When it comes to Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado, the resort has a little something for everyone. Don't get me wrong, Beaver Creek definitely puts the shi in shi-shi. After all, they do have escalators instead of stairs in the village (not going to lie, I kind of like that) and pretty high-end accommodations like The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch. However, Beaver Creek is more than just a whole lot of "bouge" and has much to offer for all.
Beaver Creek Resort Offers a Little Something for All
Right down the road from its popular neighbor, Vail, Beaver Creek Resort is often less crowded and offers an atmosphere that is a bit more family-friendly. Resort employees hand out freshly baked cookies on a silver platter daily. The delicious cookies are welcomed by all and are a nice end-of-the-day complement to skiing the mostly beginner and intermediate terrain in the Arrowhead and Bachelor Gulch areas of the resort. Meanwhile, as children nosh on cookies, adults who prefer advanced terrain can earn their après shredding some seriously steep and challenging trails off the Birds of Prey and Grouse lifts.
No matter what area of Beaver Creek Resort you decide to ski, you'll find that, by the end of the day, your body will be craving some much-needed post-ski sustenance. The après ski at Beaver Creek is a bit more laid back than at other resorts. In fact, in many ways, it mirrors the overall feel of the resort. That is to say that après ski at Beaver Creek has plenty to offer everyone. From fancy fireside cocktails to happy hours that won't break the bank and everything in between here are 5 of the best bars for après ski in Beaver Creek Colorado.
5 Bars for the Best Après Ski in Beaver Creek, Colorado
A Local Favorite: Coyote Cafe
Photo Credit: Coyote Cafe Instagram @coyotecafe
Located in the main village right at the base of a pair of those aforementioned escalators sits one of my favorite Beaver Creek après ski bars, the Coyote Cafe. Don't take my word for it though, Coyote Cafe has also been a local favorite since it opened in the early 1980s.
The Coyote is as close to a dive bar as you are going to get at Beaver Creek Resort, but it's still not really that divey. What it is, however, is a fun bar with a lively atmosphere. Whether outside hanging on the patio or inside holding court at the bar, you'll be rubbing elbows with the locals. The Coyote Cafe is particularly popular with the ski patrol, as they get off of work and head over seeking the Coyote's tasty Mexican food and daily draft specials that won't break the bank.
Bring Your Own Dust: The Dusty Boot Steakhouse & Saloon
Photo Credit: Dusty Boot Saloon Instagram @dustybootbeavercreek
The Dusty Boot Saloon is arguably the 1A to Coyote Cafe in the Beaver Creek dive bar scene. Once again though, The Dusty Boot is far from divey and there is no sign of dust, except in the name. There's not even any artisanal dust that they strategically sprinkled throughout the bar for aesthetic purposes. But...I digress.
Dusty or not, the Dusty Boot Saloon is one of my favorite Beaver Creek après ski bars if for no other reason than their 47 oz. Margaritas. Yes! That's a damn big Marg and a damn tasty one too. Oh, how the stories will flow once you get a couple of them in you. I suggest soaking up a little of that alcohol with an order of The Buffalo Chicken Ranch Loaded Tots and The Boot Burger. It's everything you would want from ski food and then some.
Perfectly Priced for Families: The Metropolitan
Photo Credit: The Met Ktichen Beaver Creek Instagram
The Met Kitchen in Beaver Creek is one of the resort's newer après ski hot spots. Located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village it offers patrons staying in the village another great option that doesn't require any transportation.
Their open-space dining room bar area provides a welcoming atmosphere that draws you in while the food and drink will keep you there. Order from a variety of highly affordable menu items that include pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Then wash it all down with one of their reasonably priced specialty cocktails or a local craft beer.
If you're traveling with your family and looking for a solid place to après ski that won't drain your wallet, then the Met Kitchen in Beaver Creek is an excellent choice. They even have Dino Nuggets for the kids! Now that's pretty unheard of.
Slopeslide Après: Fireside Bar Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Photo Credit: The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Instagram @theritzcarltonbachelorgulch
As you head down Grunder's right below the Bachelor Gulch Lift, there in the distance you will see the opulent Ritz Carlton and its Fireside Bar. Conveniently located on the Ritz Mountain Terrace mere steps from the base, you can unclick from your skis or snowboard and be sipping cocktails by the fire in minutes. If après ski with live music in an outdoor environment is your thing then the Fireside Bar is for you.
Photo Credit: The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Instagram @theritzcarltonbachelorgulch
All Ritz Carlton locations are known for their Bloody Marys and each one has the creative license to stir up its very own version. Therefore you must, must, must order a Bloody Mary when you are there. Garnished with bacon, a lobster claw, shrimp and more, it's like a meal in a glass. Pair this surf and turf bloody delight with the excellent views of Beaver Creek and you'll find that you may never want to leave.
Excellent Après Ski Deals: Black Diamond Bistro
Photo Credit: The Charter Instagram @thecharterbeavercreek
Located in The Charter which has ski-in access and is within walking distance from Beaver Creek Village, the Black Diamond Bistro is an excellent option to end your day. The bar there is beautiful and so to are the views it affords of Beaver Creek. Grab yourself one of their signature cocktails and take it all in as you warm yourself by their large stone fireplace after a day of skiing.
Black Diamond Bistro also has an excellent selection of Colorado craft beer to choose from and food that ranges from small plates to Salmon. Either way, you'll want to take advantage of their après ski specials. Running from 3-5 daily Black Diamond Bistro offers $9 small plates, $8 well drinks and $5 draft to all who visit.
Bonus; Gondola Ride Required: The Lookout Bar Westin Riverfront
Photo Credit: The Westin Riverfront
Located a little bit away from Beaver Creek with its very own gondola to get you to the mountain is the Westin Riverfront hotel. Inside the lobby, you will find The Lookout Bar, appropriately named for the spectacular views it offers of the mountain. The Lookout is an excellent choice for après ski at Beaver Creek whether you are staying at the Westin or not.
The crowd is sort of a unique mix and offers great people-watching to complement the epic views of the mountain. On one hand, there are a select group of people who don't actually ski and just get dressed to hang out at the lodge bar. While on the other, there are families who have come back and are looking to grab a drink and a small bite before settling in or heading back out for dinner. Either way, The Lookout is a rather fun scene complete with live music and creative cocktails that is definitely worth paying a visit.
The Best Après Ski Attire for Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek Resort is known for being family-friendly and there is nothing more family-friendly than a happy ending. Our Happily Ever Après Ski Sweatshirt and/or ski hoodie says it all. No matter who you spend the end of your day with, as long as you are all together sharing good times then your ski day is certain to end happily ever après.
If you enjoy finding out about the best places to hang out on your next ski trip to Beaver Creek or anywhere else in the high country, then our Après Ski Blog is for you. Sign up today and never miss another post. You won't be disappointed.
Heather
Love these Apres ski options at the ‘beav Rich! On my way there now to check them out after skiing some fresh ☃️