Aspen excels whether you're hitting the slopes or exploring what else the area has to offer, providing top-notch experiences at every turn. The après-ski scene caters primarily to those who aren’t easily intimidated—either physically or financially—with summit-level delicacies like caviar, along with lively musical performances, gourmet items such as truffle fries and champagne shared among celebrities, alongside premium offerings like Wagyu burgers and luxurious outdoor hot tubs on rooftops.
Across the resort's four peaks, you'll find various après ski spots suitable for both non-skiers and those still on their skis. Additionally, numerous activities await outside the slopes. While you might choose to enjoy a cold drink in a peaceful pub or visit the serene Aspen Art Museum, we suggest experiencing at least once the luxurious and energetic essence of Après-ski that defines Aspen.
For further Aspen For inspiration, check out our guides highlighting the resort's top attractions. accommodation and restaurants .
Find après-ski by type
- Bars and nightlife
- Other activities
Bars in Aspen
J-Bar, Hotel Jerome
Tracing its roots back to Aspen's silver mining era in 1889, the Hotel Jerome stands out as the city's first luxurious lodging spot. Should those historic redbrick walls have voices, they'd share tales from notable visitors such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Jack Nicholson, and Cameron Diaz. The leather-bound J-Bar, onceHunter S. Thompson's workspace, retains its original Chinoiserie Chippendale barand offers the iconic Aspen Crud cocktails which were crafted here during Prohibition times. During that period, though officially turned into a soda fountain bar, the J-Bar secretly served bourbon-infused "vanilla shakes" whenever miners asked for aCrud. Immerse yourself in this storied past and ambiance as you savor a drink and indulgein what many consider one of the finest burgers around.
Price: £
Contact: aubergeresorts.com
Eleven212
Perched atop Aspen Mountain at an altitude of 11,212 feet, Eleven212 consists of exclusive log cabins set outdoors. It features Adirondack seating surrounding a wood-fired hearth, along with a bar area and a platform for live performances. This venue caters equally to both skiing enthusiasts and those who prefer not to ski. The culinary offerings include gourmet selections like sparkling wine, petite Wagyu beef burgers, seafood rolls, and chilled mixed beverages—though portions may be modest. Operating on select days such as Fridays, Saturdays, and certain Sundays between noon and three o'clock PM, reservations are essential due to capacity constraints. You can secure your spot via reserving a seat priced at $150 (£119 inclusive of two libations) or opt for more privacy within one of their cozy cabins costing $100 (£79 each) which includes either a single flute of bubbly or a compact bottle of tequila.
Price: ££
Contact: aspencollection.com
Ajax Tavern
To enjoy an upscale après-ski experience in Aspen, make your way downhill from Eleven212 to Ajax Tavern located within The Little Nell resort. This popular spot features a bustling patio where you can soak up the late-day sunlight right next to the slopes. It's the perfect venue to show off your high-end ski attire; Ajax Tavern gained recognition not only for its gourmet offerings like truffle fries and premium imported seafood platters but also for its wagyu beef burgers and craft brews made nearby. As evening falls, partygoers often migrate inside or gather around the heated Wine Bar with views of The Little Nell’s outdoor jacuzzis. Inside this cozy space, plush bar seats and rockable armchairs invite relaxation as a local disc jockey plays classic records. Patrons here might sample handcrafted cocktails or try drinking from a traditional Spanish porrón filled with fine wines shared among friends.
Price: £££
Contact: thelittlenell.com
W Aspen
At The W Aspen, the cool factor remains high for this prominent hotel chain favored by fashion-forward youth. Although not directly skiable, it's just steps away from the foot of Aspen Mountain. Its 39 Degrees eatery and bar—both indoors and outdoors—is a favorite spot post-skiing among wealthy young adults. On the top floor, the WET Deck heats up with its heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, complemented by surrounding fire pits offering breathtaking panoramas of the Rocky Mountains. Guests at The W have the convenience of ordering drinks right from the slopes using the hotel’s specialized application.
Price: £££
Contact: marriott.com
Highlands Ale House
For many years, Aspen Highlands has been known as the "local" mountain. It remained under private ownership until 2000, making it the final addition among Aspen’s four peaks, and this history lends it an air of rebellious charm. Prior to the year 2000, the base area consisted solely of one A-frame structure, a parking lot, and the temporary Thunderbowl Café. Now, the Highlands Ale House occupies that same location right below the ski runs. This establishment captures the essence of classic Highland style through vintage skis displayed against bare brick walls alongside sepia-toned photographs depicting pioneering skiers who once enjoyed the Highlands Bowl. An expansive outdoor seating area extends over the snowy landscape, hosting live musical performances during weekend evenings. With sixteen different types of beer available on draft, along with hearty American cuisine such as hand-pulled pizzas, nachos, chili, and macaroni and cheese being served daily between 11 AM and 8 PM, guests can fully immerse themselves in this nostalgic atmosphere.
