The Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Après-Ski Bars

After a full day of racking up vertical and ripping through fresh powder, there’s no better way to wrap up your day than by kicking back with a cold drink and good vibes at a unique bar while you recount the day’s adventures. It’s even better when you can ride or ski right up to the bar. And across the U.S. are tons of great après-ski bars, from stylish lodges to rustic cabins to sun-drenched patios, that you can practically ski right up to. Explore our list of some of the best ski-in, ski-out bars in the U.S.   

America’s Best Ski-in, Ski-out Après-Ski Bars 

TBar, Breckenridge, Colorado  

Breckenridge Ski Resort’s TBar, located at the base of the Peak 8 lift, we named one of the best après-ski bars in America. It has all the makings of a great après-ski bar—an amazing patio, a good craft beer selection, great cocktails, shareable apps, and an amazing view. Highlights of the food menu include glazed pork belly Superchair sliders, gold standard wings, and the T-Bar tacos. To quench your thirst, try the classic T-Bar Bloody Mary or the more indulgent Colorado Toast Crunch, a dessert-like cocktail with Fireball, RumChata, hot cocoa, and whipped cream. TBar also has a rotating set of DJs that perform on select weekends throughout the season. 

High West Distillery, Park City, Utah  

While there are a number of great ski-in, ski-out bars around the country, there’s but only one ski-in, ski-out distillery, High West Distillery in Park City. Steps away from the lifts, High West has now been a staple of Park City since 2006, growing to four locations. The distillery in Wanship, Utah (25 minutes away), is where you can learn about the state’s lesser-known whiskey history. The Nelson Cottage is perfect for a more upscale, unique whiskey-paired dining experience, and the Saloon, next to the Quit N’ Time ski run, is where it’s at for après. Unwind with a High West flight at the Saloon and then purchase your favorite sample at the general store next door. The Saloon offers seasonal cocktails, a solid wine list, and plenty of hearty bites, including double rye turkey pot pie, schnitzel, burgers, salads, wagyu pastrami poutine, elk meatballs, and more.  

The Backyard Bar & BBQ, Northstar, California 

The Backyard Bar & BBQ at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot for lunch or a midday break from skiing Northstar. As the name suggests, The Backyard Bar & BBQ is known for its wide selection of barbecue from the on-site smoker. Highlights include smoked brisket, venison sausage, St. Louis-style ribs, brats, burgers, and brisket nachos, all smothered in their homemade sauce. Pair your BBQ feast with a craft beer, cocktail, or wine. Their menu has a lot of other options, too, including wood-fired pizzas, veggies burgers, kids’ plates, and more. The patio is the perfect place to sit back and soak up the sun after shredding. 

Phlox Point Cabin, Timberline, Oregon 

What’s better than a ski-in, ski-out lodge? A ski-in, ski-out taco cabin on the slopes of Mt. Hood. Enter Timberline’s Phlox Point Cabin, an old-school, mid-mountain warming hut that was transformed in 2016 into a mid-run stop for skiers and riders. Serving up cocktails, tacos, and beer, the Phlox Point Cabin has everything you need for a quick bite and drink before getting back to shredding. Skiers can find the cabin on the left side of the Walt’s Baby trail, which you can get to by skiing down West Leg Road. The menu is small, mainly consisting of street-style tacos and quesadillas. They also serve Mt. Hood Brewing Company beer, tequila cocktails, and a rotating list of canned drinks. Take a load off in one of the outdoor Adirondack chairs and take in this unique experience on the slopes of Mt. Hood.  

KT-22 Base Bar, Palisades Tahoe, California 

KT-22 Base Bar, at the base of the famous KT-22 lift at Palisades Tahoe, is one of the best après-ski bars in America. Known for being a lively place on a classic bluebird day, the KT-22 Base Bar deck is the perfect place to soak up the sun between laps. Enjoy a cold beer or a hot chocolate while watching skiers traverse down this famously steep KT-22 run. Complete your viewing experience with a classic burger, fries, and a cozy seat at one of their firepits. For amazing vibes, good food and drinks, a fun patio, and great views, it doesn’t get better than KT-22 Base Bar at Palisades Tahoe.

The Outpost, Mammoth, California 

The Outpost, on the back side of Mammoth, is known for serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches paired with craft beer. Right at the base of Chair 14, it’s the perfect lunch spot to take a load off and warm up after a morning of ripping the Hemlocks. The fireplace lounge provides a cozy atmosphere, while the hearty soup, gooey grilled cheese, and crisp beer pairings will give you plenty of options to refuel before getting back to the bowls. Bonus: Ikon Pass holders save 15% on food and non-alcoholic beverages by showing their pass at checkout. Outside, you’ll find great mountain views and a spacious deck for sunbathing.  

