Best Après Patios for Spring Sun

What’s Apres Without a Bit of Early Spring Sun?

Let's be honest, spring is cherry on top of the ski/snowboard season. Days are longer - as are the lift hours - the weather forecast is a steady stream of sunshine and blue skies which means not only do you have longer to play on the mountain but you also have time to soak up the sun. Sure, getting out on the mountain is certainly many folks' main objective in Snowmass, but a close second is the après scene, sunny patios and adult beverages. Here are some of our favorite spots to soak up the spring sun in Snowmass.

On Mountain

High Alpine

When it’s time to fuel up during a spring ski day on Snowmass, schuss over to the expansive deck (top of screen) at mid-mountain High Alpine Marketplace. No need to even get out of the sunshine — High Alpine fires up its outdoor grill when the weather gets warm and with plenty of outdoor seating it's the perfect spot to soak up the sun between laps. Make life easy and order ahead using the Aspen Snowmass app so you don't have to miss one minute in the sun.

The Cabin

Reservations are recommended for a gourmet lunch on the spectacularly situated deck of this on-mountain dining hot spot. And there’s no need to RSVP for The Cabin’s après. While this fan favorite may look different this year there's no denying that this easily accessible après scene sprinkled with red Adirondack loungers may have you feeling good about tapping out from skiing a little bit early.

Elk Camp Restaurant

Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, Elk Camp Restaurant’s generous sunny deck is the ideal midday meeting place. Whether you’re shredding the Hanging Valley Wall, doing laps on the Magic Carpet, or just coming up sans ski gear to join the family for an al fresco alpine lunch, there’s a seasonal, house-made selection for everyone at this market-style eatery.

Base Village

Base Camp

Most runs lead to Base Camp Bar and Grill, a spacious, “beachfront” gastropub in Base Village with not one, but two levels of sun-soaked decks. Whether it’s enjoying an al fresco lunch around the 24-foot fire pit on the ground level or taking in the mountain views and toe-tapping tunes of an après band from the second-floor terrace, this hangout has the ski-day dining and drinking experience dialed.

Limelight Lounge

Après or dinner in a snow globe? Rink side fireplace and plush outdoor couches to sink into after a long day romping around the mountain? It's not a choice of either or when it comes to the Limelight. Shareable plates and an extensive cocktail menu make this the place to take those ski boots off while the kids burn more energy at The Rink or The Game Lounge next-door at The Collective.

Snowmass Mall

New Belgium Ranger Station

So close to Fanny hill you can practically ski right onto the patio. Click off your skis and board for the slopeside patio with shareable apps, beer, and cocktails that have helped Ranger Station earn "Best Après" in Snowmass. Wrap-around outdoor seating means you can chase the sun from 11am-sunset.

Venga Venga

The fiesta begins on the sun-splashed deck of this slopeside cantina, which offers 120 tequilas and mezcals — plus a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails — to accompany its generous menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. With a happy “hour” that extends from 3-6 pm daily, you’ll be telling your friends, Venga! Venga! (Come! Come!).

The Stew Pot

Extended indoor and outdoor dining give you plenty of options when it comes to dining at the oldest restaurant in Snowmass. Comfortably located across from the Tower Stage, The Stew Pot is the perfect place for a late lunch or early après on Thursday during Music on the Mall.