Despite the pandemic, Aspen's second-favorite activity, après ski, is still alive and well with some modifications to ensure safety. Read on to learn more about how you can enjoy après ski during spring 2021, whether you’re looking for a cold drink on a sunny patio or fun for the whole family.
GOLD STANDARD APRES-SKI VENUES IN ASPEN
The gold-standard apres-ski venues are still hosting happy hours, and they've updated their outdoor layouts to accommodate guests during any type of weather.
- The slopeside Ajax Tavern has modified their patio with a roof and curtain walls as well as heaters and a Moet Chandon vending machine for touchless champagne service.
- The neighboring Snow Lodge has seating around fire tables and cozy décor like blankets on benches.
- The WET Deck at the W Aspen offers fire tables, plenty of heaters, and the new Grotto private dining igloo.
- The Little Nell has transformed their spaces this winter to fit COVID-19 restrictions and still offer five-star experiences. Their former apres-ski venue, Chair 9, is now The Wine Bar, a chic lounge with private seating areas. In addition, The Board Room, is a speakeasy space complete wtih an 88" flat screen TV with 5.1 Klipsch sound system, plush couches, a bar area, and a pool table. It's available for private dining reservations with a minimum food and beverage spend.
Photos: Ajax Tavern (@TheLittleNell), The Wine Bar at the Little Nell, the Grotto at W Aspen (@WAspen)
FAMILY FRIENDLY APRES SKI IN ASPEN
After a long day of skiing, the Limelight Lounge at the Limelight Hotel Aspen is always a good option, especially for those with kids. The laidback atmosphere, cozy fireplace, and well-priced, daily happy hour menu are all draws to this top spot.
If the family wants to stay al fresco, visit CP Burger for shakes and ice skating. Take a spin around the Silver Circle Ice Rink while the sun sets.
LOCALS FAVORITES FOR ASPEN APRES SKI
Gorsuch Cafe, located in Gondola Plaza at the base of Aspen Mountain, has an inviting patio with a fire table. Enjoy their bratwurst + beer special, or select from their great list of wines by the glass.
The Aspen Art Museum's airy SO Cafe has become a new favorite for apres ski. Enjoy views of Aspen Mountain, wines by the glass, and gourmet bites.
Aspen Brewing Company's Aspen Tap serves up local craft brews and handthrown sourdough pizzas with a view of Aspen Mountain from the heated patio. Located on a sunny corner in downtown Aspen, it's a prime spot to people-watch or partake in a "Brewski," a beer tasting flight served in a ski.
Mezzaluna has made some changes this winter — including enclosing their patio for well-spaced "indoor" dining — but their happy hour is the same! Enjoy drink specials and $10 wood-fired pizzas.
Photos: Gorsuch Cafe in summer (@Gorsuch), Aspen Art Museum's SO Cafe (@AspenArtMuseum), Aspen Tap's sunny apres ski patio (@AspenBrewingCompany)
APRES SKI AT "HOME"
Most of our Aspen vacation rentals include access to a common pool and hot tub, so it's a natual choice to apres close to your home-away-from-home. Our most popular hot tubs are at Fasching Haus, Alpenblick, Chateau Roaring Fork, Clarendon, and Fifth Avenue and Durant Condomiums.
IN NEED OF A PLACE TO STAY?
With more than 200 centrally located vacation rentals, Frias Properties can help you find the best lodging for your visit to Aspen. View some of our rental options online or contact our Reservations Team to learn more about availability and pricing.