Wine & Dine Colorado, Post Slopes
Each of Colorado’s mountains offers a unique après-ski scene.
As documented in the Skiing Heritage Journal, the tradition of après-ski began in the homes of skiers in Telemark, Norway, during the mid-1800s.
By 1877, ski clubs started dishing up potatoes to soak up the copious amounts of aquavit being imbibed. In 1893, Norwegian skier Olaf Kjelsberg introduced this post-slopes pastime to the Alps. But it wasn’t until the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, in 1924 that the term “après-ski” was used to “describe celebrating with fine food and drink the daily escape from hypothermia on the vaulting terrain above the resort.” Today, Aspen Snowmass carries on this festive tradition, with each of the four mountains offering a unique après-ski scene.
1
SNOWMASS
For craft brews, nachos and hearty bowls of chili, settle into one of the chairs around the fire pit at the New Belgium Ranger Station at the base of the ski hill at Snowmass Village Mall. Grab a spot on the slopeside patio at Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar to enjoy some of the best margaritas, guacamole and views in Roaring Fork Valley.
2
ASPEN
Head to the patio at Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell for creative cocktails and their renowned Wagyu double cheeseburger and truffle fries. Situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, it is the see-and-be-seen après-ski destination. For CBD-infused cocktails, appetizers and the best people-watching patio in Aspen, stake out a table at Shlomo’s at the base of Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola.
3
ASPEN HIGHGLANDS
For a shot and chaser and gastropub fare, hit the sunny slopeside deck outside the Highlands Alehouse at the ski-in/ski-out base of the mountain. With16 beers on tap, 60 bottles and cans, and 75 whiskeys, the hardest task of the day may be deciding what to drink.
4
BUTTERMILK
Warm up by the fireplace at Home Team BBQ at the Inn at Aspen while enjoying a local beer, craft cocktail or glass of wine with a plate of Southern barbecue.
