At Sunski, we are all about adventure. However, the fun at the end of said adventure is what truly makes it all worth it. The satisfaction of saying you did the thing, then kicking back basking in the sun with buddies and having a drink, now that’s the real fun. Enter après ski.
Come with us on a journey around the world to find the top 5 best ski resorts for après ski:
Hemsedal - Norway
Just your average après afternoon at Skistua | Photo by Hemsedal Ski Resort
Kicking off our list comes in as a recommendation from our very own Head of Design, Sindre. As a Norway native, we trust his opinions. Featuring some of the best skiing in Norway, Hemsedal also has some pretty epic options for après: from basking at an outdoor dance party at Skistua Restaurant & Afterski to escaping the cold at Stavkroa for a DJ set after the sun goes down. For ultimate European après ski energy, Hemsedal is your one stop shop.
Palisades - North Lake Tahoe, California
Cheers to some good ole' après basking at The Chammy | Photo by Palisades Tahoe
Right in Sunski HQ’s backyard is Palisades in North Lake Tahoe. Located in the Olympic Valley, Palisades has access to the Olympic Village which gives you a wide variety of outdoor après options perfect for basking in the California sun. Feeling like just grabbing a couple beers and taking in the views of the mountains? Head over to Le Chamois or "The Chammy". Not in the mood to drink and just need a little pick me up? CoffeeBar is perfect for you. If the bluebird day is hitting just right, venture to the High Camp Pool & Hot Tub where you can take a soak and let the dogs breathe after a long day on the mountains. Soak up the California sun with a little après basking.
Whistler - BC, Canada
Always a good time at Longhorn Saloon | Photo by Gibbons Whistler
The sun is shining, the lifts are running and the music is pumping. Longhorn Saloon sits just at the base of the Blackcomb runs at Whistler where you can dance the afternoon and night away. Does après get any better? Maybe you want a more scenic view of this beautiful ski resort. Take the gondola up to the Roundhouse that features 360-views of the mountain. Either way you’re in for some great post ski (or snowboard) vibes.
St Anton - Tyrol, Austria
Bask in the fun of an après drink at Moosewirt | Photo by Moosewirt
Known for some of the best après ski in Europe, St Anton had to make our list. With classic mountain bars like Krazy Kanguruh and MooserWirt with live music, table dancing and endless supply of beer, this ski resort doesn’t stop there. A short run down from these legendary spots lies a truly epic way to end your day: Basecamp. With a resident DJ, live music and a live saxophone player, this is a spot for skiers and non-skiers alike to experience true après ski.
Breckenridge Ski Resort - Breckenridge, CO
Sit back, relax and soak up the sun at Breck | Photo by Breckenridge Ski Resort
We could not make a list of top ski resorts for après without talking about the Rockies. With some tough local competition, we think Breckenridge is the spot to visit. In a state with 300+ days of sunshine it is the perfect place to squeeze in basking during the cold months. Several outdoor patios and decks take over Breckenridge Village. Grab your sunnies, order yourself a Breckenridge Brewing beer, sit back and relax.
Honorable mention: Japan for après ski onsen hot springs
One of 13 different onsen that Nozawa Onsen Resort has to offer | Photo from Nozawa Onsen Resort
While we couldn’t pick just one resort in Japan to highlight, we thought that Japanese après deserved some kudos. Just near some of the biggest ski spots, like Nozawa Onsen, are onsen hot springs where people can go after a long day on the mountains to unwind.
No matter where you are around the world, après ski is a tradition that everyone partakes in. As spring ski approaches and bluebird days become more frequent, explore and find your favorite place to après bask and share it with your people. Happy skiing.
Meet the Author
Delaney is a California native turned Colorado adventurer, who finds boundless joy in the great outdoors. From the beach to the mountains she likes to spend time outside in whatever capacity she can. As Web Operator at Sunski, Delaney loves to geek out on e-commerce and ensure that others can experience the beauty of the world through Sunski's digital presence.
