After a long day of pounding moguls or navigating the bunny slope, for those looking to bend the elbow, Aspen’s watering holes are legendary.  Here’s our  Après Ski Aspen guide to the town’s legendary lingering libations.

For posh people-watching patio, head to Ajax Tavern, open for lunch, après-ski and dinner, overlooking the sparkling slopes at the base of Aspen Mountain. Expect to see Veuve Clicquot skis propped up outside and, as the season progresses, revelers celebrating reaching 100 days on skis (that season) with free-flowing Veuve.

During spring weekends, Clicquot in the Snow is an après festivity with a dance-inspired DJ, Champagne specials, Veuve Clicquot décor, and a vibrant vibe. Whatever you order goes really well with their famous truffle fries.

The Marble BarAround town, buzzing bars include The Marble Bar for creative cocktails made from marble-filtered liquors in a magnificent marble-motif lounge inside the Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen; the Limelight Lounge for live music and rocking happy hours; Mini Jimmy’s, the world’s smallest speakeasy, for intimate private parties;  Bad Harriet jazz bar beneath the Hotel Jerome; and the panoramic Rooftop Wet Deck atop the new W Hotel Aspen.

Chair 9 in the Little Nell is famous for cocoa, rated ‘America’s best Hot Chocolate’ by Travel + Leisure. It’s made with Valrhona’s single origin chocolate, cocoa powder, half-and-half, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt with Amaretto, Bailey’s, or Frangelico add-ons.

Don’t miss having Hot Spiced Wine paired with a cheese platter on the two-tier sun deck at Bonnie’s Restaurant on Aspen Mountain. And, at the end of a colder ski day, head to Hooch Craft Cocktail bar for Monk’s Revenge created with Basil Hayden Bourbon, maple syrup and Green Chartreuse.

Staying in Snowmass? Check out the brand new mountain-modern Moxibar which opened in early 2020. Coolest feature: Collective Game Lounge downstairs for kids to enjoy while parents quaff cocktails upstairs. Indoor-outdoor feel with windows opening onto the outdoor bar giving a mountain casual feel that works equally well for ski boots or high heels. Drinks with ‘moxie’ include the smooth and sweet Three Berry Martini, which has a good pour of Absolut vodka, cedilla acai liqueur, pom juice and muddled blueberries. Pair with light apps such as spiced almonds, marinated olives, and a prosciutto plate.

Aspen is the glam place to be after the last ski lift is closed where the town heat up with the sun goes down. Here’s our guide to Aspen beyond the bar scene for insights on the ski scene, hotels, restaurants and more.