Après Ski Guide
Après ski in Aspen and Snowmass Village is not just something to do after a day of skiing and riding—it’s a vibrant component to experiencing a full day across our four mountains. Here's a comprehensive list of all the apres spots worth visiting across Aspen Snowmass.
For budget-conscious diners, après ski menu specials are a great way to save on dinner.
Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as having the best après ski scene in North America, Aspen is the epicenter of it all, with more outstanding options just down the road in Snowmass Village.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner to sample a cocktail with friends, a buzzing bar filled with new faces, or an atmosphere bumping with music and energy, the scene at Aspen Snowmass always delivers. And, with outdoor patios and fresh mountain air, it's easy to catch some sunshine while you sip.
As always, keep your eyes out for pop-up DJs around our four mountains and après specials to celebrate spring skiing. Cheers!
Snowmass
The Cabin
Set in the perfect landscape for a light lunch or après ski (complete with the optional use of a shotski) The Cabin is a staple on the slopes of Snowmass located directly under Village Express and accessible from the mid-way station. Sporting an impeccable wine list, a rustic-yet-elegant dining room, The Cabin offers high-end, on-mountain dining. A newly renovated deck creates a lively après scene with innovative comfort food, craft beverages, and ample seating. A state-of-the-art DJ booth and live music stage make The Cabin the epicenter of on-mountain entertainment at Snowmass.
Pro Tip: The Cabin is one of our newest après spots at Aspen Snowmass, and offers an amazing après experience every day after you get off the slopes.
NEW for a limited time: non-skiing guests can access The Cabin for lunch via a Foot Pass ride on Coney Express.
Sam's
Whether you’re there for the negroni spritz, a fine wine, or a beer—Sam’s ambiance warms from the inside out. Perched atop Sam’s Knob and known for its welcoming ambiance, antipasti, variety of Italian fare, and incredible views of Mount Daley, this is the spot to grab a rosé or an Italian wine and take in the beauty surrounding Snowmass.
Pro Tip: Sam's offers a slightly elevated après experience, as is best for those seeking an intimate, cozy atmosphere. The bar is open until 3:30pm each day, so come with your group and enjoy a bottle of wine while you look out over Garrett Peak and Mount Daly.
NEW for a limited time: non-skiing guests can access Sam’s for an 11am lunch via a Foot Pass ride on the Village Express lift.
Elk Camp
Elk Camp is the hub for so many things at Snowmass with festive celebrations throughout the season— and in the afternoon, drinks on the patio are a must. The bar offers a large drink selection with modern decor and spacious seating areas indoors and outdoors to chill out with your travel group.
Pro Tip: Elk Camp is the home to Aspen Snowmass's epic opening and closing parties, and is frequently featured in our circulating après schedule.
Aspen Mountain
Eleven212
Perched at 11,212 feet in elevation, rising above downtown Aspen and adjacent to the historic Sundeck Restaurant, Eleven212 can be reached on foot or by skis to enjoy live music and DJ sets, stunning Elk Mountain views, a curated food and beverage menu, and a vibrant après atmosphere true to Aspen’s roots. Gather your group in an open-air cabin, cozy up fireside on the Adirondack chairs, peruse classic ski sweaters at the merch cabin, or sidle up to the stage—there’s not a bad seat on this summit.
Pro Tip: Eleven212 opens Fridays and Saturdays starting January 16, with a few special pop-up dates beforehand—Aspen Snowmass’s 79th birthday on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and Gay Ski Week on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Beginning February 13, Eleven212 is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Sundeck
Casual yet classic as Aspen Mountain’s oldest après spot, The Sundeck opened in 1946-1947, Aspen Mountain’s first official season. Sit outside in Adirondack chairs to soak in the views or around picnic tables as friends come and go—sipping on cocktails and enjoying some flavorful fare. If the temperatures drop, opt to stay warm inside, at the bar, the fireplace, or open dining room seating.
Pro Tip: Although the Sundeck offers daily drinks on the sunny porch while you take in the views, checkout our après series schedule to find out when you can join in for lively DJ sets and drink specials.
Ajax Tavern
The Wine Bar
Limelight Lounges
Aspen Highlands
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
This cozy, European-style cabin with a backdrop of the iconic snow-covered Maroon Bells is a highlight of any Aspen Snowmass vacation, complete with champagne parties, bumping music, and an energetic crowd ready for a good time. Located near the top of the Cloud Nine lift on Aspen Highlands, this on-mountain experience is iconic and in high demand, so a reservation is required for attendance.
Pro Tip: Cloud Nine is the must visit après spot at Aspen Snowmass. Because of this, reservations fill up quickly, so it's best to plan ahead.
NEW for a limited time: non-skiers can access Cloud Nine for après by reserving the Snowmobile Experience.