Price: ££
Contact: highlandsalehouse.com
The Cabin
Nestled on Snowmass Mountain, the Timber Chalet (previously known as Lynn Britt Cabin) has been thoughtfully renovated into a cozy retreat where you can savor lengthy, French-style meals featuring homemade pâté, baked camembert, and chicken cooked with wild mushroom ragout. This charming place is equally perfect for enjoying sunny après-ski sessions beginning at 2:30 PM from Thursdays through Sundays. Those who aren’t hitting the slopes can still partake in the festivities by walking downhill from the Coney Express lift to indulge in a whiskey-infused Colorado Coffee cocktail or a blood-orange margarita while soaking up live tunes on the expansive deck. For those seeking a more exclusive experience under the stars, reservations allow access to evening dining served fireside via snowcat transport uphill.
Price: £££
Contact: aspensnowmass.com
Aspen Art Museum
Aspen boasts the largest collection of art galleries among all ski towns globally, along with a prominent art museum. Established in 1976, this institution was founded by local artists and operates solely as an exhibition venue without maintaining a permanent collection. Since 2014, it has resided in a modern, eye-catching facility. Besides showcasing works from renowned artists, the Aspen Art Museum also features hands-on workshops, a gift shop, and the popular Rooftop Swedish Hill Café. This café offers wines, beers, cocktails, pastries, salads, and sandwiches and remains open until 5 pm daily except Monday, allowing visitors to seamlessly integrate culture with after-ski activities.
Price: ££
Contact: swedishhillaspen.com
The Snow Lodge
Located in the St Regis hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Snow Lodge is the winter outpost of the iconic Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York, beloved by Leonardo di Caprio, Taylor Swift and Khloe Kardashian. The Snow Lodge comprises the Après-Ski Courtyard, Jade Room Lounge and Supper Club, of which The Courtyard is the most accessible, with outdoor dancing, DJs and bands (advance purchase tickets are required). Designed together with big name art galleries and designers, the Supper Club serves exquisite Tuscan food with live music while the bijou tented (and very green) Jade Room is all about caviar, champagne and intimate music performances. Table reservations are essential.
Price: £££
Contact: thesnowlodge.com
Belly Up
Aspen rarely does things by halves, so it goes without saying that its leading nightclub, Belly Up, has been listed amongst the best clubs in America by Rolling Stone Magazine. Set at the foot of Aspen Mountain, the 450-guest club has hosted the likes of The Killers, BB King, John Legend and countless more, including comedians such as Adam Sandler. This winter’s line-up alone includes Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, KT Tunstall and Paul Oakenfold. Unsurprisingly, big-name concerts sell out quickly, making advance booking essential, but you can often buy tickets at the door for lesser-known artists. It is also worth noting that the minimum age for unaccompanied entry is 18, and 21 for alcohol consumption, with ID required for both.
Price: ££
Contact: bellyupaspen.com
Other activities
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
The non-profit Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a tranquil gem hidden away from the bustle of Aspen in a leafy space on the shores of Hallam Lake, a 15-minute stroll from the heart of town. Dating to 1968, the organisation is dedicated to educating people of all ages in ecological literacy, sustainability, forest and ecosystem health through engaging programs like guided snowshoe hikes, naturalist-led ski tours, forest bathing and birdwatching. Pop by the Hallam Lake ACES, borrow some binoculars and take a half-mile walking trail around the nature preserve, spotting deer, elk, coyotes, beavers, songbirds and golden eagles as you stroll.
Price: Free
Contact: aspennature.org
Snowshoe to Ashcroft
This 3.5-mile long led snowshoe journey takes you through Aspen’s past when it was known for having one of the largest silver mines in America. Guided by an experienced ACES naturalist, participants will traverse Aspen forests and untouched snowy landscapes beneath the peaks of the Elk Mountain range until reaching the abandoned mining settlement of Ashcroft before returning. While walking across this scenic path, guides provide insights into spotting native animals and impart wisdom about regional geography, historical events, avalanche risks, and environmental science. This approximately 4.5-hour excursion features a delicious gourmet meal served at the cozy Pine Creek Cookhouse. Departures occur every day at 10 am from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center; advance booking is necessary.
Price: £££
Contact: aspennature.org
Wheeler Opera House
Located in the center of town, the Wheeler Opera House is a grand sandstone structure dating back to the 1890s. It has predominantly functioned as an opera house throughout most of its history. As a prominent landmark in Aspen, the building underwent significant renovations during the 1980s and continues to be a dynamic cultural hub today. Notable figures like honorary Aspenite John Denver have graced this venue often, along with actress Kate Hudson making her debut here. Enjoy shows ranging from various musical acts to comedic routines and theater productions from the historic box seats. Afterward, enhance your experience with meals and beverages at the Aspen Public House inside the Opera House, which operates daily between 4 PM and 10 PM. publichouseaspen.com ).
Price: ££
Contact: wheeleroperahouse.com
How we choose
Each establishment, event, or experience listed here has been carefully selected by our seasoned ski expert, who personally explored the resort to offer you an exclusive viewpoint. Our selection spans various budgets and preferences, ranging from laid-back mountain pubs to sophisticated cocktail lounges—tailored to cater to all kinds of skiers. In crafting these suggestions, we take into account not only beverages but also ambiance and cost.
For those seeking alternatives to classic après-ski fun, we’ve included options suitable for both family outings and high-octane adventures off the slopes during wintertime. To ensure relevance, we continuously refresh this compilation to include new arrivals and maintain current guidance.
Meet our expert
Ever since she learned to ski at age two, Gabriella Le Breton has resided in Switzerland, Austria, and Colorado, dedicating the past twenty years of her life to penning about her deepest love.
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