Winter Dispatch: 017
A town hall on après ski.
Good morning and happy Friday!!!
I’m hearing a lot of chatter about the end of ski season – which thanks to global warming, is an imminent reality – but here in Colorado, we’re just getting started. I just got back from Crested Butte, where the conditions were subpar, but the vibes were higher than ever. Would’ve loved some powder days, but instead, we had leisurely lunches in t-shirts, afternoon margs, and morning magic pocket. All of which got me thinking about a topic I’ve been wanting to dive into for a while… the beauty of après ski.
Much more on that below!
Chairlift Chatter
Both Epic and Ikon have announced their 2025/26 pass pricing, and – spoiler alert – they’re both more expensive. The Epic Pass is climbing 7% (I won’t share the numbers because they’ll make you sick), but they did throw in Verbier 4 Vallées in Switzerland and some resort upgrades. The Ikon Pass is jumping 6.4%, but that bump does come with a few new European destinations and unlimited access to A-Basin. I’m too exhausted to get into the fundamental issues with both (or the abysmal year Vail Resorts has had) but every major news outlet has done the heavy lifting for you.
Something to brighten your day!
Idk I’m kinda into this?
A Town Hall on Après Ski
When I was first toying with the idea of starting this newsletter my immediate thought was focusing solely on skiwear and gear. However, the more I actually started writing, I realized that what I truly love about skiing goes far beyond the act of skiing itself. Sure, that’s a big part of it, but it’s the moments surrounding the ski day that stand out – the leisurely mountain lunches, cramming six friends in an Airbnb hot tub after a day on the slopes, or snagging the perfect table for après. It’s those times, usually shared with others, that make the ski experience what it is!!
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I’m constantly asking my interview subjects where their favorite place to ski is, and more often than not, they say something along the lines of “anywhere I’m with family or friends.” Skiing is a sport that thrives on community and nostalgia. All of this to say: ski culture is just as exciting to me as the sport itself. I’m so enchanted by it, I’ve built an entire platform around it. Some of the most memorable ski experiences happen when the lifts slow, boots are unbuckled (but still on!), and the pocket beanie replaces the helmet. So, without further ado, here’s Slopeside’s (long-awaited) guide to après skiing in the US.
When I think of après ski, I think of two distinct categories: 1) a casual beverage (or several) with friends after your last run of the day at the local mountain base dive, maybe chicken wings or a sheet pan of nachos is included, or 2) a vibe-y DJ set featuring lots of people who did not ski but look the part (or not, no disrespect) and lots of champagne. Both of these are incredibly fun and for the sake of this piece, we’re covering each category.
Old Faithful Dives
These spots are nothing fancy – just no-frills establishments perfect for a low-key post-ski hang. Usually the type of vibe I’m most interested in.
Mangy Moose - Teton Village, WY (Jackson Hole)
Legendary for its taxidermy, live music, and cold beer. They also have sneakily great food.
The Trap Bar - Grand Targhee, WY
Being the only stop in town doesn’t stop this place or slow them down - known for live music, slushies, and nachos.
Grumpy’s - Sun Valley, ID
Dollar bills on the ceiling, schooners (huge chalices) of beer, and fantastic burgers. Also, allegedly Hemingway’s old stomping grounds.
T Bar - Steamboat, CO
Something about a bar on the actual mountain feels more magical. Tons of outdoor tables. They also have Hammerschlagen (the German nail game if you’re familiar). Food is also very solid.
Red Lion - Vail, CO
Vail isn’t really known for its après scene which I always find interesting. The best bet is Red Lion which is only indoors (besides three patio tables) and is very humid but there’s usually live music. And good nachos. They have shotskis with ski boot shot glasses that are adorable but they will reprimand you if one happens to magically fall into your pocket for later use.
The Bavarian - Taos, NM
Brats, 32 oz steins, schnitzel, pretzels as large as your head, huge outdoor patio. Impeccable experience all the way around.
The Sitzmark - Girdwood, AK
While we didn’t have fake IDs in high school to use at the Sitz, this was (and still is) the spot to hang after skiing. Usually live music and interesting characters at the bar.
