crowd of people listen to music at Eleven212 under blue bird skies

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.

crowd of people listen to music at Eleven212 under blue bird skies

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.

The Cabin opens for the 2025-26 season on December 12, 2025. Après hours go from 2:30pm to 4pm, and do not require reservations.

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.

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

Location is everything. As you ski down Little Nell on Aspen Mountain, you’ll see its namesake hotel and what appears to be a sprawling party taking place on the patio. That would be the famous Ajax Tavern, the spot to see and be seen, and of course, eat truffle fries with a locally brewed draft beer in the fresh air and sunshine.

The Wine Bar

The Little Nell’s former après-ski bar, Chair 9, has transformed into a lively wine bar, offering intimate seating areas, an extensive list of wines by the glass, a vinyl DJ booth, and a full bar menu. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, cap off your perfect day surrounded by colorful characters in a modern setting.

Limelight Lounges

Whether you’re in Snowmass or the town of Aspen, the Limelight Lounge is the place to be. Modern décor, relaxing, live music on weekend evenings, and huge windows that invite the outside light in, both the Limelight Aspen and the Limelight Snowmass offer daily specials from 3 to 5pm. Order a cocktail or a glass of wine and a personal pizza made with fresh ingredients and enjoy an intimate gathering in what feels like a close friend's living room.

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.

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

Take in a casual beer or a glass of wine while sitting outside overlooking Pyramid Peak and the ridgeline of Aspen Highlands. Located at the top of both the Tiehack Express and the Summit Express, Cliffhouse is easy to get to and the descent down offers greens, blues, and blacks so every level of skier can soak up the scene.

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.

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Aspen Snowmass Après Series

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Mark your calendars for the various spring apres-ski parties and on-mountain festivities taking place across our four mountains throughout the month of April to mark the end of the ski season.