At Skican, we know a great ski vacation experience is about more than just the snow. From classic Canadian ski bars to famous mountain hangouts overseas, here are some of the best places to relax, refuel, and keep the good times rolling. If you’re feeling inspired, remember to book early to lock in the best slopeside options, ski packages, and après spots.
Source: Abby Cooper
Rafters, RED Mountain Ski Resort, Canada
Perched above the day lodge with an old-school ski lodge vibe, Rafters is as genuine as après gets. With craft beer flowing, hearty burgers, and walls lined with ski history, it’s the kind of place where locals and visitors mix easily, which could be why it was named the #1 après-ski spot in the world by Powder Magazine.
Fun fact: RED Mountain is one of North America’s oldest ski hills, with roots going back to the late 1800s. Its challenging terrain and uncrowded slopes make Rafters the perfect spot to swap tales of powder stashes and steeps.
Source: Reuben Krabbe
Griz Bar, Fernie Ski Resort, Canada
The Griz Bar has been Fernie Alpine Resort’s go-to après spot since 1962, earning a reputation as one of the best in Western Canada. It’s named after Fernie’s legendary mountain man, The Griz, a mythical figure said to fire a giant musket into the clouds to make it snow. Inside, the vibe is pure ski-town energy.
Signature drinks like the mogul smoker are part of the tradition, as are big annual parties like the Kokanee Snow Dreams Festival, which somehow always brings fresh snow, and Retro Weekend, when one-piece suits and neon light up the slopes. Whether you’re swapping powder-day stories or dancing in your ski boots, this is where Fernie’s après culture lives.
Source: Cristina Gareau
Le P’tit Caribou, Mont Tremblant, Canada
Voted the best après-ski bar in North America 10 years in a row, Le P’tit Caribou has been a Mont Tremblant institution since it first opened in 1992. Originally a small, cozy spot for locals, it expanded over the years into a two-storey space with rustic wood beams, stone walls, and a dance floor that rarely sits empty.
By day, Le P’tit Caribou is a warm, welcoming chalet-style bar; by night, it transforms into a high-energy club with DJs, live bands, and a crowd dancing in ski boots until closing. Tremblant’s pedestrian village makes it easy to wander in straight from the slopes, and with its well-crafted cocktails, buzzing atmosphere, and loyal following, Le P’tit Caribou remains the beating heart of the resort’s après scene.
The Longhorn Saloon, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Canada
You cannot miss it. The Longhorn’s slope-side patio sits at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb, serving cold beer and big plates of nachos with a perfect view of the runs. It’s busy, loud, and fun, with heaters and fire pits keeping things going well into the evening.
The bar opened in December 1981 and in those first seasons, the patio was nothing more than an orange snow fence in the mud, yet skiers still lined up for a spot. Over the years, the Longhorn has grown into one of the most famous decks in Canadian skiing, helping Whistler Blackcomb ski resort maintain its reputation both great terrain and great nightlife.
The Rose and Crown, Banff Ski Resort, Canada
A Banff classic with a laid-back pub feel, the Rose and Crown has been part of the town’s après scene since it opened in the early 1990s in a building that once housed stables and offices. Over the decades, it’s become known for hearty fare, daily drink specials, live music seven nights a week, and a rotating selection of local beers.
It may not be slope-side, but after a day at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, or Mt. Norquay, The Rose and Crown is well worth the stroll down Banff Avenue. Whether you’re visiting from Toronto, New York, or Osaka, it’s a warm and welcoming place to end the day.
Bar Gyu+ (The Fridge Door Bar), Niseko Ski Resort, Japan
Hidden behind a vintage red Coca-Cola vending machine door, Bar Gyu+ is one of Niseko’s most iconic après-ski spots. Former ski instructor Hisashi Watanabe opened it nearly 20 years ago in his living room, and today he runs the cozy, wood-panelled hideaway with his wife, Ioanna Morelli.
Step inside to find lo-fi jazz, snow-framed windows, and a menu of creative cocktails like the Hot Apple Pie with Hokkaido apple juice, hot buttered rum with local butter, and Japanese whiskey classics sweetened with local honey. Niseko’s powder averages over 15 metres each season, and Bar Gyu+ is where skiers and riders come to warm up and unwind.
La Folie Douce, Val d’Isère Ski Resort, France
If après-ski had a capital city, La Folie Douce might be it. Perched at 2,400 metres (over 7,800 feet) on the slopes of Val d’Isère, it blends gourmet dining with the highest open-air cabaret in the world. Lunch might be fine dining at La Fruitière, hearty fare at La Petite Cuisine, or a quick burger from Le Butcher’s sunny terrace.
