9 Denver Après Ski Bars That Bring Ski Town Vibes to the Heart of the Mile High City

We all know the feeling. The mountains are calling, and you really, really want to get there but life gets in the way and you're stuck in the city. Lucky for you, the Denver après ski bars scene is hopping and has some hidden gems that bring ski-town vibes straight into the Mile High City. From cozy lodge-like bars to seasonal après spots and even a custom ski bar, these bars make it easy to get your mountain fix without leaving town.

Here are nine Denver bars that feel like a ski town, perfect for après drinks, catching up with friends, or daydreaming about your next ski trip.

Gear Up for Your Denver Après Ski Bars 

Your ski trip might be on hold, or maybe you’re just back from the slopes, but that doesn’t mean the après fun has to stop. Denver has plenty of bars and experiences that bring the mountain-town vibe straight into the city. Make your evenings smooth, stylish, and unforgettable with these must-have tools and spots:

1. Hotel Deals — Stay Close to Denver’s Après Scene

Whether you’re looking for downtown convenience or easy access to ski shuttles, finding the right hotel sets the tone for your night. Sites like Booking.com help you score ski-in/ski-out-style accommodations, early-season discounts, and last-minute bookings. Being near the action makes hopping from your room to après bars effortless.

Pro Tip: Pick a hotel near Larimer Square or LoDo for easy access to Ski House at Larimer Lounge and other top spots.

2. Ski Gear — Dress the Part for Urban Après

You don’t need the slopes to rock ski-town style. Akova Gear offers travel-ready, high-performance outerwear that works perfectly for Denver nights out. Layer it over casual après apparel for warmth and style while bar-hopping or heading to a retro lodge party.

Pro Tip: Bring versatile pieces that layer well so you can transition from a winter walk to a cozy cocktail bar.

3. Après Ski Merch — Show Your Mountain Spirit

Nothing says après like cozy, stylish apparel from All About Après. Hoodies, T-shirts, and beanies let you show your love for the mountains and ski culture while enjoying Denver’s après bars. Perfect for photos at Après Govn’rs Park or sipping cocktails at Meier Craft Skiery.

Pro Tip: Pack a scarf or hat in signature ski-town colors to complete the look.

4. Rental Cars — Navigate Denver and Mountain Roads

Even if your ski day is done, having a reliable AWD vehicle makes it easy to reach Denver’s top après destinations or nearby mountains for day trips. Discover Cars offers vehicles from Denver, Burlington, Calgary, Salt Lake, and more.

Pro Tip: Keep layers and a small snow brush in the car just in case winter decides to show up.

5. Travel Insurance — Protect Your Plans

Unexpected weather or a last-minute trip change shouldn’t ruin your fun. Visitor’s Coverage helps protect your travel plans, letting you focus on enjoying cocktails at Room for Milly or a night at BurnDown without worry.

6. Other Experiences — Beyond the Bars

When the weather keeps you indoors or you want a break from cocktails, Denver has tours and winter experiences to explore. Check out Viator for brewery tours, mixology classes, or scenic walking tours — all perfect for keeping the après spirit alive even off the slopes.

Pro Tip: Book early for popular experiences, especially during peak ski season weekends.

Plan Smart, Dress Well, Après Hard

With the right planning, your Denver après ski nights can be just as memorable as any mountain adventure. From first cocktail at Après Govn’rs Park to late-night fun at Ski House at Larimer Lounge, these tips make your urban ski-town experience smooth, stylish, and unforgettable.

1. Après Govn’rs Park: Your Downtown Ski Lodge Escape

Photo Credit: Après Govn’rs Park

Après Govn’rs Park is the quintessential Denver après bar. With cozy lodge-inspired décor, local craft beers, and mountain-themed cocktails, it brings that post-ski warmth right to downtown. The ski-themed decor, lively atmosphere and friendly crowd make it perfect for both solo visits and group outings.

Must-Try: Their seasonal cocktails or local IPAs will instantly transport you to the mountains.

2. Meier Craft Skiery: Watch Custom Skis Get Made

Photo Credit: Meier Skis

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into your skis, Meier Craft Skiery (coming this January) is a must-visit. It’s a custom ski shop with a bar inside, where you can sip a cocktail or craft beer while watching skis being pressed and shaped right in front of you. Add a bar made of ski cores, rustic wood décor and rotating seasonal beers, and you’ve got the perfect urban alpine hangout.

Must-Try: A pint of their seasonal craft beers paired with the behind-the-scenes ski action.

