Magazine
DINING
Aprés Ski Aspen Style at These 3 Chic Venues
If you have decided Aspen is where it’s at for you for skiing this winter season, consider staying at the grand mountain sanctuary of Villa Dominica near downtown Aspen and Snowmass Mountain and a number of exclusive après ski spots that will warm your body and soul after hours of downhill action.
Here are three top venues in Aspen for après ski wind down time before the real party gets started!
The Ajax Tavern
You will find the Ajax Tavern at home in Aspen’s five-star hotel, The Little Nell. This tavern is arguably the place in Aspen for après ski carousing. With this view, every seat is the best seat in the house. The tavern’s sleek, glassy exterior swathed in light, beckons exhausted skiers who have been riding the powder all day, to come into its warm ambiance, rest for a while and share a drink or two.
The Food
Earning a fine reputation is the wagyu beef double cheeseburger with a side of truffle fries. Wash it down with one of a number of craft beers available or a glass of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Take advantage of the seafood bar where fresh oysters, shrimp, Maine lobster, King crab and a grand plateau are on offer. If you’re looking to munch, order the charcuterie with country paté, la quercia speck, duck prosciutto, mortadella, salami, house pickles and preserves. They also have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free selections.
The Drink
You will have your pick from a healthy selection of white and red vintages from the US, France, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany and New Zealand. After a day on the mountain and a wind-kissed face, you might just be in the mood for a ginger hot toddy or the nutty lift mixed with Frangelico, Jameson, hot chocolate and whipped cream. If you’re feeling like a pick-me-up go for the espresso martini with Bailey’s, Kahlua, vodka and espresso.
39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel
Here you have it: A sexy, stylish lounge at the base of Aspen Mountain, with a down-to-earth and friendly heart. The Sky Hotel’s world-famous restaurant and bar is the place in Aspen to be and to be seen. It is the ideal spot to soothe sore muscles in the on-site hot tub and enjoy some food, fun and fare afterwards. Many skiers claim 39 Degrees has the best après-ski scene in the country.
The Food
Dine in the comfortable lounge or poolside during the day or get cozy at the outdoor fire pits in the evening. Food is prepared with as many fresh, local ingredients as possible. Among the favorites are the scallop carbonara with thinly sliced leeks and the spicy Asian cheesy fries with tender pork and “magic sauce.” It probably wouldn’t take much swaying, though, for you to try the restaurant’s famous burger topped with a truffle fried egg.
The Drink
You will always find cutting-edge cocktails at 39 Degrees. Whether you’re sipping on the famous Aspen slush with whiskey and apricot purée served over crushed ice, or copper punch with gin, coconut, and ginger liqueur, 39 Degrees offers a variety of cocktails that leave you craving more. And of course, there is also an impressive wine list.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Midway up the Aspen Highlands in a cozy cabin high in the Rocky Mountains, you get an unmatched après ski-dining experience at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. This venue is legendary for its authentic Alpine ambiance, elegant cuisine and a renowned après ski scene. And how will you get to that elevation? You’ll get to ride in an open-air snowcat. Don’t worry, warm blankets are provided.
The Food
You will feel like you’re in a Swiss mountain resort dining on helpings of fondue and raclette as well as caviar and steak tartare. As your entree you might choose the Colorado rack of lamb with purple potatoes, roasted romanesco, with minted fennel marmalade and lamb jus. The blood orange financier cake with crème fraiche, brown butter almonds and fresh raspberry is the pinnacle of the meal. Or, of course, strudel!
The Drink
The wine list includes an ever-changing array of international varieties and fine champagne. You simply must try the Cloud Nine martini – a sweet, smooth dessert in a glass fashioned with whiskey, amaretto liqueur, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, a splash of lemon-lime soda and a maraschino cherry.
Other posh après ski venues to try:
· Limelight Lounge
· Chica
· J Bar at Hotel Jerome
· WET Deck at the W Hotel
· The Marble Bar
When it’s time for you to plan your next Aspen getaway, let LVH take care of the particulars – from accommodations to planning your itinerary. We are your go-to team for five-star, full service luxury!
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