For many skiers and riders, après-ski is often as important and fun as the skiing and riding itself. While there are so many après-ski options to choose from, there’s not a more classic and unique way to après-ski than by rolling into a local dive bar. A fancy cocktail, plush seating, and nice ambiance have their place, but there’s just something about a sticky floor, cheap beer, and walls adorned with crooked frames and ski paraphernalia. So if you’re a dive bar enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with our list of some of the best ski town dive bars across the United States.
America’s Best Dive Bars in Ski Towns
The Last Dollar Saloon, Telluride, Colorado
The Last Dollar Saloon, located in a historic building from the late-1800s, was named the no. 1 “Best Skier Dive Bar in the World” by SnowBrains. Right in the heart of downtown Telluride, this historic local favorite has been serving up dive bar classics since 1978, featuring a selection of beer on draft, pint-sized cocktails, and an atmosphere that’s unique to Telluride. The Last Dollar Saloon is an institution, and should be at the top of your list on a ski trip to Telluride. On a warm, sunny day, don’t miss The Last Dollar Saloon’s rooftop.
The Motherloaded Tavern, Breckenridge, Colorado
As The Motherloaded Tavern shares on its website, their guests are part of the family, which is something you won’t hear from just any dive bar. But this isn’t just any dive, especially with menu items like its variety of mac and cheese offerings, including the meatloaf mac and fried chicken mac. Save room for the Indoor S’mores, which comes with your own personal Hibachi for making s’mores at your table. The Motherloaded Tavern’s expansive drink menu is headlined by its house-infused spirits, including peach pecan pie bourbon, raspberry tequila, and dill pickle vodka. It also plays host to fun events throughout the week, including trivia, karaoke, and live music.
Breckenridge is home to a number of other great dives, including HD Tavern, known for its specialty hot dogs and sausages, and The Gold Pan Saloon, which is one of Colorado’s oldest bars.
The Mangy Moose, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
No list of the top après-ski bars is complete without the iconic Mangy Moose in Teton Village. Opening in 1967, it’s been serving skiers, travelers, and locals alike with a fun alpine atmosphere ever since. The Mangy Moose is a bit more spacious and cozy than your token dive bar, yet it’s still worth highlighting, if for nothing else than its great live music scene, having welcomed such big names like Kris Kristopherson and Hozier. While it’s undergone multiple building and ownership transformations since opening, The Moose has remained true to its Wyoming spirit. Described as “America’s Most Unusual Steakhouse,” it’s a must-stop on a Jackson Hole trip.
While you’re in Jackson, don’t miss the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, an ode to the West with horse saddles for bar seats and a lively music scene.
The Slot Bar, Palisades Tahoe, California
Small but mighty, The Slot Bar is a sneaky local bar located in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Ski paraphernalia-covered walls, an affinity for PBR, and cramped seating characterize this Palisades Tahoe hole-in-the-wall. Grab a beer and admire the walls of old skis, catch a classic ski movie on the TV, or line up at the bar with your friends for a shot-ski. The Slot is truly a gem among a sea of great bars in North Lake Tahoe. Note that food isn’t served at The Slot Bar, making it a good aprés-ski option before grabbing dinner. Arrive early though if you want to grab a coveted bar seat.
Tourist Club, Truckee, California
The Tourist Club, aka T-Club, has been operating as a dive bar saloon in downtown Truckee for nearly 80 years. Located just 10 minutes from Northstar California Resort, the Tourist Club attracts a mix of diehard locals and tourists looking for a place with character and cold, cheap beer. Unwind with a game of pool after a day on the slopes, or enjoy any number of their weekly events like themed parties, live music, and karaoke nights. Afterward, walk just a few steps down to the Pastime Club, which is Truckee’s oldest bar, and yet another great dive.
M&J Tavern, Bend, Oregon
M&J Tavern, located in the heart of downtown Bend, has been the “locals joint” since 1946. Originally serving loggers and railroaders, the tavern, which is known for cheap beer, live music, and good food, is full of skiers, tourists, and Oregon natives on any given night. M&J Tavern has a popular chili selection, more than 30 beers, 200-plus bottles of tequila, and much more. Don’t miss the roasted chicken, which is considered one of its signature dishes. M&J Tavern hosts tons of events every month, including industry nights, karaoke, open mic nights, all you can eat peanuts, and pool nights. Take a drive into Bend after a day of shredding Mt. Bachelor and experience this classic dive for yourself.
Grumpy’s, Ketchum, Idaho
Grumpy’s is located just five minutes down the road from America’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley. Ketchum’s iconic burger spot is known for its no-frills menu and atmosphere, where old license pates and beer cans line the walls. Grumpy’s menu features classic items like hot dogs, chili cheese fries, wings, and of course their famous burger. Yet those who are vegan or vegetarian have plenty of options too, with items like the Beyond Burger.
Grumpy’s has been boasting the best burgers in town for nearly 40 years, after opening its doors around Cinco de Mayo in 1978. While there are a lot of places called Grumpy’s across the U.S., the one in Ketchum is the original. This laid-back burger spot is the perfect après location for locals, tourists and everyone in between.
