Après Ski in WP: Pull Up a Chair and Soak Up the Sun on a Patio this Spring!
It can feel like everyone comes out of hibernation when warmer weather and longer days grace the mountains each year! Instead of curling up by the fire with a puzzle, good book, glass of wine, or cup of hot tea after a day at the mountain, enjoying après ski outside on a sunny patio brings those spring skiing vibes we've been waiting for all winter. Don't get me wrong - I love taking advantage of the mid-winter snows and prime conditions at the mountain, but there is something just magical that happens when the temperatures tick up and we turn back the clocks every spring. The lost hour of sleep is well worth the exchange for that extra hour of sunshine each day.
And my favorite places to enjoy après ski definitely factor in the sun! If you know, you know - soaking in the mountain sun on a 50 degree afternoon can feel like the Bahamas (sans waves lapping at your feet). I've put together my favorite spring après ski spots with no shortage of sunny patios.
Pronounced "ah-pray," après simply translates from French as after, referencing anything you do when you’ve finished skiing or boarding for the day. A term first made popular in the Swiss Alps in the 1950s, après ski is now ingrained in our ski culture - what you do after a day on the mountain can be almost as fun as your time on the snow, especially when spring rolls around! And while "après" is technically a descriptor, it has turned into more of a thing in local vernacular. "Where should we après?" might be just as a common as "Which run should we hit first?" Recognizing your love of the après ski culture and knowing the best places to pull up a chair can be two different things - I'm here to save you the research and point you in the right direction on your après ski adventure!
1. Deno's Mountain Bistro
Since prime afternoon sun was a deciding factor when making this list, it's easy to see why Deno's tops it. Deno's Mountain Bistro has one of the best patios for soaking in the longer days and sun rays. On the east side of Highway 40, the patio makes it easy to enjoy every last bit of light before the sun dips behind the mountains each afternoon. And we love their daily happy hour that runs from 3-5:30pm. If you're hungry, you can grab an appetizer (the Mediterranean Mezzo Platter is a favorite!) or dinner from their full menu. Right in the heart of downtown Winter Park and on The Lift bus route, Deno's is an easy (and delicious) stop on your way home from the mountain.
2. Hideaway Park Brewery
Hideaway Park Brewery is an après ski staple for most locals. Winter Park's first nano-brewery, Hideaway quickly became known for its quality beer and lively patio. Right next door to Deno's, they share that ideal afternoon sun and location! The patio is also home to Fraser Valley Hot Dog, making it easy to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy a brew on a spring afternoon. If you're in the mood for something else to eat, you can order from neighboring restaurants like Deno's or The Ditch on 40 and enjoy it on Hideaway's patio. Once you've done après Hideaway-style, it'll likely become one of your go-tos!
3. Fraser Valley Distilling
Fraser Valley Distilling has been such a welcome addition to Grand County and downtown Fraser! This family-owned distillery has world-class craft cocktails and mocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. Their patio is also on the east side of Highway 40, so you can take advantage of the afternoon sun! Fire pits and heaters also help keep you warm on those cloudy spring days. If you're getting food, we recommend the buffalo cauliflower and fried Brussels sprouts! Keep in mind - they typically have limited hours. They're currently open Wednesday - Saturday, but always double check before you head that way. And be sure to check out their all day happy hour on Wednesdays and 3-5pm happy hour the rest of the week!
4. Vicious Cycle Brewing
The Fraser Valley's newest brewery, Vicious Cycle Brewing is right off Highway 40 as you come into Fraser from Winter Park. Nestled on the edge of the Grand Park neighborhood across the highway from Safeway, it's hard to miss with the large and colorful moose mural covering the side of building. The best part of Vicious Cycle is the large patio! Even if it's not one of those balmy spring days, you can still gather around the fire pit or pull up a chair by the indoor/outdoor fireplace. On nice days, they open up the garage doors so the patio flows right into the indoor space. Hungry? They've got you covered. The Wicked Cheesy food truck is set up on the patio and open every day from 12-8pm. From classic grilled cheese to loaded fries to a warm bowl of soup, you'll find something to fill you up after a day of skiing or riding. Vicious Cycle is definitely worth an après stop this spring!
5. A-FRAME CLUB
The A-Frame Club's prime location in Old Town Winter Park makes it a go-to spots before leaving the mountain. The Saloon brings some serious old-school ski town charm - vintage TVs, cedar panels, leather furniture, and mid-century decor are hallmarks of the cozy Saloon. The best part is the heated deck, complete with a pergola and fire pits. Nestled along the Fraser River and facing the ski area, it's an ideal place to pull up a chair, soak in some sun, and take advantage of their daily happy hour (3-6pm).
DIY APRÈS: GRILL IN THE PARKING LOT!
You might be having so much fun at the mountain that you don't want to leave! If one of these après ski restaurants isn't calling your name, you might just want to pull up a (camp) chair, fire up the grill, and soak in the sunshine in the parking lot. The "C-Lot" on the Mary Jane side is a favorite spot to tailgate after a day of skiing (or in between runs). Named for its proximity to the two-chair Challenger lift, the C-Lot is known for its DIY après ski vibes. Didn't have time to pack the grill? The new shipping container restaurant, Bradley's, is adjacent to the C-Lot and has you covered with grab and go options. This lot fills up quickly, so be sure to snag a spot early and make a day of it. If you motivate early to skin up Sleeper before the lifts start turning, you'll be sure to get a prime spot!
READY TO EMBRACE THE APRÈS SKI LIFESTYLE?
Part of the beauty of the term "après ski" is that it is all-encompassing, referring to anything you do after skiing. Whether you're finding a sunny patio, taking the dog for a hike, soaking in a hot tub, or enjoying a treatment at a local spa, après ski can be enjoyed any way you choose! If making the après ski life a lifestyle instead of a vacation is on your radar, you might be ready to invest in a property in the Winter Park area. I'd love to connect, learn more about you and your ideal mountain property, and start the journey toward owning your own home here in Grand County!
Posted by Leah Bishop on
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