Après-ski. You’ve heard the term. You’ve used the term. You know it’s related to skiing! It’s something that seems to involve cool cocktails and socializing in ski gear. But what is it really?
Not to worry, your Vail après-ski crew is here to explain things. We’ll not only give you a solid definition of this fancy phrase; we’ll tell you how to experience it right here in Vail, Colorado.
• What is Après-Ski?
• Best Après-Ski Spots in Vail
• Après & Live Music
• Après Ski FAQs
What is Après-Ski?
Après-ski (French for “after skiing,” pronounced “ah-preh skee”) is the tradition of unwinding, eating and socializing once the ski day is over. The phrase and ritual began in the Alps in the 1950s and soon spread worldwide. Today, it might mean sipping craft beer by the fire, listening to live music or sharing stories with friends. It can just as easily include hot tubs, hot chocolate, classic cocktails, gourmet coffee, artisanal desserts or even ice skating and massages. However you choose to do it, après-ski is about celebrating a great day on the slopes.
Après-ski activities traditionally begin in the late afternoon. But that’s not the only time you’ll find fun going on. You can create your own après-ski scene any time you like, no matter when you schuss down the mountain for your final lap.
Best Après-Ski Bars & Restaurants in Vail
Because Vail is world renowned for its skiing and snowboarding, you can bet it also has some of the coolest après-ski spots. In fact, you’ll probably come across your new favorite place by roaming around the villages. We’re going to list a bunch for you regardless.
For Happy Hour
Vendetta’s: As Vail’s premier Italian restaurant and pizza bar, Vendetta’s is a place to eat as heartily as you drink. Beer, wine and house cocktails are all on the menu, and the Vail Ski Patrol is probably somewhere in the back. It’s long been known as their hangout at the end of the day.
291 Bridge St., Vail, 970-476-5070
Bart & Yeti’s: Lionhead is home to Bart & Yeti’s, a lively pub that lures locals as well as visitors with its rustic feel and outdoor deck. Oh yeah, and the kickin’ cocktails don’t hurt either — like the Cajun Bloody Mary.
553 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail, 970-476-2754
Garfinkel’s: Another iconic Lionshead establishment, Garfinkel’s is the sports bar to end all sports bars. That’s because most sports bars don’t come with a wraparound bar and large deck with mountain views. Honestly, who cares about the game when you have Vail Mountain in your sights? Don’t forget the extensive lineup of craft beer.
536 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail, 970-476-3789
The George: Located in Vail’s Mountain Haus, The George serves up one big party every single day. It’s best known for its creative bar bites and cocktails — and extremely festive atmosphere. Go, just go.
292 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, 970-476-2656
For the Best Vail Hot Chocolate
The Remedy Bar: Located in Vail’s Four Seasons Resort & Residences, The Remedy Bar is the ultimate remedy for a cocoa craving. Billed as “The Famous Haut Chocolat,” this decadent drink features house-made marshmallow, chocolate tuile and Chantilly crème. Sigh. It’s so good (and so addictive), they even give you a special price if you buy two.
1 Vail Road, Vail, 970-477-8600
Rimini Gelato & Chocolate: Here’s another shop that serves up hot chocolate so good it’ll make you swoon. This gelato and ice cream shop cooks up hot chocolate so rich, thick, creamy and dreamy that you’ll think you died and went to cocoa heaven.
675 Lionshead Place, Vail, 970-476-1712
For the Tastiest Snacks
Slope Room: Located in Vail’s Gravity Haus boutique hotel, the Slope Room is known for its delicious snacks, like the Colorado Wagyu Hot Stone, featuring shiso chimichurri, shishito peppers, aji amarillo and pickled red onions. You don’t even have to know what all that stuff is to know it sounds so good.
352 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, 970-476-6836
Mountain Standard: How about a hot bowl of whisky-bacon onion soup and wild mushroom flatbread at the end of your ski day? This sophisticated tavern serves up some hearty après treats and artisanal crafted adult concoctions with names like “The Double Deuce” and “Seven Wives.”
193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-0123
Sweet Basil: Belly up to the sleek bar at this MICHELIN-recommended establishment and ask for the Wagyu steak tartare and smoked short-rib croquettes. Wash them down with a “Gunwhale” cocktail made with Gray Whale Gin. Trust us, you’ll want to cut your ski day short for après at Sweet Basil.
193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-0125
For Authentic Bavarian Flavors in Vail
Pepi’s: Located in the beloved Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, Pepi’s is a true Vail landmark. That’s because the establishment was founded and run by Pepi and Sheika Gramshammer, the equivalent of Vail royalty. The business is still owned and run by the family, and authentic Bavarian fare is the most popular menu option. Learn about Vail history.
231 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-5626
Almresi: Hearty food and rustic charm are two stand-out traits of Almresi, where you’ll find a festive lineup of German, Austrian and Swiss delicacies. The goal of the German-born owners was to bring a touch of romantic charm and European culture to Vail.
333 Bridge St., Vail, 970-470-4174
Treff Café: You’ll find the Treff Café nestled in the Sonnenalp Hotel, offering a quaint and casual meeting place with authentic German offerings. You’re also sure to dig the creative cocktails, intriguing wine list and Euro-style bar vibe.