3. Room for Milly: Seasonal Après Magic

Room for Milly comes alive in the winter as a seasonal après ski bar. Cozy seating, winter-inspired cocktails, and a lively, social atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into a lodge at the base of the Rockies.

Must-Try: Sip one of their cinnamon- or chocolate-forward winter cocktails while soaking in the après energy.

4. AJAX Downtown: Sleek Après in the City

Photo Credit: @ajaxdowntown Instagram

From the minds of the people that brought you Ajax Tavern at Aspen, AJAX Downtown blends urban energy with ski-town charm. The creative cocktails, delicious food, warm décor, and lively social scene make it a great spot for city après enthusiasts who still crave that mountain spirit.

Must-Try: Their daily Après Happy Hour will get you in the door but their Ajax Wagyu Double Cheeseburger will keep you there. 

5. BurnDown: Lodge-Style Nightlife

Photo Credit: @burndowndenver Instagram

BurnDown perfectly captures the cozy lodge feeling while offering a nightlife twist. Industrial chic with warm wood accents, intimate seating, and expertly crafted cocktails make it feel like a mountain hideaway tucked into the city.

Must-Try: With Tv's strategically places all around, you won't have to miss your favorite sporting event while socializing with friends. 

6. The Family Jones: Après for Everyone

Photo Credit: @thefamilyjonesdistillery Instagram 

The Family Jones is a warm, welcoming spot that channels that ski-town vibe for groups of friends or individuals alike. With hearty bar bites, seasonal drinks, and a cozy, social atmosphere, it’s easy to feel like you’ve found your local lodge.

Must-Try: Their Après-Pear Marg and other creative bourbon forward cocktails evoke winter evenings in a ski lodge.

7. The Golden Mill: Winter Charm Meets City Life

Photo Credit: @the_Golden_Mill Instagram

The Golden Mill is a hidden gem with mountain lodge vibes, a creative cocktail menu, and a comfortable, rustic interior. I get it. This bar is not technically in Denver. However, it's not far and It’s a perfect spot for those who want to escape the urban hustle and enjoy a touch of alpine ambiance outside of downtown Denver.

Must-Try: Their Après Wednesdays during the heart of the winter makes for the ideal stop on the way home from the mountain or a good excuse to après ski mid-week even without visiting a mountain. 

8. Ski House at Larimer Lounge: Retro Après Vibes in Denver

Ski House at Larimer Lounge brings the mountain lodge party straight to Denver. This seasonal pop-up turns the music venue into a retro ski lodge, complete with neon lights, vintage ski décor, and a festive après atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to get a taste of ski-town energy without leaving the city.

With themed cocktails, creative winter drinks, and a lively crowd, Ski House feels like a secret mountain hideaway. From chill social nights to full-on dance parties with DJs spinning, it captures that fun, high-energy après vibe every ski enthusiast craves.

Must-Try: Winter-themed cocktails served in icy mugs or chalets, and keep an eye out for the DJ nights that bring the mountain party energy to Denver.

9. Hogshead Brewery — Cask Ales & Classic Aprez Parties 

Photo Credit: @hogshead54 Instagram

If you love your après ski with a side of craft beer, Hogshead Brewery might be the most authentic “mountain-town energy in the city” stop on this list. Known for its traditional British-style cask ales, Hogshead already feels like the kind of spot you’d stumble into after shredding pow at A-Basin or Copper. This winter they are leaning into the ski theme. Starting January 3rd, they’re taking things up a notch with their brand-new Aprèz Parties.

Every Saturday through March, these weekly sessions bring the spirit of the slopes right into the brewery, complete with:

• Seasonal cask tappings

• Après playlists of classic ski film tracks

• Hearty winter pub snacks that hit like lodge comfort food

• A rotating lineup of local ski brands and makers

It’s the kind of neighborhood après hangout where fleece jackets, puffy vests, and rosy cheeks fit right in...no lift ticket required. Whether you’re winding down after coming back from the mountains or just craving ski-town vibes without leaving Denver, Hogshead’s Aprèz Parties are the perfect midweek mountain escape.

Bring the Mountains to Your Denver Nights

Even when the slopes aren’t in reach, these Denver bars that feel like a ski town make it easy to capture that alpine après spirit. From the custom ski magic at Meier Craft Skiery to the seasonal charm of Room for Milly and Hogshead Brewery and the cozy lodge feel of BurnDown, Denver has plenty of ways to keep your ski cravings satisfied.

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