12 best après-ski bars in Utah
Just as a PB&J tastes much better on a mountain peak than the office cafeteria, that first sudsy sip after the end of a ski day is near unbeatable. The same goes for a wine, or cocktail of your choice, when it’s been earned from a day on the slopes.
Apres ski, (French for “after skiing”) is akin to the 19th hole of golf for skiers, as the only proper finish to the day’s activities. It should go without saying, but, here it is anyway: don’t drink and drive. Even one “Utah beer” at high altitude is enough to put you over the limit for DUI or much worse. Keep it real, but keep it safe. Ok, the lawyers should be happy with that – here are my favorite stops across the Wasatch:
1. Owl Bar – Sundance
Matt Morgan
Nestled high in Provo Canyon, Sundance delivers on scenic beauty, quaint lift rides and an experience that is as much luxe as it is throwback. Take for example the Owl Bar, which features a bar Butch Cassidy himself bellied up to in its original location of Thermopolis, WY, with bullet holes in the back of the bar to prove it. The bar and bar-back were moved to sundance from Wyoming. Cap off a day amidst movie photos from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, which resort owner Robert Redford starred in. Don’t miss the Chicken and Waffles from the Foundry Grill, either.
http://www.sundanceresort.com/restaurants-en.html
2. Sitzmark – Alta
Hotel bars usually lack much identity, as to appeal to a wide range of travelers and serve a simple purpose, and therefore are uninteresting and uninspired. At the Alta Lodge, however, everyone is here to ski the classic slopes of Alta from the front door of its most classic ski lodge. Down, then up several flights of stairs you’ll find the Sitz, and identity is what they do best. Even with a remodel, it has maintained tradition like only the AL can. Not only will you rub elbows with hotel guests, but local pro skiers; some of whom may be serving up your drinks. Order the “Party Marg” and grab a comfy seat. You never know when the road may close “forcing” you to spend the night.
http://www.altalodge.com/about/index.php?parent=2&subnav=340
3. Peruvian – Alta
The only resort to show up twice on this list is Alta. And for good reason. Referred to as the P-Dog by locals, this is the quintessential Alta locals bar. Live music, free popcorn and views of the Wildcat area, plus a huge fireplace are obvious reasons why. I’ve even seen a few snowboard-boot wearing expats from snowbird sneak up here for a vibe as unique as the patrons.
http://www.altaperuvian.com/
4. Tram Club – Snowbird
Speaking of Snowbird: five dollar beer and shot specials, all day, every day is more than enough to make the Tram Club quite a popular choice after a day of tram laps. For me, that’s usually about three laps (that is almost 10k vert, you know). Fine with me, as football games on weekends are on a dozen large screens. Watching the gears of the tram spin usually urge me to go take another run or three. Or maybe it was the one or three five dollar specials?
http://www.snowbird.com/dining/tram-club/
5. Molly Green’s – Brighton
If any bar in Utah reminds me of the watering holes my uncle would momentarily disappear into in ski lodges back east for a few minutes after skiing, while us kids warmed up with soups and hot cocoa, it’s absolutely Molly’s. Brighton has a friendly and family feel on the slopes, in the parking lots and lodges – a feeling extends into Molly’s. You’ll feel like a local instantly here, and in case you don’t – order a pitcher of PBR and a plate of nachos. Welcome to the club.
http://www.brightonresort.com/services/dining/
6. Thirsty Squirrel – Solitude
Michael Brown – Solitude, UT
The first year I worked at Solitude the bar had T-shirts printed with the phrase “Where the nuts hang out”. They sold out in a less than a day – mostly to the ski patrollers, who frequent this village hangout after a day of avalanche control. Buy ‘em a beer if you want to know where to find fresh tracks tomorrow, they’ll happily oblige.
http://www.skisolitude.com/dining/thirsty_squirrel.php
7. Cinnabar – Snowbasin
I almost don’t want to share this spot with you. Snowbasin is my favorite secret mountain – it’s not nearly as far as you think it is from SLC. The Cinnabar, is the secret within a secret, if that’s even a thing. I was skiing the ‘basin last year and headed back to the car for my other favorite bar (the tailgate) and saw a great band was playing at Cinegrill, so we popped in. Live music, happy hour priced sliders, comfy seats, excellent service – essentially the snowbasin experience in a nutshell, err cocktail glass. I’ll only blame myself if it’s crowded with you, dear readers, next time.
https://www.snowbasin.com/dining/cinnabar/
8. Umbrella Bar – Canyons
A photo posted by Derek Springer (@derekspringer) on
Since Talisker, then Vail, took over operating the base area at Canyons several upgrades were immediately noticeable: the Umbrella Bar being one. Think of a metal roofed yurt, but with glass sides to let the alpenglow flood in. At the end of a day after hot laps on the Orange Bubble, the Umbrella Bar is one of the more unique apres structures I’ve cheers’ed a few pints in.
http://www.canyonsresort.com/activities/dining.aspx
9. St. Regis – Deer Valley
Who is ready for an après Bloody Mary? pic.twitter.com/rpPgvwShaR
— St Regis Deer Valley (@StRegisDV) March 20, 2013
Oh man, Deer Valley days are full of choices: which of the hundreds of soft gromer to ski? Do we eat at the Montage Skiers Buffet for lunch or Royal Street? Seafood Buffet or Fireside Dining for dinner? None of these have wrong answers, which is quite the conundrum for someone who enjoys eating and imbibing almost as much as skiing. Apres ski drinks are another choice where you have plenty of options – each as thirst-quenching as the next. Taking the funicular (train-like lift) up to the St. Regis to check out the champagne torch, followed by cocktails at the St. Regis bar is usually far too tempting.
http://www.stregisdeervalley.com/
10. High West – PCMR
How many ski resorts can ski down a mile-long groomer, and wind up at a ski-in, ski-out whiskey distillery? (Thinking… Still Thinking…) Yeah, one, and it’s Park City Mountain Resort. Skiing off the edge of the resort with your tips pointed towards Main Street is euphoric and unique unto itself, but sipping on a cask-aged Manhattan is true euphoria. Buy a bottle to go in the gift shop for the hot tub session later. You’ll be the group hero.
http://www.highwest.com/
11. Tailgate – everywhere
Sometimes, simplicity and convenience is best. Whether it’s after a mountain bike ride in summer or a day of backcountry skiing, popping a few cold ones at the tailgate in the waning sunlight can’t be beat. Surrounded by buddies, some furry with four legs, is the proper way to end a day of adventures in the hills. Friends who remember to bring a grill are ones you’ll want to keep around for years.
12. Hog Wallow – SLC
Maybe you’re staying at a hotel in SLC and want a shorter drive after a couple rounds or perhaps want to meet up with friends who were stuck in the office in a day you may or may not have called in sick on, the Hogs is the place. Located at the bottom of Big Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll find a mix of office workers, salty old men and ski bums. And everyone gets along. Pass by the Porcupine’s average food, long lines and limited beer selection and belly up at the Hogs. They say it’s the neighborhood bar you’d leave your neighborhood for – and you should.
http://www.thehogwallow.com/
See you on the slopes, and in the pubs. Cheers!
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