The term “Aprés Ski” dates back to the French 50’s ski scene and has become a culture over the years that is ingrained in the mind of every skier and boarder when planning a ski trip. Who doesn’t love a little nip after a full day on the ski hill?
Aprés Ski refers to the social activities and entertainment that await following a day of shredding the slopes and, for some, after-ski entertainment is as important as the slopes themselves. Skiing is a social sport, and the fun factor doesn’t ever end on the slopes in Big Sky.
Aprés ski is all about coming together with family and friends, recapping your day on Big Sky’s world-class slopes, sharing tips and mountain experiences, creating memories and having fun! Whether your idea of aprés ski is romantic fireside cocktails followed by fine dining, or you’re keen to kick off the ski boots, get cozy and settle in for night of pub grub and partying with friends (or potential bar-hopping!), we’ve got the scoop on the best aprés ski spots in Big Sky.
Best Aprés On the Mountain
1. Westward Social
Westward Social is located in The Exchange (formerly Mountain Mall), a vibrant hub of activity and the epicenter of aprés ski in Big Sky’s Mountain Village. Ski in straight from the slopes, gather with friends at a long table or find a cozy booth, play bar games and enjoy live entertainment from local bands and DJs. Westward Social is known for its laid-back vibe, craft cocktails and share plates of homestyle comfort food.
2. Vista Bar
The Vista Bar is located on the upper level of The Exchange in the Vista Hall, Big Sky’s modern slope side food court with roaring fireplaces, an inviting atmosphere and a choice of six eateries. Whether you’re nestled indoors or on the expansive deck you’re rewarded with a selection of signature cocktails, the best Montana beers on tap and stunning views of the Mountain Village Plaza and Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak.
Best Aprés in Town Center
3. The Rocks Tasting Room
The Rocks Tasting Room is a quaint tasting room with whiskey bar inspired décor, a cozy atmosphere and a great outdoor patio in Big Sky Town Center. Snack on a menu of light meals with homemade soups, charcuterie boards and gourmet flatbreads and sample craft beer or specialty cocktails made from the finest local Montana spirits.
4. Beehive Basin Brewery
Craft beer lovers will find Beehive brews on tap throughout Big Sky but, for an authentic Montana brewery experience, we suggest aprés ski at Beehive Basin Brewery in Big Sky Town Center. The tasting room boasts views of Big Sky’s snow-capped peaks as well as the brew master at work in the microbrewery. Beehive Basin Brewery does not serve food but allows patrons to order in from neighboring restaurants.
5. Lone Mountain Ranch
For a quintessential Montana experience take a short scenic drive down the mountain to the historic Lone Mountain Ranch, a grand mountain lodge located close to Big Sky Resort. Begin your aprés ski with happy hour in the saloon followed by farm-to-table dining in the upscale Horn & Cantle Restaurant. For the ultimate Big Sky experience book a legendary sleigh ride dinner through the forest to a lantern-lit cabin for a Big Sky aprés ski experience like no other.
Aprés in the Comfort of Your Home
6. Hot Tubs, Firepits & Mountain Views
For some, the ultimate Big Sky aprés ski experience is the seclusion of a Montana mountain cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, bubbling hot tub under the stars and outdoor fire pit for aprés s’mores and hot buttered rum. Whether you choose to stay slope side in Big Sky Mountain Village, walking distance to the aprés ski in Big Sky Town Center or in a secluded setting perched high on the slopes of Moonlight Basin, we represent the best vacation rentals in Big Sky and treat your vacation like our own.
