Unwind after a day on Vail or Beaver Creek Mountain and participate in a skiing tradition as old as the sport itself – après ski.
For those who aren\’t familiar with the phrase, après ski is French for “after ski”. In ski resort towns across the globe, après ski is a culture of fun, food, and relaxation. True pros don’t even change out of their ski clothes. Instead, they head straight from the slopes to the restaurant to take advantage of the specials, relaxed atmosphere, and live entertainment. On any sunny day in the Vail Valley over 20 degrees, you’ll find the festivities focused outdoors on sun-soaked patios.
We’ve crowned the top 5 best après ski spots in Vail and Beaver Creek based on the following criteria:
The space: Is there an outdoor patio and indoor space? Views?
Local Approval: Is it a tourist trap or a local haunt?
Atmosphere: Is there live music?
Food and Libations: What are the food and drink specials? Will they knock your socks off?
Location: 5 minute or less walk from the lift.
RITZ CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH: MOUNTAINSIDE TERRACE
The space: 5
Local Approval: 4.5
Atmosphere: 5
Food and Libations: 5
Location: 5
Hands-down the best après location on Beaver Creek Mountain is The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch’s Mountainside Terrace. This huge patio is located at the base of the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. As skiers make their way down the mountain, they’ll know they’re in the right place when the largest log structure in North America, which is the Ritz Carlton hotel, comes into view.
There is live music every afternoon near the firepit, which is the perfect spot to enjoy your cocktail from the ice bar and your BBQ from Daniel’s Bar and Grill. Overhead heaters combined with the crowd of people that gathers each day keeps the sunny patio warm and toasty. The only demerit this legendary après location receives is for its high prices. Don’t let that hold you back, though. This is a can’t-miss experience.
RED LION
The space: 4
Local Approval: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Food and Libations: 4
Location: 5
The Red Lion is a local favorite located on Bridge Street mere steps from Gondola One in Vail. The live music is loud; the crowds are there for a great time, and the bar food hits the spot after a long day of skiing. There is a palpable energy in the indoor area and although suitable for all ages throughout the afternoon, Red Lion often turns into the first stop for the party crowd in the evening hours. The sunny and mellower patio gives the perfect balance of great music, good food, and people watching as everyone exits the mountain and heads to their next destination.
THE SLOPE ROOM AT GRAVITY HAUS
The space: 4
Local Approval: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Food and Libations: 5
Location: 4.5
A chic and sophisticated yet welcoming space recently joined the Vail après scene. The Colorado steakhouse sources from local purveyors to deliver a modern twist on a cuisine as old as Colorado itself, alongside a creative cocktail list. The space oozes sexy style and the only thing that could make it better is an outdoor patio.
PEPI’S
The space: 4.5
Local Approval: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Food and Libations: 4.5
Location: 5
Ask anyone who’s skied Vail for decades where they head for après ski and Pepi’s in Hotel Gramhammer is sure to be at the top of their list. This place is a Vail staple located in the middle of the village. It sets a true example of how to become a timeless tradition enjoyed by people of all ages. Diners take their pick of seating on the large sun-soaked patio, covered patio, or indoor bar to enjoy Bavarian treats and drinks. There’s usually live music, too!
GARFINKEL’S
If a sports bar with great food at a reasonable price with a slopeside patio is what you’re after, this is the place. This is the only après restaurant in Lionshead Village on our list and that’s because it is the mountainside cornerstone locals have flocked to since 1999. Step mere feet from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and order some nachos with a cold beer, or try your luck and spin the Wheel of Misfortune, Garf’s infamous shot wheel.
The space: 4.5
Local Approval: 5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Food and Libations: 4
Location: 5
BONUS: SHAKEDOWN BAR
This après spot isn’t for everyone but it is for anyone searching for a party atmosphere, live bands, and a late night. There is nothing fancy about this underground bar but it is a local favorite for a night on the town.
BONUS: VENDETTA’S
If sipping champagne post-skiing isn’t your thing and you’re in search of a no-frills après spot with great pizza, Vendetta’s is the place for you. Another local haunt, Vendetta’s offers NY style pizza, bar bites and a solid drink selection upstairs in the bar and patio area. Downstairs is a family-style Italian restaurant with all the usual favorites done well in a casual atmosphere.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Vail
King’s Club
The Remedy at Four Seasons
7 Hermits
Alpenrose
El Segundo
Vail Brewing
Bart & Yeti’s
Barrio Social
Up the Creek
Mountain Standard
Beaver Creek
Westin Riverfront Patio
C Bar at Beaver Creek Chophouse
Coyote Cafe
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