Uley’s Cabin and Ice Bar, Crested Butte, Colorado 

Uley’s Cabin is one of the few sit-down places on our list that has more of an upscale feel to it. Located mid-mountain, at the base of Crested Butte’s Twister lift, Uley’s Cabin serves entrees that reflect Colorado cuisine, including wagyu beef burgers, creamy soups using local ingredients, and chili. For more of a quick bite, stop into the Ice Bar outside. The Ice Bar’s signature items include wagyu burgers, elk skewers, cocktails, and local craft beer in a more relaxed, outdoor setting. The outdoor bar sits on a sprawling deck with easy access back to the lifts when you’re ready to get after it again.  

Cloud Nine, Aspen Snowmass, Colorado  

Cloud Nine, known for its rowdy afternoon champagne showers and DJ party vibes at Aspen Snowmass, is without question one of the most iconic après-ski bars in America. Sitting at 11,000 feet, it’s accessible from the Cloud Nine or Loge Peak lifts, and features impeccable views of Aspen’s dramatic Maroon Bells. Formerly used as a ski patrol shack, Cloud Nine is now the place to be for a fun lunch in Aspen. Reservations are required for their 2 p.m. lunch sitting, complete with a Veuve Clicquot champagne spray, dancing in ski gear, and club music galore at the Swiss-inspired lodge. This isn’t your everyday après-ski menu though with items like caviar, steak tartare, prix fixe cheese fondue, and chocolate fondue.    

The Roundhouse, Sun Valley, Idaho  

Another great spot for a nice ski-in, ski-out meal is The Roundhouse at Sun Valley. Known as America’s original on-mountain dining experience, The Roundhouse, perched at 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain, has offered guests a panoramic break from the trails since 1939. Outside, take in the incredible mountain views on the sprawling deck. Inside, there’s a four-sided fireplace with 46 windows inside the octagonal dining room. The restaurant, open for lunch and a special weekend dinner service, can be accessed from a number of Bald Mountain ski runs or the Roundhouse Express gondola. Highlights include the fondue for two, Harriman’s croque monsieur, truffle fries, upscale burgers, lobster rolls, and more. Reservations are required.

The Bavarian, Taos, New Mexico  

Nothing says après like a true European-style cabin. Located at the bottom of Lift 4, The Bavarian at TAOS Ski Valley gives guests a charming, authentic German dining experience in the Kachina Basin. The casual lunch spot serves up German favorites like currywurst, goulash, apple strudel, bratwurst, and wiener schnitzel. Pints of German-style beer are flowing in 32-oz steins, which guests can enjoy while soaking up the sun on the outdoor deck or while warming up inside the cozy alpine lodge-style dining room. The Bavarian frequently hosts special dinners, like the Swiss Fondue dinner and prix-fixe German feasts.  

Wünderbar, Sugarbush, Vermont  

The retro-inspired Wünderbar is a fun European-inspired ski-in, ski-out ski lodge bar at Sugarbush. Enjoy a selection of German and local Vermont beers, classic cocktails like the Wünderita, or a glass of wine while taking in the great views of Sugarbush and the rolling Green Mountains beyond. For food, dive into a selection of schnitzel, German-style sandwiches, nachos, Bavarian soft pretzels, the Wünderburger, Wünder Wings, and more. Live music is also scheduled on select Saturdays during the ski season. The Wünderbar is located on the top floor of the Valley House Lodge at Lincoln Peak.

Bullwinkle’s and Garage Bar, Sugarloaf, Maine  

Bullwinkle’s, located at Sugarloaf, is another East Coast ski-in, ski-out favorite. For more of a sit-down lunch, head to Bullwinkle’s Bistro, featuring an American-style contemporary menu, while the Garage Bar is your best bet if you’re looking for lighter fare. Try the loaded waffle fries, pulled Ruben, or the all-day breakfast sandwich at Bullwinkle’s. The bar menu features bloody Marys, spiced summit cider, boozy hot chocolate, mimosas, and more. They also host a special event called Bullwinkle’s at Night, in which guests are taken to the restaurant via snowcat for a special five-course meal. Be on the lookout for tickets for this exclusive recurring event. 

Eagle’s Nest, Boyne Mountain, Michigan

The Eagle’s Nest at Boyne Mountain is a mountaintop perch with more than just a view. It’s a great stop to refuel with quick bites, cozy tables, cold beers, and handcrafted cocktails. Accessible from multiple runs—or simply by taking the Hemlock chair—you can dig into favorites like Gnarly Knots, White-Out Mac ‘n Cheese, Boyne Chili, and more while soaking in the sweeping views of the Boyne Valley. Pair your meal with a hot mulled wine, Timber Tower toddy, blood orange margarita, craft beer, or wine. The casual BBQ-style menu showcases local products from Tannery Creek Meat Market in Petoskey, Michigan. While the Midwest may not be known for its cool après-ski spots like the rest of America’s major ski destinations, the Eagle’s Nest is a one-of-a-kind destination at one of the Midwest’s best ski resorts.

Header image ©Timberline Lodge