Great Northern Bar and Grill, Whitefish, Montana
Walls adorned with old business signs, red leather bar stools, and a polished old wood bar give the Great Northern Bar and Grill in Whitefish its classic western dive bar vibe. The bar gets its name from the Great Northern Railway. The construction of it was responsible for putting the town of Whitefish and the tavern on the map in the early 1900s. The signs that pepper the walls are all from shuttered local establishments, helping give the Great Northern Bar its “Foreclosure Museum” nickname. Great Northern has live music Thursday to Saturday, while sports fans can belly up to the bar any night of the week to watch their favorite team play.
If that’s not enough, there’s also pool, shuffleboard, ping pong, an array of classic arcade games, and a wide selection of craft beers on tap (29 taps all total). Great Northern is the perfect après-ski bar after a day of lapping Whitefish Mountain.
The Snorting Elk, Crystal Mountain, Washington
The Snorting Elk, which we named one of the best aprés-ski bars in America, has been a Crystal Mountain staple and a pillar of the Pacific Northwest ski scene since 1965. Austrian-inspired, and featuring an extensive beer list, The Snorting Elk is the perfect place to wind down after a day on the mountain. It also hosts a number of unique, fun events throughout the ski season, including the Northwest Avalanche Center Benefit, a 70s-themed Polyesta Fiesta, Amateur Ski and Snowboard Film Night, and a weekly locals night on Wednesdays. It’s no wonder why The Snorting Elk is continuously recognized as one of the best ski bars in America. Grab a beer and cozy up by the fire at The Snorting Elk.
No Name Saloon, Park City, Utah
Affectionately known as “The Bar that made Park City famous,” No Name Saloon is conveniently located right on the main drag of Park City. Guests can hop from room to room as they take in the glory of this one-of-a-kind Park City dive bar. Hang out in the original Main Room for a taste of the saloon’s history, or head up to the year-round heated patio for some people-watching down on Main Street. Hang a right on your way up the stairs to The Loft, where you can grab a seat at the bar made of an upcycled basketball court. No Name Saloon even has a place where the entire family can gather, located next door at the Annex Burger. May we suggest pairing No Name Saloon’s famous buffalo burger with a Utah craft beer.
Becks Tavern, Gore Mountain, New York
Some of the most unique aprés-ski experiences are in the most unlikely places, and Becks Tavern, at Gore Mountain, is no exception. The Gore Mountain dive bar serves up German-inspired food with a few American favorites. However, what’s most unique is the yurt bar that plays host to live music. Indulge in traditional German goulash, schnitzel, and sausages paired with local and German beer while taking in the sounds of local musicians. Bonus: Becks is located right next to Gore Mountain Lodge, making it easy to walk back to your accommodations after a night of great food, drinks, and live music.
The Bag and Kettle, Sugarloaf, Maine
We named The Bag and Kettle one of the best aprés-ski bars in America. And it’s for good reason. The Bag, located right at the base of Sugarloaf, is a 50-year-old East Coast institution, known for its famous bag burger, a huge burger that’ll make your eyes widen. Other faves include curly fries, locally-brewed beer, and wood-fired pizza. This sticky-floored, wood-paneled bar is the perfect end to a day of shredding above treeline in the Carabasset Valley powder. If it’s a classic dive with cheap bear and greasy burgers that you’re after, then look no further. Check The Bag and Kettle’s website for their live music schedule.
Lookout Tavern, Killington, Vermont
The Lookout Tavern should be your first stop off the mountain at Killington Resort. Located by the Snowshed upper parking lot, the building used to be the original resort lodge in 1958. Over the years, the space was host to 13 different restaurants — including a short-lived gentlemen’s club — before finding its stride with the Lookout Tavern. The Killington bar is known for its casual, laid-back vibe, with the staff feeling akin to family. It boasts one of Vermont’s only rooftop patios, with 60 seats and stunning views of the Killington basin. Happy hour happens every day from 3-5 p.m., when you can try their award-winning wings for just $5 and enjoy $1 off select draft beers.
Tom’s Loft, Okemo, Vermont
Tom’s Loft was long known for its owner, Tom Koch, the self-proclaimed “grumpy owner.” In fact there was even the type of sign that you’d except from a dive, located on the side of the building, which read, “Warm beer, lousy food, grumpy owner.” Tom sold it in 2022 to three employees and restaurant veterans who are carrying the tradition of this great dive bar on. Located right at the base of Okemo Resort, Tom’s Loft serves up traditional après-ski comfort food like its award-winning wings, poutine fries, and nachos. While Tom’s Loft doesn’t have a website, you won’t miss this iconic dive bar that’s mere steps from the lifts. Just follow the crowd and belly up alongside locals and visitors alike for a quintessential Vermont aprés-ski experience. The beer is cold, the food is great, and the vibes are all-time.
Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern, Stowe, Vermont
Part sports bar, part dive, part pool hall, Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern has a little bit of everything. It’s a classic Vermont dive bar to unwind at after a day of ripping up the Front Four at Stowe. Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern serves up traditional bar food, including wings, nachos, and burgers, in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Post-dinner, challenge your family to a game of pool, or enjoy one of their arcade games. There’s often live music, which you can see the schedule of on their website. On a warm, sunny day, get there early to snag a table on their patio.
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