The Snorting Elk - Crystal Mountain, WA
A PNW classic that I have not been to myself but several sources say it has to be included. Austrian inspired and cozy!
Le Chamois - Lake Tahoe, CA (Palisades)
The best après in Tahoe IMO. Indoor and outdoor vibes are great. Good pizza. Tons of Olympic memorabilia which is fun.
Matterhorn - Stowe, VT
Friend of the letter and East Coast insider Lee Glandorf tells me that Matterhorn is the ~spot~ at Stowe.
Club Après
These are spots with DJ sets, champagne showers, and a party scene that’s worth the splurge, every once in a while.
Cloud Nine - Aspen, CO
The thing I hate to admit about Cloud Nine: unfortunately it’s as fun as it sounds. We went last year for the first time, and I have to set the scene. Cloud Nine sits high on Highlands, only accessible by ski/snowboard – so much so that you have to sign a waiver acknowledging that you’re responsible for getting back down yourself. If you’re overserved, you’ll be unceremoniously loaded into the snowcat with the garbage at the end of the night.
Anyway, you walk in (past Jeroboams + Methuselahs of champagne) to what is, at first, a civilized affair: fondue, a seafood tower, the works. Quite exquisite. About an hour in, servers begin making the rounds with black trash bags. Shortly after, a “safety briefing” is delivered, the lights dim, and the real event begins – you strip off most of your clothes, and the champagne spraying commences. The thing about champagne spraying here: their cheapest bottle is Veuve Clicquot. We opted for a more efficient approach, spraying directly into each other’s mouths.
I will not be sharing footage of this afternoon, but I will say my boyfriend lost all his base layers because they blended into the black trash bag they were placed in to stay dry (RIP). We did, miraculously, make it back down in one piece. And while I would love to make it an annual tradition, I’ll need someone else to foot the bill.
Snow Lodge - Aspen, CO
Outdoor venue at the St. Regis that has also become a DJ hotspot and a place to see and be seen in Aspen. Diplo plays here often. Their sister bar is Surf Lodge in Montauk so if you’re familiar with that vibe, the scene here is unsurprisingly similar.
Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch - Beaver Creek, CO
The large outdoor patio at the Ritz turns into a full-fledged après scene during the winter. The actual hotel itself is beautiful and the patio is always a blast.
T-Bar - Breckenridge, CO
Not to be confused with T Bar in Steamboat… this indoor bar at the base of Peak 8 turns into a full rager most afternoons. People start scoping out tables very early so beware that sniping a table at peak après time is not an easy task. If you’re lucky, local Breck legend DJ Littlefoot is there playing some tasty licks. There have been some noticeable upgrades this year, including a fog machine and light show. Love.
Vintage Room - Deer Valley, UT
The St. Regis at Deer Valley opened the Vintage Room a few years ago, and it’s since become the après staple of Park City. It’s essentially a giant glass tent (which turns into a sauna on sunny days) with a DJ – usually this one very unique local guy whose name I’m blanking on – and bottle service. They have a fire ginger margarita, plus sushi and caviar service. Fun. 90% of the crowd is on a bachelor or bachelorette trip.
Canyon Lodge - Mammoth, CA
The Canyon Lodge Sundeck transforms every Friday and Saturday afternoon of the winter into a rager. The DJ booth is an elevated gondola car and there are usually champagne showers. The most fun part of Mammoth!
Let me know what I’ve missed!
As the perfect companion to any of the above, I’d be remiss not to share my #1 après essential. If you haven’t tried ZBiotics yet, you’ll thank me later. It’s a tiny, juice shot-sized bottle with almost no taste, and you take it (ideally) before your first drink. The next day, you wake up feeling absolutely fantastic. Code “CHLOE” gets you a discount!
If you enjoy this letter, please share with friends! Feel free to respond here with ski-related intel, new products you’re loving, or just to say hi. Thanks for reading 💌
Longhorn Saloon at Whistler might be the best clubby apres in North America!
“P dog” at the Peruvian lodge at Alta!! The diviest.