Updated on Jan. 24, 2019
Spring is nearly here! And this season brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the peak of Aspen's second-favorite snow-centric activity: après ski.
After a day on the mountain, those in-the-know grab a seat on a sunny patio, catch some rays, order a cold drink and some snacks, and share tales of the day of skiing. Aspen is full of amazing places to après, known and unknown. Here are our top six places to pull up a chair after a day on the hill... ski boots optional.
1. Ajax Tavern
You can't ski Aspen Mountain and NOT see the masses gathering at Ajax Tavern starting in the early afternoon. The premier place to "see and be seen" on a suny spring day, the Tavern has a large outdoor deck to gather with friends until the sun drops behind Shadow Mountain. On weekends in the spring, Ajax Tavern features "Cliquot In The Snow," a celebration of spring skiing with drink specials from Veuve Cliquot and DJ Dylan on the ones and twos.
2. Shlomo's (Now Closed)
As of its third year on the scene, Shlomo's made the most of having the other top spot for Aspen Mountain après. Located on the other side of the gondola from Ajax Tavern, Shlomo's also had a bevvy of outdoor seating and space that flowed seamlessly to the indoors. Table dancing and delicious cocktails kept the party going until late into the afternoon in the spring. And since Shlomo's had some of the best breakfast in town, you may have found yourself right back there in the morning.
3. Aspen Tap
The tap room from Aspen Brewing Company opened in 2018 and is the place to go for great food and locally brewed beer in a casual atmosphere... with no funny looks if you happen to be in your ski boots until the wee hours of the night. Aspen Brewing Company has won multiple awards for its unique craft beers, so beer lovers will have no problem settling in to watch a game or simply enjoy a tasting flight after a day on the moutain. Live music often provides background ambiance, and the delicious chicken tacos will feed your hunger built up from skiing.
4. Mountain Social
For those looking for a more elevated experience, the new Mountain Social in the lobby of St. Regis Aspen Resort offers a refined setting for après ski. Live music sets the tone of the afternoon, and a daily champagne-sabering ritual — a tradition started by John Jacob Astor when he founded The St. Regis New York in 1904 — happens at 5:15 p.m., marking the transition from day to night in the winter and spring months.
5. Limelight lobby
Where do families go for après ski? The answer is the Limelight. With live music, wood-fired pizzas, drink specials, and board games galore, the Limelight lobby welcomes guests of all ages to kick back and relax in its spacious venue.
6. Red Onion
An historic staple of Aspen, the Red Onion should not be missed by history buffs and good, old fashioned bar-lovers alike. Established in 1892, the Red Onion has been dishing out beers and grub for skiers fresh off the mountain for more than 100 years. While the faces behind the bar may change throughout the years, the laid-back vibe and appreciation for all things skiing stays the same.
*Honorable mention: Sky Hotel / 39 Degrees Bar
For years, the Sky Hotel played host to the rowdiest après scene in all of Aspen ( and perhaps all of Colorado). Surrounding the pool on any given day, après revelers young and old would gather for beers, cocktails, shots, and inevitably... jumps into the pool. Many locals would ski with their swim suits on underneath their outerwear to partake in a dip in the hot tub with a cold beer in hand. Sadly, the Sky Hotel is no more. It is being replaced with a W Hotel, and the après scene in Aspen has yet to see if the new space will live up to the old memories.
Are you inspired to join us in Aspen this spring? Start planning your Aspen ski vacation by searching our vacation rentals online. Or contact our Reservations Team for personalized recommendations.