Having been fortunate enough to ski at Vail Resort on a few occasions I can honestly say that skiing there is a lot of fun. Whether you're ripping down the front side of the mountain or slashing pow in the legendary back bowls, it is truly epic.
So too is the après ski in Vail.
When visiting Vail Village for the first time, your head will certainly be on a swivel. Modeled after an Austrian Ski Village, it is as captivating as the skiing is epic.
Choosing Where to Après Ski in Vail Can be Tough
Vail village and Lion's Head village are home to many great restaurants and bars, all of which have some sort of après ski. The bar scene is Vail Village runs the gamut. Whether you're into dive bars, classy bars or even breweries and distilleries there is a little something for everyone. So much so, that finding a place to hang when your ski day in Vail ends can be quite a challenge.
No one wants to waste time when the party begins. That said, here are our favorites restaurants and bars when the lifts stop spinning and you need to find the best après ski in Vail village.
Legendary Après Ski Bars in Vail
The Red Lion
No trip to Vail Village is complete without a stop at the famous Red Lion. This is my go to spot when it comes to après ski in Vail. In fact, there hasn't been one trip that I haven't stopped by and taken in all that the Lion has to offer.
Be sure to order their nachos. They are legendary for a reason. Piled high and loaded with everything you can imagine there is enough to share with everyone at your table and still have leftovers. This is good though, because with a live music scene that runs from the afternoon into the early evening, you'll probably be there for quite some time.
Bart and Yeti's
Bart and Yeti's in Lionshead has been a local favorite for decades. Walk into this timbered siding building and you're eyes are drawn to the moose antlers and antique snowshoes that dot the walls. The feeling is more cabin in the woods than pub. That along with reasonably priced food and drinks makes Bart and Yeti's an excellent choice for après ski in Vail.
Best Vail Après Ski Patio Scene
Garfinkel's
Garf's as it's commonly referred to has been recognized for its quality food at reasonable prices for decades. However, to say that is all would not do this cornerstone of après ski in Vail any justice. Large TV's pictures, all over the walls from days gone by and the famous shot wheel are all part of the attraction. When combined with the biggest patio in Vail perfectly positioned to overlook the Eagle Bahn Gondola, you can easily understand why a day doesn't go by that Garf's is packed.
* Operations Manager and part owner, Mike Dunlap will be joining us on the Beyond the Après podcast this winter.
Los Amigos
Los Amigos gives patrons a double dose of what they love at après ski in Vail: Margaritas and a patio with a view. Situated right at the base of Gondola One, you can pretty much ski down Pepi's right into their patio. Talk about easy access. Getting to Los Amigos might be easy but finding a spot outdoors on the deck is often a challenge. Tables out there are like gold and are in very high demand. I'd suggest arriving early. Once you do, order up a Powder Day Margarita or two and take in the sites. They never disappoint!
Not Your Average Vail Après Ski Bar
Vail Brewing Company
Vail Brewing Company or VBC isn't technically a bar. It's actually a brewery. That, however, doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it for après ski in Vail. Their main location is in Eagle, however they have a taproom located right below the Solaris Residences in Vail Village.
The seating outdoors affords an excellent view of the mountain and the ice skating rink below. Indoors is rustic and what you'd expect from a ski town brewery. Oh...and the beers? They are great! I suggest Pete's Stash Pale Ale. Named for a local off-piste trail it's an excellent post pow choice.
10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits
If you are into bourbon, whiskey, vodka and even some moonshine then this is the spot for you. 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits distills all of those in house. Aside from this, their tasting room in Vail Village is a pretty fun spot. Set a little bit away from the mountain on Bridge Street, it doesn't always draw the crowds that the other spots do. Nonetheless, it is still rather lively in the afternoon and evening and the house made cocktails make visiting worth it.
Ski Bumming at its Finest
Vendetta's
Vendetta's is undoubtedly a local favorite. Filled with ski bums of all lines of work, the atmosphere is always fun and welcoming. I once had a local engage me in conversation about his carpentry business. He showed me pictures of his work on his phone and everything. That's just the lighthearted nature of the crowd Vendetta's attracts.
Don't let the crowd fool you into thinking that's the only reason to stop by. Their pizza is also damn good too. This is coming from a pizza snob. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. All is reasonably priced and very tasty.
Bridge Street Bar
Bridge Street Bar's sign literally says, "A Ski Bum's Paradise."
It definitely is!
The Bridge Street Bar is more for the après, après ski party. With roughly three decades under its belt, it long history as the place to party in Vail Village. No surprise here. With a DJ pumping the beats in their dance room and live music playing in the front, the Bridge Street Bar offers the best of both worlds for all those looking to hang late into the evening.
The Perfect Ski Hoodie For Après Ski in Vail
What are your favorite après ski bars in Vail Village? Let us know in the comments section below. No matter which one you choose, it's always best to wear the appropriate après ski clothing. Any one of our ski hoodies will have you fitting in like a local. However, if you really want to show everyone that you're an après ski pro then go with our If You Don't Après Ski Hoodie. It's warm, comfortable and the graphic will certainly get the conversation going.
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