Venture beyond the ski runs as we dive into the realm of après-ski beyond the ordinary. In this exploration of unique post-skiing festivities, we uncover some of the most unforgettable après parties and experiences that break away from the ordinary “patio-and-chill” routine. From Mammoth Mountain’s Weekend Après Party to mountainside concerts to mid-mountain pop-up après-ski bars, there are plenty of gems to discover across the country that redefine the art of unwinding after a day on the slopes. Create memories that go beyond the thrill of the ski run with these great après-ski parties.
The Best Après-Ski Parties in America
The Weekend Après Party, Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is known for many things: Big snow (over 900 inches at the summit last year), a big mountain with more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, its Unbound Terrain Parks (among the best in the world), one of the longest seasons in the country, and an average of 300 annual days of sunshine. It’s no surprise then that Mammoth is also home to one of the best après-ski parties in North America. After an amazing day on the mountain (or a day off exploring Mammoth Lakes), look no further than the Canyon Lodge Sundeck for one of America’s best après-ski parties. The lodge’s indoor/outdoor Lincoln Bar is host to the famous event running from 2-5 p.m. every Friday and Saturday starting December 22.
The weekly party features dj WLDCT spinning tunes from an elevated gondola car, champagne showers, crowd surfing, and much more. Be sure to dress for the occasion, stay hydrated, and keep on the lookout for giveaways from the mountain’s sponsors throughout the year. Those not coming straight from the mountain can still join the fun by taking advantage of the complimentary Village Gondola, which connects The Village at Mammoth to Canyon Lodge.
The Weekend Après Party runs through April 14 and culminates with the resort’s annual pond skim. Join Mammoth’s most fearless and wild costumed skiers and snowboarders, and straight line your way across an ice cold, 100-plus foot pond before closing out the après season in style.
Subaru WinterFest, at Ski Resorts Across North America
Subaru WinterFest has made its way around North America for years, bringing an incredible concert series to major resorts from February into April. In 2024 the tour will stop at Killington and Copper Mountain in February, Eldora Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe in March, and Snowbird and Mt. Bachelor in April. Bonus: Many of these ski areas, with the exception of Sierra-at-Tahoe, are accessible on the Ikon Pass. The event has brought some pretty big names to ski resorts, including Shakey Graves, Big Gigantic, Billy Strings, the Lil Smokies, Lukas Nelson, and more. Whether you’re a bluegrass fan or you’re more into shaking your hips to house beats, Subaru WinterFest will surely provide.
The St. Regis Mountain Terrace, Deer Valley
St. Regis’s Mountain Terrace, on the border of Deer Valley Resort’s Deer Hollow run, is where you’ll find an elevated après-ski party in Park City. Inside the warming yurt, you’ll find cocktails, a club-like seating arrangement (including bottle service), and often a dj accompanied by a packed dance floor. Stick around long enough after the lifts have stopped running, and you’ll be able to catch the champagne sabering experience each night at 5:30. St. Regis brings out an actual saber, which clears the cork right off the neck of the bottle, opening up a fresh bottle of bubbly that’s poured around for the whole patio.
Tōst pop-up, Northstar California
Don’t miss one of Lake Tahoe’s most unique après-ski traditions, and the area’s only ski-up champagne experience of its kind, at Northstar California. At 2 p.m., skiers and riders clink glasses at tōst just off the East Ridge run before getting in a few more laps for the day at Northstar. Pro tip: Get in line by 1:30, especially on weekends, as this is a popular experience. Complimentary glasses of champagne (or cider) are first come, first serve. Sparkling wine is available for purchase after 2 p.m. for those who want to kick back and relax before getting in a few more runs.
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, Aspen
Aspen‘s Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series transforms the après-ski experience in Aspen Snowmass with a fun lineup of free concerts set against iconic backdrops like Snowmass Base Village, Gondola Plaza, and downtown Aspen. The concert series, from February 21 to mid-April, features midweek and weekend shows, including a lively Mardi Gras kickoff in Snowmass Base Village with a parade, Cajun food, and the sounds of Snacktime. In 2023, headlining artists featured Black Pistol Fire, Mt. Joy, and the Robert Randolph Band. The 2024 lineup will be announced here.
Complementing the town’s already lively après scene (think DJs at Ajax Tavern and exclusive concerts at Belly Up), Aspen’s Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series offers a dynamic blend of skiing and sensational music, promising unforgettable après-ski moments.
Après-Ski in the Plaza, Big Sky
Après-Ski in the Plaza takes over Mountain Village Plaza, the central base village of Big Sky, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Fridays through Sundays. Dance off the ski day with local and guest djs performing at the center of where it all happens at Big Sky. Après-Ski in the Plaza’s central location makes this a great spot to grab a bite or drink afterward at any number of nearby restaurants and bars. Grab a cocktail at the Umbrella Bar, a yurt-style pop-up in the middle of Mountain Village Plaza, or pull up a seat on the deck of Vista Hall to get a birds-eye view of the action.
Keep the party going at other great nearby après-ski spots. Montana Jack’s, Big Sky’s local taproom, is a short walk away, and hosts live music Monday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m. for visitors craving more of a jam band experience. For those craving a more elevated experience, Everett’s 8800 sits atop Andesite Mountain, where most weekends in the winter it hosts a fun après party with a dj on the deck and a curated wine menu.
November 13, 2023
