Après-ski, a time period that has embedded itself deeply into ski tradition and past, captures the essence of mountain life. Originating from the French phrase for “after,” après-ski isn’t just about what occurs post-skiing however embodies a life-style that mixes leisure, indulgence and socialization towards the backdrop of snowy peaks.
Learn on as we discover the après-ski tradition at our favourite mountain haunts to get pleasure from a cocktail. We highlight Cory McAlpine, a Mountain Journey Knowledgeable based mostly in Breckenridge, Colorado with 17 years of expertise in crafting dream ski holidays throughout the globe.
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Whether or not his shoppers are searching for a refined expertise that’s centered on the posh and scrumptious meals of Courchevel, France, or a learn-to-ski getaway to Aspen with among the Rockies’ greatest instructors, Cory is high of the road in relation to his craft. Cory’s ardour for journey extends past work, driving him to discover new runs at resorts and head on spontaneous adventures all year long, all whereas sharing his love for the mountains with others.
Photograph Credit score: Grand Hyatt Vail
Photograph Credit score: Grand Hyatt Vail
As quickly as you stroll into the Grand Hyatt Vail, you might be greeted with heat smiles and an exquisite inside. “The workers and ambiance on the Park Hyatt is fantastic, making it one in every of my favourite properties to spend time at,” exclaimed Cory. He continued to inform us what units the final vibe of the Grand Hyatt, “The Grand Hyatt is the proper laid-back, but refined après-ski vacation spot! Particularly when you like champagne,” Cory winked. That’s as a result of they’ve a Grand Moët Yurt that serves champagne, cocktails and light-weight snacks each day for après. Cory explains why he loves it “The vibe inside is cozy and swanky. You ski down after an extended day on the mountain, kick off your boots and get to hold within the heat, plush yurt. It feels very European and genuine – all within the coronary heart of Vail and out the backdoors of The Grand Hyatt.” And a professional tip from Cory? “The Yurt isn’t the one strategy to get your champagne repair, they occur to have a merchandising machine with small bottles of Moët Chandon Champagne! It’s the proper method so as to add an additional sprint of sophistication to your ski trip.”
The Grand Hyatt Vail excels in different leisure as nicely. “As soon as the Grand Moet Yurt closes for the night, you may head over to their TopGolf swing suites. They’ve digital screens set as much as problem household and associates to your recreation!” The property is ski-in ski-out and all of the rooms have basic Hyatt appeal – clear, refined and comfy. The Hyatt eliminates any problem of getting to hold your skis to and from the chair carry. It’s straightforward to roll away from bed, throw in your gear, seize your boots from the boot heater and leap on the chairlift that can take you up the mountain.
Photograph Credit score: Grand Hyatt Vail
Photograph Credit score: Grand Hyatt Vail
Photograph Credit score: Grand Hyatt Vail
The Chedi Andermatt stands out as a top-tier après-ski bar, redefining the standard lodge bar expertise with its distinctive and nostalgic method. In contrast to basic lodge bars with lounge seats and commonplace drink menus, the Chedi Andermatt takes a extra adventurous and playful method. Visitors are invited to embark on a tasting journey that can convey them again to their cherished reminiscences from childhood. “Suppose tasty drinks that odor of caramelized sugar from the cotton sweet machines or the style of sugary cereal milk,” stated Cory. Their seasonal theme may be summed up with one phrase: “Rising previous is necessary, rising up is non-compulsory.” The ambiance of the bar is one in every of excessive vitality and sophistication. A reside pianist units the temper, and company can loosen up in a 5-star environment, after an epic day on the mountain. Together with their thrilling and artistic method to après-ski drinks, the lodge hosts themed occasions, video games and particular leisure. “There may be all the time one thing new to have interaction with company,” stated Cory as he defined the workers’s consideration to element.
Photograph Credit score: The Chedi Andermatt
Photograph Credit score: The Chedi Andermatt
The lodge sits within the valley amidst the breathtaking Swiss Alps and presents a enjoyable (and opulent) escape within the village of Andermatt. “This space is among the most fascinating places on the planet, and this lodge effortlessly blends into its environment with quintessential Alpine stylish and luxurious,” defined Cory. He continues, “The workers is every thing you’ll anticipate with a five-star property. They make certain each want is met and go above and past to set the stage for a memorable keep. When you have one thing particular deliberate sooner or later, this lodge is for you.” The lodge has 119 elegant rooms and suites, every designed with consolation for company in thoughts. If you’re feeling hungry after the slopes, they’ve a scrumptious award warning restaurant onsite, that makes for a leisurely night after the slopes. The highest-tier restaurant is matched with the lodge’s distinctive wine cellar, which homes a fantastic collection of wine from around the globe. The property additionally has a 2400 sq. meter spa, with luxurious treats, a sauna and steam rooms.
Photograph Credit score: The Chedi Andermatt
Photograph Credit score: The Chedi Andermatt
Photograph Credit score: The Chedi Andermatt
The St. Regis is nestled slopeside to the ritzy Deer Valley and matches the ski locations’ refined and upscale expertise. Cory fills us in with the small print, “The property sits on the fringe of Deer Valley and presents ski-in ski-out entry, making attending après straightforward. The latest addition, and the center of the après-ski scene, is their latest bar referred to as “The Classic Room.” This top-tier bar is nestled on the fringe of the Deer Hole ski run and showcases a heated 1600 square-foot tent, a 30-foot wooden bar, vaulted ceilings, and a music stage that units the temper for this opulent stage. The Classic additionally occurs to be the situation of the St. Regis Night Ritual. Cory shared his favourite a part of staying on the St. Regis, “Each night at 5:30 pm, company are invited to attend the Night Ritual, the place a champagne sabering takes place. When you have by no means been to a champagne saber, it’s extremely really useful. Nothing beats watching a champagne cork fly off a bottle with a saber!” For many who search selection, the St. Regis has you coated providing cream-of-the-crop eating choices. The property has eight totally different bars and eating places on property. “All worthy of the various praises company sing relating to every restaurant,” stated Cory.
