RMU)
114/112 South Main Street, Breckenridge
970-771-2121
mtnculture.com/pages/rmu-breckenridge
RMU is a popular après-ski hangout with a cool, laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a dog-friendly patio, live music and on-site ski and snowboard services. Get a tune-up while noshing on artisan grilled cheese sandwiches and sipping signature cocktails, like the chocolate Baileys-spiked cocoa and hot buttered rum with whipped cream.
TBar
1521 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge
970-547-8837
TBar is located at the base of Peak 8, offering fantastic mountain views and après-ski fun. Order shareable apps like jumbo Bavarian pretzels and Buffalo chicken empanadas alongside beverages from the full bar, and find seating on the slopeside patio or inside its cozy lodge.