20 Vail Road, Vail, 970-479-5466
Gorsuch Ski Café: What started as a place for ski and snowboard apparel, equipment and rentals morphed into a most charming cafe at the base of Gondola One. Sure, you still have the ski equipment side of things, but you’ll also find a delightful space to hang after an equally delightful day on the slopes.
254 Bridge St., Vail, 970-476-7472
Explore more Bavarian flavors in Vail.
For the Après Chic
The Gambit Bar: Located in Vail’s Sebastian Hotel, this stylish bar features craft cocktails, light fare and an elegant ambiance fit for any après-ski queen.
16 Vail Road #1, Vail, 970-477-8130
Elway’s: Of course you recognize the name. This fancy chophouse bears the name of NFL quarterback John Elway. Located in the Lodge at Vail, the establishment serves upscale steak, savory sides and fine wines.
174 E. Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-754-7818
Fireside Lounge: The cozy lounge is located in the Grand Hyatt in Cascade Village. It’s the type of place that uses words like “thoughtfully sourced” on its menu. And you’ll taste it in every bite. Yum.
1300 Westhaven Drive, Vail, 970-476-1234
Root & Flower: We’re not sure what to love first at Root & Flower: the selection of more than 50 vinos by the glass, or the ever-changing menu of New American cuisine. The solution? You might as well dive into both, just to make sure you don’t miss out.
288 Bridge St., C4, Vail, 970-763-5101
For the Best Vail View
The 10th: The 10th is tucked at the top of Gondola One, which is where you’ll find Vail’s most breathtaking views. Capture some pics for Instagram, then order from a menu boasting delicacies like the guinea-hen pot pie.
Top of Gondola One, Vail, 970-754-4800
The Fitz: Found in Manor Vail at the base of Golden Peak, The Fitz serves up modern Colorado flavors with unmatched peak-strewn views. Golden Peak is one of Vail’s portals, and the restaurant’s scenic patio is a prime location for mountain gazing.
595 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, 970-476-4959
Après & Live Music in Vail
What makes après in Vail even better? Live music, of course! Check out the full lineup of live music on the Vail events calendar.
The Red Lion: Whether it’s a live band or solo artist, live entertainment is the name of the game for The Red Lion. So much so, this restaurant and nightclub doesn’t accept reservations for lunch or dinner but will let you reserve one of two tables in the bar area when their featured artists take the stage.
304 Bridge St., Vail, 970-476-7676
Shakedown Bar: This funky club features jammy live music, rock-inspired artwork and showy lighting. This will be your go-to if you’re looking for a high-energy après vibe you can dance to.
304 Bridge St., Vail, 970-479-0556
Find more ideas for live music with our list of popular Vail bars.
Après Ski FAQs
Are reservations needed for après-ski in Vail?
Some high-demand restaurants and bars take reservations (like Sweet Basil or The Remedy Bar), but many pubs and casual spots are walk-in only. For live music venues like The Red Lion, it’s smart to arrive early.
Do I need to change clothes before après-ski in Vail?
There’s no official dress code for Vail’s après-ski scene, although you will want to ditch the clunky ski boots. They tend to make it hard to walk. Because the activities typically happen right after skiing or snowboarding, you’ll often find folks still donning their finest ski hat, ski jacket and other layers as they kick back with a steaming hot chocolate, ice-cold beer or frozen margarita. Wear whatever is most comfortable and appropriate for whichever activity you decide to pursue.
What’s the best time to après-ski?
Skiers in Vail usually finish their runs mid-fternoon (around 3 p.m.), then head into the villages for food, drinks or live tunes. Many visitors book dinner a little later in the evening so they can take a seat, sip a drink and enjoy their après without rushing — and maybe even hop to a couple different bars.
What are the best après-ski options for non-drinkers?
Families and non-drinkers can order up marshmallow-sprinkled hot cocoa at The Remedy Bar or Rimini Gelato & Chocolate, ice skate in the village rinks, head to local spas for recovery-focused massages or cozy up by your hotel fireplace. The kiddos will definitely want to stop into Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory or Rocket Fizz to pick up some sweet treats, too.
How do you get around Vail for après-ski?
The villages are pedestrian-friendly and free buses can bring you from village to village, so it’s easy to move between après-ski venues without driving.
Which après-ski spots in Vail are most popular with locals?
Longtime local favorites include Vendetta’s for piping-hot pizza on the patio and Bart & Yeti’s for piled-high nachos and spicy chicken wings. Both are known for their laid-back vibe, great bites and solid drink lists. Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar is another standout — a Vail institution since the town’s early days — it’s beloved for its live music, Bavarian fare and patio that’s steps from the slopes.
How late does après-ski go in Vail?
Afternoon sessions often roll into the evening. Casual bars may quiet down by dinner, while live music venues like Shakedown Bar keep the après vibe going late into the night with local bands and dancing.
Find More Vail Après-Ski Inspiration:
- Find new favorite après-ski bars and restaurants in Vail.
- Sip locally made libations at Vail breweries and distilleries.
- Explore Vail’s top restaurants with really great patio seating.
- Here’s how to plan that epic Vail Mountain picnic this spring.
- Book a ski-in/ski-out Vail hotel, or one that is nearly slopeside.