The Ultimate Guide to the Après-Ski Restaurants of the West

Snowmobiling, Soaking, and Steaks

Shore Lodge Resort, ID:

Take an evening snowmobile ride through the backcountry to Burgdorf Hot Springs, followed by a spa treatment and dinner at the new Narrows Steakhouse.

Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Whistler-Blackcomb, B.C.

Cozy up for an hourlong heated snowcat ride (complete with views of the twinkling village below) to Blackcomb’s charming Crystal Hut for a candlelit fondue dinner at 6,000 feet.

Cloud Nine Bistro

Aspen Highlands, CO

Gorge on raclette-and-apple strudel and wash it down with some bubbly at this on-mountain hot spot known for its Champagne-fueled après parties.

KT Base Bar

Squaw Valley Resort, CA

Sometimes all you need is a laid-back spot to sip a beer and people-watch. At Lake Tahoe’s well-heeled Squaw Valley, that’s KT Base Bar. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio area and share a plate of their classic carnitas nachos topped with roasted corn, black beans, pico de gallo, cheese, cilantro crema, and guacamole—in other words, to-die-for comfort food after a day on the mountain.

Taco Beast

Steamboat Ski Resort, CO

Imagine if food truck culture and snow culture collided—that’s what Taco Beast brings to the mountains of Steamboat Ski Resort. The roaming snowcat hits the slopes every Thursday to Monday (weather permitting) with a menu of Mexican sodas and tacos. Expect to see Colorado-fied twists like elk chorizo. 

The Yodler

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA

You’ll find all manner of classic alpine fare—schnitzel, bratwurst, and fondue, oh my!—at The Yodler, a Bavarian-style après-ski restaurant. Order the 12-inch German pretzel topped with salt and served with mustard and cheese dip for the table, and add in an order of the kid-friendly spaetzle macaroni and cheese while you’re at it. 

Base Camp Bar and Grill

Aspen Snowmass, CO

Right in the heart of Snowmass Village, the casual après-ski spot of Base Camp Bar and Grill features all the classic American snack foods (think chicken wings, sliders, and cast-iron mac and cheese). What’s most impressive is the restaurant’s beer menu, which features over 30 local brews. 

The Yurt

Solitude Mountain Resort, UT

Just as the name The Yurt suggests, this intimate 26-seat restaurant is housed in a…(wait for it…) yurt. Treat yourself to a four-course meal complete with dishes like sous vide elk tenderloin with foraged mushrooms, but be sure to leave the kids at home—children under 13 years old aren’t allowed. 

The Mill

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA

Famous for its house-made pulled pork, the order-at-the-counter Mammoth Mountain restaurant sits right at the base of the resort’s Chair 2. But the major highlight of The Mill is its outdoor scene, complete with fire pits and deck chairs, which tend to be in high demand for obvious reasons. 

Le Chamois & The Loft Bar

Squaw Valley Resort, CA

A classic ski bar and pizza joint, Le Chamois is a perennial favorite among the resort’s regulars. Park your skis out front and head inside for a cup of chili, or settle in with your crew and buy a Pitcher Pass, which gets you 10 premium draft pitchers for $120. 

Highlands Alehouse

Aspen Highlands, CO

Located right at the base of Aspen Highlands, also referred to as the “locals’ mountain,” Highlands Alehouse makes all the right food and drink to warm you up. Case in point: the restaurant offers more than 75 whiskies and appetizers like baked brie to match. 

Venga! Venga!

Aspen Snowmass, CO

Chef Richard Sandoval sets the bar for après-ski spots at Aspen Snowmass. Venga! Venga! features a special menu everyday from 3 to 6 p.m., and the everyday Mexican-inspired menu includes sangria roja, street-style tacos, and table-side guacamole. 

Petra

Northstar California Resort, CA

If you’re not in the mood for the communal tables and burger-and-fries menu that tend to be the hallmarks of après-ski restaurants, head to Petra. The “urban-meets-mountain-hip” hangout makes hearty dishes like New York strip steak and comforting bowls of Moroccan tagine. Bonus points for the local Truckee sourdough on the menu. 

Owl Bar

Sundance Mountain Resort, UT

The restored 1890s Owl Bar has quite the history. Before it was moved to Sundance, the 19th-century building used to be located in Thermopolis, Wyoming, where it was the hangout for Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Gang. Now, it’s the ultimate spot for post-snowboarding cocktails, beer, and live music. 

Ajax Tavern

Aspen Snowmass, CO

When you think of après-ski restaurants, you’re probably thinking of something like Ajax Tavern. Simple, hearty fare, group-friendly, and all about the atmosphere. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain right next to the Silver Queen Gondola, this place is known for its sun-drenched patio and addictive truffle fries. 

Bon Vivant

Telluride Ski Resort, CO

Baguette sandwiches, cheese boards, and French onion soup dominate the menu at this open-air Bon Vivant. The mountain restaurant is also popular for its outdoor lawn, which has a sprawl of tables and heat lamps to keep you comfy. 

Cinnabar

Snow Basin Resort, UT

Cinnabar isn’t groundbreaking as far as après-ski restaurants go, but it has all the mandatory requirements: gastro pub-type food, live music on the weekends, and a signature burger. Big appetites can handle the bison burger topped with an egg and cheese, while veggie-friendly diners will love the charred achiote-rubbed cauliflower.