Merry-Go-Round
A laidback hangout perfect for grabbing a drink after hiking the Highland Bowl or lapping Loge Peak. This is where organic food meets a welcoming bar at mid-mountain and DJs perform throughout the season as part of the Après Series. Whether you’re enjoying a beer or a bucket of Aperol Spritzes, MRG will make you feel like a local.
Pro Tip: Similar to some of our other on-mountain dining spots, Merry-Go-Round is known for its sunny porch and plentiful seating, making this a good spot to stop for après after a day on slope, any day you want. Merry-Go-Round also circulates on our après series schedule, when you can catch a DJ set and enjoy a slightly more energetic crowd.
Buttermilk
Cliffhouse Restaurant
The Backyard at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge
Extend your après this winter season at The Backyard, a new outdoor hangout with heated seating in the recently renovated Buttermilk Mountain Lodge. Located at the base of Buttermilk and a friendly neighbor to all four mountains, The Backyard is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and some tasty bites, enjoy a DJ set every Saturday, and settle into the après scene’s new favorite stomping ground.
Pro Tip: The Backyard at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge is the perfect spot to après after a day on the slopes. The outdoor seating offers the perfect patio scene with heated seating, delicious bites, craft cocktails and DJ sets every Saturday.
Beyond the Slopes
Once you’re off the slopes, there are hard-to-beat local spots just steps away from the hill.
Home Team BBQ
From Buttermilk, head to Home Team BBQ walking distance from the Buttermilk Base Area inside The Inn at Aspen for beers on tap and some of the best smoked meats you’ll find in the Valley.
WET Deck
After you wrap at Ajax Tavern or The Wine Bar, head over to WET Deck rooftop at the W Aspen for 360-degree views of Aspen, strong cocktails, and a trendy locals’ scene complete with a pool and hot tub.
Venga Venga
As you head down the frontside of Snowmass, stop at the top of the Skittles Lift on Fanny Hill at Snowmass Base Village for a margarita, some mezcal, and flavorful shared plates via a daily happy hour at Venga Venga.
Highlands Alehouse
A visit to Aspen Highlands won’t feel complete without a stop at the Highlands Alehouse, located at the base of the mountain. Enjoy delicious wings—with veggie options—and drinks with the locals.
Après Ski FAQ
What is Après Ski?
Après ski is the time-honored tradition of unwinding after a day on the mountain—boots off, spirits up. The phrase comes from French and literally means “after skiing,” but in practice, it’s where ski days turn into stories. Think sun-soaked patios, live music, DJ sets, shared tables, and that first drink that tastes better because you earned it. At Aspen Snowmass, après ski is woven into the experience across all four mountains, from mountaintop gatherings to base-area patios and in-town spots. Whether it’s a casual beer, a celebratory cocktail, or dancing as the sun dips behind the peaks, après is less about the schedule and more about staying in the moment—together.
Do I need to ski to reach après spots?
No! On this list, the only spots that are only accessible by ski and snowboard are the Cliffhouse and Merry-Go-Round. The rest of our après spots are accessible by foot traffic as well as skies.
If you are looking for an après scene accompanied by a a scenic gondola ride, Elk Camp, Eleven212 and Sundeck gives you just that. Some of our après events include a free ride on the Gondola, other times they require a sightseeing ticket to reach the top.
NEW THIS YEAR: Foot passenger reservations are now available to access our fine dining restaurants. Enjoy exquisite menus and après options through making a reservation at The Cabin, Sam's and Cloud 9.
Do I need reservations at après spots?
What should I wear to après?
Après ski style in Aspen Snowmass is all about staying comfortable while keeping things fun and mountain-ready. Feel free to come straight from the slopes in your ski wear — many on-mountain spots are perfectly suited for boots, layers, and helmets in hand. For après locations in town, a quick change of shoes (or swapping out ski boots) can be helpful for exploring comfortably.
If you’re looking to lean into the classic après look, Aspen Collection offers a great array of cozy sweaters, elevated layers, and mountain-inspired gear that transition effortlessly from the chairlift to cocktails.
Are there non-drinking experiences for après ski?
Yes, après ski at Aspen Snowmass is about much more than what’s in your glass. Many of our après gatherings are paired with live music or DJ sets, creating an energetic atmosphere whether you’re sipping a cocktail, enjoying something alcohol-free, or simply soaking up the scene.
Most venues also offer a variety of food and menu options, so you can stop in for a bite instead of a drink (or in addition to one) — from casual snacks to full après-style meals.
If you’re looking for an après experience beyond the patio, take in the views with a scenic gondola ride up Aspen Mountain, where you can enjoy sweeping mountain scenery and unforgettable sights of the Maroon Bells. And over in Snowmass, the fun continues off the slopes with family-friendly adventures like tubing and the alpine coaster accessed via the Elk Camp Gondola — a memorable way to keep the day going long after your last run.
