9 Vermont Craft Breweries Perfect for Your Next Ski Trip (Each With Its Own Après Superpower)

If there’s anything I’ve learned chasing soft snow around Vermont, it’s that when combined with the state's great beer, the après scene here is second to none. Sure, the skiing is incredible. It has tight glades, groomers and steeps. It's the whole package. But when you pair a big mountain day with a stop at one of the state’s best Vermont craft breweries, that’s where the real magic happens.

To make your next ski trip foolproof, I rounded up 9 Vermont craft breweries, each with its own vibe, specialty, and après superpower. From “Most Underrated” to “Best Food” to “Best for Big Groups," we have you covered. So let’s dive in.

Gear Up for Your Vermont Craft Breweries Trip (and Après Fun!)

Make your ski trip smooth, stylish, and unforgettable with these must-have tools and experiences:

• Hotel Deals — Ski-in/ski-out accommodations, early-season discounts, and last-minute bookings at Trip.com.

• Ski Gear — Travel-ready, high-performance outerwear from Akova Gear, perfect for conquering the slopes in style.

• Après Ski Merch — Show off your love for the mountains and après culture with cozy, stylish apparel from All About Après.

• Rental Cars — AWD vehicles for mountain roads from Denver, Burlington, Calgary, Salt Lake, and more at Rentalcars.com.

• Travel Insurance — Early-season weather is unpredictable; protect your adventure with Visitor’s Coverage.

• Other Experiences — If the weather keeps you off the slopes, explore tours and experiences from Viator.

• Bring Beer Home — Keep your favorite Vermont craft brews safe and cold on the trip home with a durable easy to move RovR cooler

Plan smart, pack well, and make your ski trip unforgettable — from first chair to après pint.

1. Snow Republic Brewing Co. — Most Authentic Ski-Town Brewery

If you know, you know. Snow Republic takes that authentic, no-frills ski-town energy and pairs it with some seriously solid beer. Their IPAs hit hard, their lagers stay crisp, and there are always positive vibrations.  The food there happens to be next level too. That's the way après should be.

Minutes from Mount Snow, it’s become one of my go-to spots for low-key, high-quality après ski that is as authentic as it gets.

2. Zero Gravity Craft Brewery — Most Dialed-In Beer Lineup

Zero Gravity doesn’t miss...ever. Seriously, I have never had a bad beer from them and there is something to be said for that. If you're skiing Bolton Valley, Smuggler's Notch, or even finishing a big weekend loop through Stowe, this Burlington staple delivers some of the cleanest, most consistent beers in the state.

Their Conehead IPA is a Vermont classic. Their Green State Lager is "simply the best beer ever" (IYKYK). And, both are perfect after a long leg-burning day. On top of that, their taproom vibes are the chef’s kiss.

If consistency is king, Zero Gravity wears the crown.

3. Lawson’s Finest Liquids — Best Community Vibe Near Sugarbush

There’s just something about Lawson’s. Maybe it’s the small-town warmth. Maybe it’s the iconic Sip of Sunshine. Maybe it’s the way skiers and snowboarders roll in still wearing their kit and instantly feel at home in this stunning post and beam brewery.

Whatever it is, Lawson’s is the spot for a relaxed, family-friendly après session in the Mad River Valley. If you skied Sugarbush well, you earned this stop.

4. The Alchemist — Most Iconic Vermont Beer Experience

You simply can’t talk about Vermont craft beer without mentioning The Alchemist.  Après skiers flock here for the legend itself: Heady Topper. There other beers, like Focal Banger, are no slouch either. 

However, this isn’t your typical hang-for-hours kind of taproom. It’s more of a tasting-room-meets-pilgrimage sort of stop. That makes it perfect after a big day ripping Stowe’s steeps and bumps. Come for the icons; leave with a trunk full of them. We've all been there. 

5. von Trapp Brewing — Best View & Best Food Combo in Stowe

Want to feel like you’ve been transported to the Austrian Alps after skiing Vermont? Head to the von Trapp Bierhall.

The alpine food is hearty and perfect for post-ski recovery. The beers, especially the Golden Helles and Bohemian Pilsner, are crisp, balanced, and downright refreshing. The views? They are some of the absolute best...especially at sunset. 

Next level food, beer and views, this one checks every après box.

6. Harpoon Brewery — Best Brewery for Big Groups Near Windsor

If your ski crew is big, hungry or both then Harpoon is the move. Their Windsor taproom is not far from Killington and Pico. It's spacious, lively, and built to handle groups rolling in from the mountains even a southern Vermont road trip.

At Harpoon you’ll find everything from classic IPAs to dark winter warmers on tap. The pub food there is delicious and always on point. Harpoon is that dependable, crowd-pleasing stop every ski trip needs.

7. North Chair — Most Exciting New Taproom (Coming to Maple Valley)

North Chair is already doing good things in Brattleboro. However, what really has skiers and snowboarders talking is their upcoming taproom at the old Maple Valley Ski Area.

For anyone who remembers skiing there back in the day (it closed in 2000), this is the perfect blend of nostalgia and new energy. Their beers lean clean and  are highly drinkable. They even offer a few of the old staples from Whetstone Station whom they bought out. All of which are ideal for the drive home after Mount Snow, Stratton, or Magic.

Keep your eyes on this one. There is HUGE après ski potential to come. 

8. Foam Brewers — Most Creative & Artsy Après Vibe

Foam sits right on Burlington’s waterfront, and its beers are as artistic as the space itself. Seriously, they may be making some of the best beers in the entire country. Think juicy IPAs, experimental saisons, and small-batch specialties you won’t find anywhere else.

After hot laps at Bolton or a big Stowe day, Foam is the spot where you kick back, reset, and sip something as inspiring as your run down "The Goat."

9. Long Trail Brewing Co. — Most Classic Vermont Après Experience

Long Trail is a Vermont institution. Their riverside brewery near Killington is a must-stop for anyone who loves a true, old-school après ski scene.

Grab a pour of their new Après IPA to complement their hearty pub food. Then immerse yourself in their unmistakable ski-town camaraderie. You'll feel like home, even if it’s your first time there. 

Final Thoughts: Vermont’s Après Brewery Scene Just Hits Different

From iconic IPAs to crisp lagers to full-on alpine meals, Vermont craft breweries are the perfect companion to any ski day. Each one of the 9 mentioned above brings something unique to the Vermont après ski scene. This is why they’re not just stops. They’re destinations that are as relevant and important as your day on the mountain. 

Want more insider tips on which breweries to visit on your next Vermont Ski trip? Register for our newsletter and get the best après ski secrets delivered straight to your inbox. Because your ski trips deserve more than just a lift ticket, they deserve outstanding beer too.