Ski · Après
Après-ski in Aspen
Where the day ends on each of the four mountains, which places need a booking, and how to get everyone home afterwards.
Where the day ends on each of the four mountains, which places need a booking, and how to get everyone home afterwards.
Aspen's classic après is Ajax Tavern, on the patio at the foot of Aspen Mountain. The most sought-after is Cloud Nine at Aspen Highlands, where a reservation is required. Each mountain has its own scene: the Merry-Go-Round at Highlands, The Cabin and Elk Camp at Snowmass, and The Backyard at Buttermilk.
Venues and details are from Aspen Snowmass's après guide, checked September 2026. Seasonal programming (DJ nights, event dates) is confirmed each December.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
At the bottom of Little Nell: truffle fries and a local draft on the patio. The place to be seen; book ahead.
A long list by the glass, intimate seating and a vinyl DJ booth. Quieter, and a step up.
At the summit, 11,212 feet: the Sundeck's fireplace and Adirondack chairs, and Eleven212's open-air cabin with live music and DJs (last season, weekends from mid-January and daily from mid-February).
In town and in Snowmass: daily specials 3–5 p.m., pizza, live music on weekend evenings. Easy with children.
A European-style cabin near the top of the Cloud Nine lift, facing the Maroon Bells: champagne parties and music. A reservation is required, and they go fast in peak weeks.
Mid-mountain and laid-back: organic food, DJs through the season and a bucket of Aperol spritzes.
At the base: wings and beer, no fuss.
Under the Village Express mid-way station: comfort food, a renovated deck, a DJ booth and a live-music stage.
On top of Sam's Knob: negroni spritz, Italian wines and antipasti. Open until 3:30 p.m., so it's an early après.
A big drinks list, indoor and outdoor seating, and celebrations through the season.
At the base lodge: heated seating, cocktails and a DJ every Saturday. Good for families after a lesson day.
At the top of the Summit and Tiehack Express, with views of Pyramid Peak; skiers only.
Holiday weeks and February weekends fill first. Book when you book the trip.
Drinks hit harder above 8,000 feet, especially in the first two days. See the first 48 hours.
Leave the car. Free buses run from every base; for later nights, a driver. See taxis and shuttles.
For a group that would rather stay in: fire lit, drinks and food ready when you walk in.
Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain is the classic; Cloud Nine at Aspen Highlands is the most sought-after (reservation required). The Wine Bar at The Little Nell is quieter.
Yes. Aspen Snowmass lists a reservation as required, and peak dates fill quickly.
The Cabin under the Village Express, Elk Camp, Sam's on Sam's Knob (open until 3:30 p.m.) and the Limelight Lounge.
Yes. The Backyard at the base lodge has heated seating, cocktails and a DJ every Saturday.
A table held at Cloud Nine or Ajax, a driver at the base, and the house warm with food ready for anyone who'd rather stay in.
Come in from the mountain to the fire lit, something warm to drink and a spread laid out: set up while you ski by our chef or caterer, from groceries already in the house.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
A therapist at the residence after travel or skiing.
Dinner at the house, menu agreed in advance.
Aspen Snowmass: après-ski guide — checked September 29, 2026.
Tell us your dates and your group. We'll handle the booking and the ride home.
Plan après