Best Bars at Ski ResortsThis time of year I’ve got the white stuff on the brain. No, no. Not the Hollywood starlet kind of white stuff—I mean snow, of course. And so I begin to convince (some might say coerce) my friends to take a big ski trip with me.
But in every group there are always a few non-skiers. These poor souls get dragged to the mountain year after year by ski bums who care more about the inches of fresh powder than the amenities. This ski season, to tempt my favorite non-skiing compatriots, I looked up the best on-the-mountain bars. These watering holes are destinations unto their own, affording unmatched alpine views and elixirs to keep you toasty, and all are accessible without skis.
Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member captain oddsocks.
If you’ve got someone you want to lure to the peaks, entice them with this list.
Best Places to Roast by the Fire
Blue Moon Restaurant & Bar at Eagle’s Nest, Vail Resort - Vail, Colorado
Hop the toasty gondola to the top of Vail Mountain and spend the day tucked in with a good book at this laidback bar. Or warm up with some spiked hot cocoa and then grab snowshoes at nearby Adventure Ridge.
Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler Blackcomb - Whistler, British Columbia
This “lift company” offers just the boost you need. With a roaring fire, live bands, a mountain-facing patio, and a singles scene, “the GLC” is the place for those who came to conquer the mountain without skis.
Gunbarrel Grill at Lakeview Lodge, Heavenly Mountain Resort - Lake Tahoe, California
The Aerial Tramway deposits you at this bar boasting fine brews and amazing lake views. And no one needs extra convincing to take advantage of the “best happy hour in Tahoe” with free chips and salsa and $1 off all drinks.
Seven Glacier’s Lounge, Alyeska Resort - Alyeska, Alaska
Take the tram up 2,300 feet and behold what Condé Nast Traveler called the best view of any U.S. ski resort. You’ll be able to spy seven "hanging" glaciers and the Chugach Mountain Range at the refined Seven Glacier’s Lounge.
Troll Hallen Lounge at Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley Resort - Park City, Utah
Looking for a little alpine peace and quiet? This serene lounge nestled around a blazing hearth is the ultimate place to unwind. Order the expertly mixed martini and don’t forget to marvel at the stunning peaks all around.
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Comments
Hi Alison,
I know powder-lovers tend to turn their noses up at the icy East, but what are some suggestions for good skiing over here?
Thanks!
Charlie
Apres ski is the whole point of skiing.
Hi Charlie,
I suppose if you insist on skiing on the East Coat (I kid! I only kid our Wrong Coast friends and family) then here are your best bets.
The Peak Bar at Sky Peak Lodge, Killington Ski Resort
There are a lot of bars at Killington but the best experience for non-skiers is probably taking the K-1 Gondola up to Sky Peak Lodge and then having a mountain-top libation. Best the best après ski scene is found at the base of the mountain at the K-1 Café in the K-1 Lodge. You can drive to this lodge.
Cliff House at Stowe Ski Resort
This restaurant and bar is for the high-rolling non-skier. Perched atop Mount Mansfield, the Cliff House dishes up not just elegant food and expertly mixed cocktails but also incredible views. For the rest of us plebeians, try Jose’s Cantina at Midway Lodge. No gondola is needed to reach this bar and I hear the margaritas are great.
The Widowmaker Lounge at Base Lodge, Sugarloaf Ski Resort
Sugarloaf is a little more difficult, as they don’t have a gondola (seriously, do they make you carry your skis up the slopes out East?!). For non-skiers your best bet is probably The Widowmaker Lounge at the top of Base Lodge, which you can drive to. But for those looking for a little me-time, beware. This bar seems to have a frat-boy, hard-partying vibe. An alternative option would be Shipyard Brew Haus inside the Sugarloaf Inn. There, you can sit by a roaring fire and enjoy local microbrews while expounding on Foucault, if that’s your sort of thing. However, it is further down the mountain so I’m not sure how the views would be.
Does anyone else have some East Coast on-the-mountain bar recommendations?