Photograph Credit score: The St. Regis Deer Valley
Photograph Credit score: The St. Regis Deer Valley
Photograph Credit score: The St. Regis Deer Valley
Visitors staying on the lodge can benefit from the comfort of ski-in ski-out suites and rooms, full with ski valley companies for a laid-back and stylish ski trip. The lodge can be pet-friendly, so don’t depart your furry greatest pal behind! With marble bogs and personal terraces in each room and suite, this property is the epitome of luxurious, consolation and class.
Photograph Credit score: The Classic St. Regis
Photograph Credit score: The Classic St. Regis
VICEROY – Snowmass, Colorado
As Snowmass Village’s solely 5-star property, this luxurious lodge units the stage for the last word après-ski getaway in Aspen-Snowmass. “The Viceroy Lounge is the latest addition to this excellent property,” Cory instructed us. Visitors can sip on drinks within the elegant lounge and seize a chunk to eat after an extended day on the slopes. “It’s an inviting bar that makes it straightforward to make new associates. In addition they have scrumptious meals I used to be excited to attempt!” exclaimed Cory. One other nice choice for après-ski on the Viceroy is The Nest. “Prior to now, The Nest has been one in every of my favorites. I like that this bar is subsequent to the pool and sizzling tub. Bonus factors as a result of the chairlift goes proper over the bar,” stated Cory. An important addition to The Nest is that it presents wholesome consuming menu gadgets, considerably of a rarity in relation to fast bar snacks. With straightforward ski entry, company can transition from the bar to the slopes after a fast pick-me-up. Throughout the day, The Nest presents grab-and-go gadgets for company on the transfer.
Photograph Credit score: The Viceroy Snowmass
Photograph Credit score: The Viceroy Snowmass
The Viceroy doesn’t cease at nice bar choices. The 7,000-square-foot spa presents a complete different layer of respite to your ski trip. “They’ve an unbelievable array of facilities and top-quality merchandise. That is the place I ship shoppers if they’re searching for a spa getaway, whether or not they’re staying right here or not,” stated Cory. Together with the elegant spa, the Viceroy presents a spread of luxurious and comfy lodging. They’ve studios, residential suites, and penthouses, that means irrespective of the configuration of your group, you could find an appropriate place to remain. Cory continued “And naturally, there may be my favourite bullet level of the property – their VIP program. No that’s not ‘crucial particular person’, it means ‘crucial pets!’” They be sure that your furry associates have simply as nice of a keep as their human counterparts.
Photograph Credit score: The Viceroy Snowmass
Photograph Credit score: The Viceroy Snowmass
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Wort Lodge – Jackson Gap, Wyoming
Situated within the coronary heart of Jackson Gap, Wyoming, this iconic property is stuffed with ski folklore and wrapped up in luxurious. Every room is individually embellished with its eclectic aptitude that matches the theme of Jackson Gap nicely – the cowboy aesthetic. This distinctive property serves as the proper base camp for journey seekers.
Professional Tip: Head to the Million Greenback Cowboy Bar which is true subsequent door to The Wort. Your room key will get you in freed from cost! Visiting Jackson Gap and not using a go to to Cowboy Bar will depart you feeling robust bouts of FOMO “worry of lacking out.” They’ve reside music each evening of the week and also you’re certain to have a boot-stompin’ good time! Since The Wort is surrounded by an incredible après-ski scene, you will have choices. You’ll want to additionally take a look at the Silver Greenback Bar, the place the spirit of the previous West lives on. The bar, adorned with hundreds of actual silver {dollars}, presents an ambiance that’s each vigorous and traditionally wealthy.
Photograph Credit score: The Wort
Photograph Credit score: The Wort
Photograph Credit score: The Wort
The Gambit is a classy and comfy bar, set amidst an exquisite assortment of artwork at The Sebastian. It presents comfy seating, a heat ambiance and an inspiring cocktail record. Their meals choices go above and past in relation to the meals. Think about pleasant bites equivalent to whipped ricotta topped with mint and chili-infused honey served with a spiced pita. The Gambit additionally hosts native musicians nightly.
Professional Tip: A minimum of as soon as a month all year long, The Gambit hosts comedy nights in English and Spanish. It’s the proper strategy to get some laughs out throughout your ski trip! Cory shared yet another tip, “The Sebastian house owners are unbelievable artwork collectors and their assortment is showcased all through the property. Seize a drink and provides your self a self-guided artwork tour all through the foyer and in depth property. There are unbelievable items to admire.”
Photograph Credit score: The Sebastian
Photograph Credit score: The Sebastian
Photograph Credit score: The Sebastian
BOOK A TRIP
So, as you propose your subsequent ski trip, contemplate not simply the slopes, however the wealthy après-ski tradition that awaits you on the finish of the day. Let Cory’s experiences information you to your subsequent mountain journey. Right here’s to snowy days, heat nights and the comfy après-ski moments that make winter essentially the most magical season of all. Contact a Mountain Journey Knowledgeable right now and make sure to ask about subsequent season’s greatest offers!
