After a winter of bundling up and piling on the layers, even when the sun is bright and shining, it's tough for a skier to complain about warmer temperatures, a steady stream of blue bird days and slushy snow that skis almost like powder that usher in spring. Perhaps one of the best reasons to love spring skiing is the outdoor action, specifically after the slopes close for the day. You know it better as the après ski scene, which gets even better come spring because you can soak up the sun without freezing your rear off.
Vail Resorts recently compiled a list of their top après ski bars, decks and hot spots at six of their resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Northstar California. Have a beer, grab a snack, listen to music or catch some rays at these après spots when you're ready to quit skiing for the day:
- Unbuckle at Tamarack, Heavenly. New this season at Heavenly in the Lake Tahoe area, this party located inside the Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola has quickly become a favorite hangout. Unbuckle at Tamarack happens on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and offers a live DJ, go-go dancers, the EpicMix Chix dancers, half-priced drinks and food specials.
- The Last Lift Bar, Keystone. Located in the Mountain House at the base of the Peru lift, the Last Lift Bar caters to those who want to soak up the late afternoon's sun with a beer in hand and live music pumping. It's been a favorite among Keystone skiers for years and features a superb patio, beer specials, and mouth-watering appetizers like their buffalo wings.
- Tavern on the Square, Vail. You can't miss this deck if you're exiting the mountain at Lionshead. Tavern on the Square, located in The Arrabelle, sits just steps from the snow and features the southern exposure many crave to whisk away the goggle tans they've collected during the day. This spot is also perfect for people watching. But if you're strictly there to refuel, you won't want to miss the Tavern waffle fries with Maytag blue cheese, bacon, tomato and green onions, the grilled elk lettuce wraps, the regional brews, or cocktails like the bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary.
- The T-Bar, Breckenridge. The newest and hottest après ski bar in Breckenridge, The T-Bar is located slope-side at the base of Peak 8, adjacent to One Ski Hill Place. You can enjoy your favorite beverages and ski food specials while soaking up the views--and sun--on the ski slope patio. And when you're done, or you've stayed until last call, you can get a free ride back to town on the BreckConnect Gondola, located right outside the T-Bar.
- Broken Arrow, Beaver Creek. The popular Broken Arrow deck offers après fun and live music in the warm Colorado sunshine. Local live bands entertain skiers and riders from 3-5 p.m. like Frogs Gone Fishing on March 24, The Sessh on March 31 and The Laughing Bones on April 1. And you don't want to miss their famous Blinky burgers.
- Cabana Bar, Northstar California. Skiers and riders can soak up the California sun while sipping on a “Dirty Snowman,” one of the Cabana Bar’s signature cocktails, and relaxing around one of the fire pits that surround the resort’s popular outdoor skating rink. The Cabana Bar is also twhere you can pick up a s’mores kit to make your own s'mores at Northstar Village’s fire pit. Yum!
Where are some of your favorite apres spots? How do you like to unwind after skiing all day?
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