Aspen is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. This iconic ski town is definitely one to visit. The skiing offers one of the biggest winter playgrounds in North America, with 4 mountains to ski all on a single ski pass and all connected by regular free skier shuttles. With over 5,000 acres of skiing to explore, the biggest decision you’ll have each day is which mountain to ski.
When it comes to the apres scene, Aspen has it all. With over 100 bars and restaurants and some of the best live music venues in the mountains this is a genuine ski town that has some of the best apres-ski in the USA.
With so much on offer, here’s our top recommendations on where to go to get the most mountain merriment out of your Aspen ski holiday.
Apres at Ajax Tavern
No guide to Aspen’s apres would be complete without mentioning the legendary Ajax Tavern. This sun drenched patio has a prime slopeside location at the foot of Aspen Mountain. This is one of Aspen’s most lively apres spots and is a firm favourite with both locals and visitors. It’s part of the Little Nell, one of Aspen’s best hotels and the closest slopeside accommodation in town. It’s easy to spot – you can see the mountainside patio from halfway up the mountain. With the best base area location and some of the best casual dining from lunch through to dinner, there’s no better place to hit up happy hour in Aspen.
Elk Camp – Snowmass
Elk Camp is Snowmass’ signature restaurant located on the mountain at the top of the Elk Camp gondola. Every Friday night during the peak of the season, the resort has an ‘Ullr night celebration’ to honour the Norse God of Snow! This is a great family night out that the kids will enjoy. You can take part in a range of winter activities including tubing and snow bike tours. There’s live music, fire dancers and of course an a la carte culinary celebration. The on snow family friendly party also includes the obligatory hot chocolate and s’mores (chocolate and marshmallow treats) next to the bonfire!
Cloud 9 at Highlands
Cloud 9 at Aspen Highlands is the place to go if you’re looking to try out your ‘dance on the table in ski boots technique’ This chalet style restaurant has become an Aspen legend for throwing the wildest on-mountain lunches! Expect loud music, spontaneous partying, plenty of champagne bottles being popped, boisterous revellers, dancing on the sun drenched patio and a great swiss inspired menu. If you’re looking for a fun filled long lunch at 10,000ft, then this will be the highlight of your Aspen holiday. Don’t use up all your energy dancing on the tables though – you’ll still have to ski down after all that merriment.
The Red Onion
If you’re looking to soak up some of Aspen’s history, head to the Red Onion – the oldest restaurant in Aspen. Located in a historic red brick building on East Cooper Avenue, which dates back to the silver mining boom in the late 19th Century, The Red Onion has been a popular watering hole since 1892! This historic saloon has some seriously cool features including the original bar and a display of historical photos that show the early days of Aspen. These days this iconic restaurant is popular with locals, instructors and visitors enjoying the affordable bar menu and range of local microbrews.
The Belly Up
When you want to make a night of it and take in some live music, head to Belly Up on South Galena Street. Belly Up is Aspen’s premier live music venue and bar and is the place to go to catch a concert when you’re in town. The venue has a state of the art sound system and hosts around 300 concerts and events from world class dj’s and artists every year. Previous acts that have graced the stage have included Lauryn Hill, Boz Scaggs, Chris Isaak, Martin Garrix, Above & Beyond and Pete Tong to name just a few. When you’re heading to Aspen be sure to check out the schedule for the venue to book your tickets for a memorable night.
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