All Things Après | Unwind After Skiing the Slopes With These Cocktails

There is nothing better to warm the bones and fool the mind that a blizzard isn’t that bad than a swig from that barrel. Fast forward a century, and the classic after-slope drink in apres-ski is a bit more refined. 

The ICONIC photographer Slim Aarons immortalized the Apres scene with his images of skiers in bronzed fashionable sets in the aesthetic respites of Saint Moritz, glinting into the setting sun and recanting their off-piste adventures. At the same time, Chateauneuf du Pape wine slid down their throats—oh, the fun indeed.

Do not fret; friends, these days are still with us. With the current renaissance of cocktail culture, you can skip the ski and jump straight into the spirit at these classic spots.  

Here is a rundown of where to go for that classic cocktail and what to wear for that just-as-classic look after the slippery slopes.

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ASPEN

Where to Go:

In her new book, Alpine Style, Colorado-based author Kathryn O’Shea-Evans explores the fascinating culture of the mountains and, as such, has participated in multiple taste tests of the legendary Aspen totems such as the Hotel Jerome. 

“Whenever we go to Aspen, my family books a stay at the Hotel Jerome—it perfectly combines history (it was originally built in 1889) with truly exquisite service (case in point: the marble desk at check-in is heated),” Evans says. “My favorite drink order there is the Crud, which is essentially a spiked milkshake that was invented at Jerome’s J-Bar during the height of Prohibition. The J-Bar is a throwback (Hunter S. Thompson used to hang out there), but my favorite place to settle in for the evening is fireside in the main lobby. When snow is swirling above the skylights, there’s nothing better.”

Photo courtesy of Hotel Jerome Auberge Resorts Collection, Aspen

The magnificent Aspen Meadows Resort is an enigma. A Herbert Bayer designed Bauhaus campus in the middle of Aspen. Don’t think too hard about it, just order the Enigma Cocktail at the revamped West End Social and absorb the good vibe.

What to Wear:

Lee Keating and her family have curated, styled and designed Aspen’s wardrobe for decades. Under the Performance Ski label, the family’s ski wear is quintessential in its understated elegance. Fine tailoring, Italian fabrics and a camouflage theme are so on point that you blend in without lifting a finger. They are located a short walk from Jerome.

BOULDER

Where to Go:

In Boulder at Eldora Mountain Resort, Timbers bartender Mitch Smith pours almost half his annual sales with the Girl Scout Martini. The popular cocktail can be catered to your favorite cookie flavor (Thin Mint is the most in-demand), but what better way to quench your thirst after skiing the slopes, than to test the whole arsenal of flavors. Butterscotch schnapps, anyone?    

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What to Wear:

Amundsen Sports clothing is based on the concept of explorer Roald Amundsen’s adventures at the South Pole. Don’t worry; we’ve moved past the age of waxed cotton to keep you warm. The current line features French corduroy and goose down to stay warm as you sip your martini.

Photo courtesy of Amundsen Sports

VAIL

Where to Go:

The newly minted Tavernetta at the Four Seasons Vail is the newest hot spot to have your drinks shaken, not stirred. The offerings at the bar can vary from the Albicocche featuring Select aperitivo, lemon, Bordiga Occitan Gin and apricot to the LiL made with Michter’s small batch bourbon, Villa Zarri Nocino, Fernet Branca Menta and vermouth. The setting is so Italian chic you may find yourself fluent in just two cocktails.

What to Wear:

Not getting your attire from the Gorsuch Family may be a cardinal sin. The cashmere, silk and wool on offer from the top labels in the world are not indulgences but rather necessities.