A Definitive Guide To Aspen’s Après-Ski Scene

From a model new Snow Lodge and a horny new speakeasy to slope-side sips in an Alps type ski-chalet, right here’s the place to après with one of the best all of them season lengthy.

Après-ski — whose literal translation from French means after-ski — has lengthy been as a time-honored custom in ski locations world wide.

Believed to have originated within the French Alps circa the 1950’s — at present, to après (as these within the know are inclined to name it) is to bask in a cultural pastime that’s as a lot an expertise as it’s an excuse to slurp up fondue and throw a couple of again after a day on the slopes.

And in somewhat place known as Aspen, there’s no scarcity of après ski spots to select from.

In truth this humble village excessive up within the Rocky Mountains has not solely perfected the craft of après over time, however it’s extensively thought-about probably the greatest locations within the nation, if not the world to expertise it.

Whereas the après scene could be a pared down model of what it’s been in years previous in in gentle of the continued pandemic (proof of vaccination is required for entry into most institutions in Aspen) from a horny new speakeasy that simply opened at Hotel Jerome and a buzzy new Snow Lodge Supper Club at The St. Regis, right here’s tips on how to après in type all season lengthy in Aspen this season.

French Alpine Bistro

Smack dab within the coronary heart of Aspen village, French Alpine Bistro continues to serve up a few of the greatest raclette and French-alpine vibes on the town.

Full with furry blankets, classic work and an enviable wine checklist, between the dimly lit and oh so enchanting indoor eating room and heated sidewalk chalet, each settings will transport you to a comfy après within the French Alps. For one thing heat and hearty, the boeuf bourguignon and duck cassoulet are out of this world and to not be missed is the fondue plate topped with freshly shaved black truffle paired with some Austrian glühwein (mulled wine) will take you straight throughout the end line.

Reservations here

The Snow Lodge At St. Regis Aspen

Recent on the après scene this yr, The Snow Lodge opened this month simply in time for the 2022 season. Impressed by Montauk, New York’s buzzy Surf Lodge, this stylish winter outpost is about straight on the foot of Aspen mountain in The St. Regis Aspen.

The supper membership meets après-ski setting options a mixture of deep velvets and native artwork sourced from Aspen’s galleries together with an artist in residence program and two distinct areas together with the restaurant and lounge. With meals choices starting from burrata with tomatoes and a home made pasta menu that includes Chef’s signature Foie gras ravioli with seared diver scallops and desserts just like the chocolate globe, tiramisu, and keenness fruit explosions, this spot will little question turn into a staple on the après scene this yr.

Lounge and après ski reservations here

J Bar at Lodge Jerome

It’s powerful to decide on favorites in a spot like Aspen, however J Bar at Hotel Jerome is extensively thought-about one of many spots on the town. That’s as a result of this cozy après hold has a protracted and storied historical past in Aspen life, together with, amongst different issues, being the previous stomping floor of certainly one of Aspen’s most infamous residents, Hunter S. Thompson.

Past J-Bar’s historic allure and low-key environment together with an the wonderful choice of hand-crafted cocktails and what’s thought-about probably the greatest burgers within the village, this inviting house is only a great spot to take a seat and soak all of it in after a protracted day of snowboarding.

In case you’re trying to kick the occasion up a notch, Bad Harriet opened earlier this month as the brand new resident bespoke cocktail expertise on the town.

Nestled beneath the historic Aspen Instances constructing, this speakeasy-style cocktail lounge includes a refined menu of classic libations, small bites and library of Cru’s all below the care of the lodge’s grasp alchemists.

Reservations for Bad Harriet

Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro

For a slice of Switzerland excessive up within the Rocky Mountains, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro has lengthy been beloved by locals and guests for his or her raclette and bacchanalian après ski scene.

Set is a Swiss-style chalet on the high of the Cloud 9 ski raise on the Aspen Highlands ski space, the Bistro is just accessible by ski or snowcat and whereas the normal alpine environment could be a contact toned down this yr in gentle of present Covid protocols and precautions, the fondue, apple strudel and champagne menu are again and higher than ever.

For one thing really particular, Snowcat Dinners on the Bistro begins with a sizzling chocolate and a shot of Schnapps earlier than the roughly 30-minute snowcat trip up the mountain. Bundle up, ski bunnies.

Reservations here

Ajax Tavern

Positioned on the base of Aspen Mountain inside The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern is a well-liked spot for lunch or après to get pleasure from a glass of champagne and their home specialties together with truffle fries and waygu double cheeseburger.

In years previous, reside music begins when the slopes shut and the occasion continues on the swanky and just lately renovated Wine Bar at the Little Nell.

Reservations here

Limelight Lounge

Aspen’s Limelight Hotel has undergone a significant renovation prematurely of the 2021-2022 winter season, and from on a regular basis from 3-5pm, Limelight Lounge’s Completely happy Hour is a good place to submit up and luxuriate in some nosh together with their wood-fired pizza and naturally a signature cocktail or two.

The lodge’s out of doors fire-pits and outsized warmth lamps are a good way to take the occasion alfresco as you watch the blizzard over Aspen mountain.

Reservations here.

Chica

With places in Miami and Las Vegas, Chica opened on the Residences at the Little Nell in December, and straight adjoining to the Silver Queen Gondola on the base of Aspen Mountain and is already primed to be one of many hottest spots on the town this season.

To not be missed are Superstar Chef Lorena Garcia’s daring menu of flavors that includes Latin American delicacies mixed with a dynamic wine and mixology program. Chica’s designated Après Ski menu options a mixture of spirit-forward cocktails just like the Black Truffle Previous Original and Pumpkin Spiced Vegan Nog and hearty mains together with Venezuelan Braised Quick Ribs and Crispy Peruvian Octopus.

Reservations here

Alpin Room in Snowmass

With a menu that attracts its affect from the mountain eating traditions discovered within the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps, at an elevation of practically 10,500 ft, Alpin Room on the high of Alpine Springs raise in Snowmass is the lengthy anticipated beginner to the scene this yr.

Coming in sizzling with sharable choices starting from handmade Alsatian type beignets to the Tartiflette — a caramelized onion fondue — heartier choices embody Bavarian classics like hen schnitzel with frisée salad and to not be missed is the home made black forest tart and cinnamon carrot cake greatest paired with a glass of wine or cocktail earlier than you ski (responsibly) down.

Reservations here