Places to Apres

Winter 2010-2011                          Contact:  Jeff Hanle 970/300-7022

                                                               jhanle@aspensnowmass.com

TOP TEN APRÈS DESTINATIONS IN ASPEN/SNOWMASS

Aspen/Snowmass, CO… Choices, choices…After deciding which of the four mountains to ski and ride, options for après are endless.  Aspen/Snowmass boasts over 100 bars and restaurants, offering something for everyone's taste and speed.

1.   The Terrace Bar at The Little Nell -  This savvy chic watering hole, located in the five star, five diamond Little Nell Hotel, is the spot to see and be seen. Between 3pm - until the party winds down, the Terrace Bar opens to a festive and lively après ski scene fueled by the Terrace Bar’s unique Global tapas menu. The offerings come from countries and cuisines found along the 13th Parallel and include tasty dishes from Asia, Latin America, and Southern Europe. Patrons can enjoy fabulous food, cocktails, and a spectacular view of Aspen Mountain as it transitions from day to night.

2.   The Sage Bar, Snowmass - After a day carving through fresh powder, unwind ion one of the cozy couches and a stone hearth fireplace. The Sage Bar is the perfect gathering spot to get warm, completely relax, and enjoy an après ski drink from the extensive selection of wines, scotches, and cordials.  And beer lovers can baby their bellies with numerous Colorado microbrews on tap.  On warm spring days guest can sit out on the patio and enjoy expansive views of Mt. Daly.

3.   Ajax Tavern – Nothing better than sitting outside at the base of the Sliver Queen Gondola indulging on a monstrous bowl of truffle fries and sipping on a freshly made mojito. The Tavern, formerly know as Ajax Tavern, offers people-watching at its finest as you observe skiers and riders descend Aspen Mountain.

4.   39 Degrees in The Sky Hotel – Recently named one of the "Top 10 poolside bars in America" by Playboy magazine, 39 Degrees is simply the most hip and trendy bar in town.  Located at the foot of Aspen Mountain, The Sky is just steps from the gondola.  The bar is filled with lounging sofas, fluffy pillows and an outdoor pool and hot tub for some après fun. Try one of their signature drinks such as the "Pimptini" (voted Aspen's Best Martini at the Cocktail Classic) or a Botox martini which comes garnished with a 'wrinkled' cherry

5.   Mezzaluna – This Italian and internationally-influenced restaurant is a hot spot after a day on the slopes for everyone looking for a hot pizza and cold beverage. Sit at the bar and enjoy the sun pouring in from the wall of windows facing Aspen Mountain. Happy Hour specials run from 3-5:30 p.m. and all night at the bar.

6.  J-Bar – Maintaining its original 19th century style, the J-Bar interior exudes the same Western saloon flare it had when silver miners bellied up to the bar to celebrate their good fortune. The now famous Aspen Crud is steeped in Hotel Jerome and Aspen history. Like bars across America, the J-Bar was converted to a soda fountain during Prohibition. Legend has it that "crud" was the code word instructing the bartender to add several shots of liquor, usually bourbon, to a rich milkshake blended at the J-Bar fountain.

7.   Little Annie's - Aspen's neighborhood restaurant and bar offers good country-style home cooking. While waiting to enjoy the fried chicken and mashed potatoes, guests can enjoy the local’s happy hour special and favorite, ‘Shot & A Beer’ for $3… yepp, three dollars. 

8.   The Grape Bar – Located in the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Aspen, the Grape Bar boasts an extensive wine list and unbelievably comfy couches. Relax those tired muscles after a long day of skiing, enjoy one of the incredible glasses of wine from around the world, and soak up the warmth by one of the fires. This après spot proves to be a local’s favorite to relax and reenergize for the night ahead.

9.   Sneaky’s Tavern- Located adjacent to The Treehouse at Snowmass’s Base Village, and only a few steps from the Elk Camp Gondola and Village Express, Sneaky’s has proven to be a favorite amongst locals and visitors since it’s opening in early 2009. With a cozy indoor atmosphere, afternoon sunshine out on the patio and fabulous American bistro-style food, Sneaky’s is a perfect stop for lunch, après or dinner.

10.   Zane's Tavern – Now located in downtown Aspen and in the Snowmass Village Mall, this classic sports bar offers a place for guests to watch their home town teams, shoot some pool and chow down on an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. Happy Hour specials are from 3-5 p.m. including 25¢ wings and $1.25 drafts.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company's website at www.aspensnowmass.com.

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