The best après ski in Aspen

Downtown Aspen offers plenty to please party-people and has a long history of late-night revelry. There are also options on the slopes and at the base stations of the four areas for afternoon après. Snowmass is quieter than Aspen, but still has a few options. 

As an alternative to partying, there’s also an art gallery and a theatre and lots of varied high-end shopping to do, from art to designer clothes, and the resort hosts a busy calendar of events and concerts.

For further Aspen inspiration, see our guides to the resort’s best accommodation and restaurants.

For a bit of history, the J-Bar at the upmarket Jerome Hotel has been an Aspen gathering place since 1889, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also home to the Aspen Crud – a Prohibition-era icecream milkshake spiked with Jack Daniels to make a delicious cocktail.

Contact: hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com

For those hunting for high class, Aspen’s Caribou Club is a sophisticated private venue that opened its doors in 1990. Holidaymakers can sign up for a week’s membership giving access to the bar, dining room and club nights, costing from $1,00 to $2,000 for two people, depending on the time of year.

Contact: caribouclub.com

A live music venue close to the bottom of Aspen Mountain,  Belly Up punches above its weight with its live acts – Flaming Lips, Rufus Wainwright and Chris Issak have all played here in recent years.

Contact: bellyupaspen.com

With two locations in Aspen and Snowmass, Zane’s Tavern is a straightforward and friendly bar with a menu of burgers and wings.

Contact: zanestavern.com

For something a little smarter, head for cocktails at the NEST’s pool-side bar, located next to the slopes in Snowmass. Light, healthy options are available to eat and there’s a good selection of boozy hot drinks.

Contact: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com