By mid-afternoon, the energy shifts to full-on clubbing, with DJs, aerialists, and a technicolour crowd dancing in ski boots on the 360-degree stage. Since 1980, it has been a French Alps institution, and the ski down at sunset is the perfect finale.
The Krazy Kanguruh, St. Anton Am Arlberg, Austria
Perched above St. Anton with unbeatable alpine views, the Krazy Kanguruh has been an après-ski institution since 1965, now run by Austrian Olympic champion Mario Matt. Known for its loud, lively atmosphere, it draws both locals and globe-trotting skiers with pumping music, steins of Austrian beer, and hearty homemade classics like burgers, pumpkin soup, and Tyrolean specialties.
By afternoon, the terrace is glowing in the mountain sun, and the party spills outside with dancing on tables in ski boots, themed events, and happy hour specials. Fun, friendly, and unpretentious — this is après-ski at its best.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen Snowmass Resort, Colorado
Among the four peaks that make up Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Highlands is known as the ‘local’s mountain,’ offering mostly expert terrain and a cozy vibe. At its heart is Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, a little slice of the Alps perched at 10,900 feet (3.3 km).
Ski right up and step into a warm, wood-paneled chalet where bubbling cheese fondue, melty raclette, and crisp champagne set the tone. By mid-afternoon, the après scene kicks into high gear –– ski boots on tables, music pumping, and the occasional champagne spray. Aspen Highlands may be smaller than Aspen Mountain, but Cloud Nine makes it feel like the centre of winter fun.
The Mangy Moose, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
At the base of Jackson Hole’s legendary slopes, the Mangy Moose is part steakhouse, part live music haven, and 100% Jackson Hole spirit. Since 1967, this lively spot has blended rustic charm with a buzzing après-ski vibe that’s hard to beat.
Dig into hearty elk burgers or juicy steaks while tapping your toes to local bands or big names like Jason Aldean, Blues Traveler, and Ben Harper lighting up the stage. With one of North America’s biggest vertical drops just outside, the Moose is the perfect place to toast your mountain triumphs, with a cold pint of local craft brew in hand and the music pumping loud.
Hennu Stall, Zermatt Ski Resort, Switzerland
Perched just above the car-free village of Zermatt on the slope between Furi and town, Hennu Stall is Switzerland’s ultimate après-ski hotspot. This rustic wooden chalet draws skiers and snowboarders for steaming cups of glühwein, quick bites, and a high-energy vibe that builds through the afternoon.
Live DJs and bands keep the crowd dancing in ski boots before the final run of the day. Best of all, the iconic Matterhorn looms in the background, making every toast picture-perfect. Whether you ski straight in or wander up from the village, Hennu Stall is where Zermatt’s après scene comes alive.
Luislkeller, Ortisei, Italy
Luislkeller is a vibrant après-ski spot blending traditional Tyrolean charm with lively alpine flair. Since opening in 1980, it’s become legendary for its welcoming, wood-panelled cellar atmosphere where skiers and snowboarders gather to relax. Here, you can swap stories over hearty South Tyrolean fare like speck and mountain cheese while enjoying regional wines, craft beers, and tasty snacks.
The upbeat vibe is set by live DJs, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the extensive Dolomiti Superski circuit. Located right on the Sellaronda, Luislkeller is a must-visit for a mix of warmth, fun, and great music.
The Londoner, Kitzbühel, Austria
British pub meets Austrian ski culture at The Londoner, a Kitzbühel après-ski institution known for its high-energy atmosphere and late-night parties. The house band, The Short and Curlies, has been playing crowd favourites here for over 25 years, keeping the dance floor busy and the singalongs loud.
Skilled bartenders serve everything from classic Negronis to modern creations like the Spicy Batanga and Watermelon Spritz, all with the goal of “building up your new hangover.” Whether you are here for a quick après pint or a night that stretches to 4 a.m., The Londoner’s friendly staff, live music, and party vibe make it a must-stop during the Hahnenkamm race week — and any other winter night in Kitzbühel’s historic town centre.
Planning Your Perfect Ski and Après Combo
A great après-ski scene can turn a good ski day into a legendary one. And with Skican’s Canada ski vacations and international ski vacation packages, you can build a trip that balances epic runs with the perfect post-ski vibe. Whether you’re after rustic charm in the Rockies, a Euro-style party in the Alps, or a tucked-away bar in Japan, we can help you create a custom itinerary that matches your style.
Booking early is key, not only to secure the most sought-after accommodations and après hot spots, but also to lock in the best value before peak-season pricing kicks in. Planning ahead means more choice, better deals, and the chance to relax knowing the fun is guaranteed before you even arrive. When your ski holiday blends perfect turns with the best après, the memories last long after the snow melts.
