The Best Fall Beers to Elevate Your Mountain Adventures

As the last of the summer hikers pack away their shorts and the leaves start painting the mountains in fiery reds and golds, one thing is certain: après ski isn’t just for winter anymore. Fall on the slopes or trails calls for a new kind of celebration. It's a celebration that pairs perfectly with crisp air, colorful views, and yes, a cold beer in hand. If you’re an adventure-loving skier, snowboarder, or mountain explorer, it’s time to trade your traditional après cocktails for some seasonal suds. Here’s your guide to the best fall beers to enjoy after a day in the mountains.

Essential Tools and Tips for Savoring Fall Beers in Ski Country

Fall beers aren’t just about what’s in your glass. They are about where, when, and how you enjoy them. Whether you’re road-tripping to a ski town brewery, chasing Oktoberfest vibes, or sipping pumpkin ales by the fire, the right planning can turn a good beer stop into a full-on fall après experience. Here are my top tips to make it smooth, stress-free, and delicious:

Plan Your Trip Around the Pour
Want more cash for brewery tastings and Oktoberfest celebrations? Booking flights, hotels, or rental cars early with tools like Trip.com helps you save big—leaving more in the budget for beer flights, brewery tours, and a round with friends.

Get Around Brewery Hubs Easily
From classic ski town brewpubs to hidden taprooms, you’ll want reliable transportation to hit them all. Rentalcars.com makes it easy to compare prices and keep your beer-hopping affordable (and safe).

Protect Your Beer Adventure
Imagine mapping out the ultimate fall beer road trip only to have a snowstorm, flight delay, or cancellation get in the way. Visitors Coverage offers travel insurance so your Oktoberfest itinerary stays intact, even if Mother Nature throws a curveball.

Book Local Beer Experiences
Fall in ski towns means more than just breweries—think Oktoberfest street festivals, beer pairing dinners, and tasting tours. Viator.com makes it simple to add these unique experiences to your trip, ensuring you sip like a local.

Stay Steps From the Tap
Want to maximize your après time? VRBO offers cozy stays near the heart of town so you can walk from your rental straight to the brewery patio or festival grounds. No cabs, no stress—just a short stroll to your next pint.

With these tools in your back pocket, you’ll spend less time stressing logistics and more time raising a glass to fall—the secret season where beer, mountains, and après vibes all come together. 

Oktoberfest: Prost to the Mountains

Photo Credit: @zerogravitybeer Instagram

Nothing says “fall in the mountains” quite like an Oktoberfest beer. Originating in Munich, these amber lagers are smooth, malty, and just boozy enough to warm you up after a long day of hiking or biking. Think of it as the liquid equivalent of a comfy flannel and perfect for an outdoor deck with a view of the peaks.

Pro tip: Pair your Oktoberfest with a bratwurst or soft pretzel if you’re stopping at a mountain lodge. It’s basically tradition at this point.

Favorites: Zero Gravity, Oktoberfest; Ayinger, Oktoberfest Marzen; Human Robot, Fest Bier

Pumpkin Ales: The Ultimate Fall Après Treat

Photo Credit: @schlaflybeer Instagram

Pumpkin ales are the pumpkin spice of the beer world without the latte line. Fruity, spicy, and sometimes just a hint of caramel, these ales are a seasonal staple that scream “fall adventure.” They’re perfect for sipping around a fire pit after a day carving through colorful trails or carving a pumpkin for your Halloween Jack-o-lantern. 

Fun twist: Try a pumpkin ale in a pint glass with a rim job of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Bonus points if you’re watching leaves drift down a mountainside.

Mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 tsp of nutmeg, 1 tsp of ginger. Moisten the rim of the glass with maple syrup or honey, then dip in spice mixture. 

Favorites:  Southern Tier, Pumpking; Schlafly, Pumpkin Ale; Shipyard Brewing, Pumpkinhead

Dark Lagers: Crisp, Clean, and Refreshing

Photo Credit: @schillingbeerco Instagram

Dark Lagers are the underrated heroes of fall beers. Light enough to enjoy after a vigorous hike but flavorful enough to still feel seasonal, these beers often feature subtle hints of coffee and caramel. Think of them as the beer equivalent of a brisk mountain breeze — refreshing, invigorating, and oh-so-right for an outdoor après moment.

Pairing idea: Enjoy a harvest lager with a cheese plate or trail mix for a no-fuss mountain snack.

Favorites: Schilling, Modernism; Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei, Köstritzer Schwarzbier; Enegren Brewing, Munich Dunkel

Tips for Enjoying Fall Beers on Your Mountain Trips

1. Scout local breweries – Many ski towns and mountain towns brew seasonal beers that you can’t find anywhere else. Supporting local never tasted so good.

2. Pack smart – If you’re hiking or biking, consider lightweight cans or bottles to avoid extra weight.

3. Stay warm – Fall evenings can get chilly, even without snow. Bring a cozy blanket or jacket to truly savor your après moment.

4. Savor the view – Whether you’re on a lodge deck, beside a campfire, or just perched on a trail overlook, remember the best ingredient in any mountain beer is the scenery.

Bottom Line: Fall Beers Aren’t Just for Oktoberfest

Autumn is a season of transition. It's the perfect time to mix your love of mountain adventures with seasonal brews. Whether you’re sipping a malty Oktoberfest, a spicy pumpkin ale, or a crisp dark Lager, fall après ski (or après hike, bike, or climb) is all about enjoying the flavors of the season with friends, family, and a killer view.

So next time you’re planning a fall mountain adventure, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure — and maybe a six-pack of something that tastes like autumn. Cheers!

Join the Fall Après Crew – Sip, Celebrate, and Rep the Season

Whether you’re raising a stein of Oktoberfest, savoring a spiced pumpkin ale, or sticking with your favorite local IPA, fall après is about more than the beer—it’s about the vibe. Crisp air, golden leaves, and a round shared with friends make this season one of the best-kept secrets in ski towns.

Want to show your love for après and fall brews? The Après Ski Team Hoodie  are perfect for repping your passion while staying cozy on brewery patios or around the fire pit. Après is the only team you never want to bench yourself from—so grab your gear and join the squad.

Love après ski and seasonal sips? Subscribe to our blog for the latest fall beer recommendations, après ski bar guides, and insider tips for making the most of mountain towns in the secret season. Cheers to beer, friends, and fall adventures!