These Are the Absolute Best Après Ski Towns in the U.S.
All 10 of the top towns for off-piste activities in the country are here in the West.
Sun Valley Resort
HomeToGo, a popular vacation rentals marketplace, released its 2024 data spotlighting the country’s best destinations for après ski, and the results might surprise you. What isn’t a shocker, though, is that every single one of their top 10 are located in the West. Given how incredible the hospitality is in the mountain towns throughout the region, it hardly takes an avalanche of data to substantiate that it’s the top spot for winter fun both on and off the slopes. Where else can you find ski-in whiskey bars like the one in Mammoth, or a raucous European-style day club like Cloud 9 in Aspen after all?
HomeToGo factored in various points of data into their findings, from the number of slope-side bars to the availability of spas and wellness centers. They also looked into off-piste activities, accessibility of affordable accommodations, and the number of top-rated slope-side restaurants.
“These destinations offer so much more beyond just skiing,” said HomeToGo spokesperson and travel expert, Mike Pearce. “We’re excited to share this guide to inspire both avid skiers seeking post-ski excitement and non-skiers simply wishing for a winter escape that extends beyond the slopes.”
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Here are their top 10 rankings:
- Bend, Oregon
- Park City, Utah
- Vail, Colorado
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Breckenridge, Colorado
- Aspen, Colorado
- Durango, Colorado
- Taos, New Mexico
- Crested Butte, Colorado
The Lodge at Vail
When it came to ranking food and beverage offerings alone, the ritzy Colorado ski town of Vail came in on top. “Vail, Colorado, boasts 67 dine-in restaurants with over a 4-star rating,” said HometoGo. “Vail is also home to the highest number of slope-side pubs, nightclubs, and bars of the featured destinations, making it a perfect place for revelers and epicureans alike.”
And the location with the most to do off the slopes was Jackson Hole. The Wyoming resort is “a playground for skiers and non-skiers alike… with more than 420 activities to spice up visitors’ après-ski itineraries, earning it the highest Activities Score. From wildlife adventures in Grand Teton to relaxing dips in Granite Hot Springs Pool, it’s a haven for those seeking more than just ski thrills.”
No matter which way you shred it, there’s plenty to do in these towns regardless of if you ski or not. The outdoors truly are for everyone.
