Oct 30, 2026 · @Frank Miulli
The lifts close around 4 p.m, that’s when the second half of a Vail ski day starts. Vail has some of the best après-ski anywhere: in 2025 a Savills report ranked it the top ski region in the world for après.
Here’s where to go in Vail Village, Lionshead and Beaver Creek, whether you want live music on a sunny deck or a quiet cocktail by the fire. And since nobody should be driving after après, we’ve included how to get home safely at the end.
Vail Village: the classic après scene
Vail Village has the most energy and the most options, and everything is within walking distance of Gondola One.
The Red Lion – Look for the red-and-white umbrellas at the top of Bridge Street. It’s the classic Vail après stop, with a big drink list, nachos and regular live music. Arrive early if you want a deck seat.
Pepi’s – Great Spot, Its deck, with the big orange umbrellas, is one of the most recognizable spots in Vail. Expect Bavarian food, lots of afternoon sun and some of the best people-watching in the village.
Vendetta’s (the V Bar) – A longtime hangout for locals and ski patrollers on Wall Street. Order a pizza, grab a local draft and swap stories from the day, Great slices.
El Segundo – A taqueria and tequila bar with a large deck over Gore Creek. It’s a good choice for groups who want food with their drinks.
Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons – The upscale pick, with a heated terrace, fire pits and mountain views. It’s a natural fit for a special-occasion afternoon.
King’s Club at the Sonnenalp – A quieter option, with a roaring fireplace, comfortable seating and live music from local performers. Order an Old Fashioned or a hot toddy.
Bad Kitty Lounge – A tiny speakeasy-style bar tucked below Bridge Street, known for craft cocktails.
Lionshead: laid-back and family friendly
Lionshead is more relaxed than the Village and centers on the Eagle Bahn Gondola. It also quiets down earlier in the evening.
Garfinkel’s – A local classic with a huge deck looking up at the mountain and the gondola. Expect casual food and Colorado craft beer.
Bart & Yeti’s – One of the last true local pubs in the valley, open for nearly four decades. You’ll find it in the Lifthouse Lodge, serving burgers and cold beer.
Vail Chophouse – A sunny spot near the Eagle Bahn Gondola, known for live music from longtime Vail musician Phil Long.
Tavern on the Square – In The Arrabelle, steps from the gondola. It has a mountain-view patio and live music most nights in peak season.
El Sabor – Margaritas and Mexican bites in the Lion Square Lodge, overlooking Gore Creek. It’s an easy pick for families.
Beaver Creek: upscale and relaxed
Beaver Creek’s après is calmer and more refined than Vail’s. Much of the best of it happens in hotel lounges, and the free warm cookies handed out at the base every afternoon are a tradition.
Beaver Creek Chophouse – Ski-in, ski-out at the base of the Centennial lift, with a patio that’s great for people-watching. Order steaks, lobster mac and cheese or something from the long wine list.
Brass Bear Bar at the Park Hyatt – Floor-to-ceiling windows, sunset views over the mountain, and a big fireplace with cocktails and bar bites.
Coyote Café – The locals’ and ski patrol favorite, with Mexican food, margaritas and draft beer specials.
Dusty Boot Roadhouse – A casual Colorado bar and grill known for oversized margaritas.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch – Top Notch, Ski down to the Buffalo Bar or the Fireside Bar for a cocktail on the mountainside terrace. It’s one of the most memorable après settings in the valley. My personal fav for Apres.
Tips for planning your après
- Get there early. The best decks fill up by 3:30 p.m. on sunny days and holiday weeks.
- Pick your mood. Vail Village is for live music and energy. Lionshead is for a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Beaver Creek is for fireside cocktails.
- Plan for the altitude. At over 8,000 feet, drinks hit harder than at home, so pace yourself and drink water.
- Book dinner ahead. Après often rolls into dinner, and holiday-week reservations go fast.
- Plan your ride home before your first drink. Taxis and rideshares are scarce on busy evenings, and icy mountain roads are no place for a tired, après-happy driver.
Après without the drive: VIP Ground has you covered
The best après days end with nobody behind the wheel. VIP transfers anywhere in the Vail Valley, including Vail, Lionshead, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards and Bachelor Gulch.
- Evening transfers from your rental or hotel to après and dinner, and back.
- Bar-hopping between villages, so you can move from Vail to Beaver Creek without worrying about parking or shuttle schedules.
- Group Sprinter vans for ski groups, families, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and corporate teams. Each van seats up to 14, with room for gear.
- Airport transfers from Eagle County (EGE) and Denver (DEN), so your trip starts and ends just as smoothly.
Ready to plan your night out? Book your ride with VIP Ground
