TOP TEN APRÈS DESTINATIONS IN ASPEN/SNOWMASS

The Best Spots to Unwind After an Epic Day on the Slopes

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 Bar at The Little Nell, Aspen – This savvy chic watering hole, located in the five star, five diamond Little Nell Hotel, is the spot to see and be seen. Famous during winter months for its legendary après-ski scene, The Bar at The Little Nell offers a fresh seafood bar and fondue during après-ski, and has a cozy warm atmosphere that is pleasant for an evening drink all year long.

2.   After a day carving through fresh powder, unwind at the Sage Bar and Living Room at the Snowmass Club.  Offering a casual atmosphere, cozy couches and a stone hearth fireplace, Sage Bar is the perfect gathering spot to get warm, take it easy, 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 views of Mt. Daly. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 970.923.5600. 

3.   The 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 2004 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 locals happy hour special.

8.   ZG Grill – Grab a seat on the large sun-soaked deck at the base of Aspen Highlands to watch the Highland Bowl-hiking locals mix and mingle with the Ritz-Carlton Club crowd after a day on the slopes.  Formerly Iguana's Bar & Grille, ZG has quickly become loved for their extensive and mouth-watering burger menu.

9.   The Cirque at Snowmass - This fun, lively and casual restaurant and bar is located slopeside on the Snowmass Village Mall and features live après music everyday of the week. The Cirque has the best patio in town that overlooks skiers and riders heading out or calling it a day on the slopes.

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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