For those who love downhill runs as well as those who err more on the side of downtime in the lodge by a roaring fire, après-ski enjoyed in a classic mountain town setting is a common pleasure point for winter’s finest getaways. As the disappearing low winter sun bathes snowy landscapes in hues of orange and pink, unique, unconventional après-ski experiences heat up dining spaces, living rooms and other locales, too, all across the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Follow our lead to some of this season’s most inviting après-ski moments.
Hotel Jerome | Aspen, Colorado
“Whether you ski or not, après-ski is central to the winter experience in Aspen,” says Patrick Davila, General Manager of Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection. The historic property in the heart of downtown Aspen has served as the tony mountain destination’s social hub since 1889. “For most guests, après-ski is their favorite part of the day,” Davila says.
The hotel goes beyond Aspen’s ubiquitous Champagne and caviar offerings, however, proffering a curated and floating array of elevated post-slope delicacies (think Ossetra caviar and Champagne pairings from Petrossian, Krug, and Dom Perignon) during “Bumps to Bumps.” The coveted après-ski experience immerses guests in Hotel Jerome’s private heated pools and terrace to enjoy unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain. You can head inside to sip an espresso martini or Negroni, too, while enjoying some of Aspen’s iconic buzzing social scene in the hotel’s Living Room or speakeasy, Bad Harriet. And for something sportier, the hotel’s traditional curling court in The Winter Garden puts a stylish spin on the cult winter sport that dates to 16th century Scotland with a festive menu and libations during “Curling and Cocktails.” Whether you play or just cheer on friends, cozy heated furniture and firepits set the mood for kicking back and celebrating another fine ski day.
And for guests whose idea of post-mountain relaxation involves wellness, Hotel Jerome’s boutique spa Yarrow beckons with Clé de Peau Beauté Mountain Moisture facials infused with hydrating botanicals and body wraps in an infrared sauna that cocoons slope-weary bodies in head-to-toe warmth.
Madeline Hotel and Residences | Telluride, Colorado
The rugged San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado entice serious skiers and sybarites alike to Telluride, another Rocky Mountain town with a deeply Western heart that plays hard on the slopes and knows how to enjoy itself at night.
“The après scene in Telluride is integral to winter days spent outdoors, and the epic San Juan Mountain views are an incredible backdrop for any après activities,” says Bryan Woody, Regional Vice President, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection – the “base camp for adventure” overlooking Telluride’s town of Mountain Village – heralds the start of après-ski every afternoon in a most evocative way. At 4PM, an Alphorn call from a custom-made Swiss Bernatone instrument as authentic as anything you’d hear in the Alps rings out as guests arrive for a daily appearance and cuddle with Cheyenne, Woody’s adorable Saint Bernard. (Woody also blows the horn.)
The post-ski crowds can enjoy a complimentary Champagne toast and swap stories from the slopes in the hotel’s atmospheric Timber Room, where more seasonal libations are served around a roaring fire alongside decadent eats like charcuterie plates, roasted bone marrow and a host of “Mountain Mezze.”
There’s shuffleboard and pool in the hotel’s Great Room, and guests can receive complimentary s’mores kits—equipped with chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and skewers—to make the gooey treat at one of the properties many outdoor firescapes. It doesn’t get much more cozy.
Lounging by the fire with a cocktail at Madeline Hotel and Residences. On Her: Saint Laurent dress; AEXAE coat; YSL boots; Crossbow hat; Versace gloves. On Him: Brixton jacket; Brunello Cucinelli vest; Neiman Marcus sweater; Levi’s; Balmain boots; Hermes scarf.
Each day during ski season at 4PM Regional Vice President, Bryan Woody, blows the Alporn at Madeline Hotel and Residences, signaling the start of après. Alongside him, his Saint Bernard Cheyenne greets guests for a complimentary Champagne toast.
Ready to share the “Mountain Mezze” in the Timber Room of Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, wearing Saint Laurent dress; AEXAE coat; Saint Laurent boots; Crossbow hat.
The Lodge at Blue Sky | Park City, Utah
Perched on a high alpine field overlooking untamed mountain landscapes not far from bustling Park City Mountain Resort, where its private slopeside ski lounge welcomes guests up the mountain, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, promises the ultimate Utah ski experience.
It’s no surprise, either, that the remote luxury outpost you can alight at by helicopter (and launch heli-ski tours from, too) levels up the art of après-ski for guests.
The experience can be enjoyed in The Bar. But for whiskey-lovers who are feeling more adventurous, you can snowshoe, hike or travel by ATV to the Blue Sky’s mountain top yurt for the bespoke hot toddy-making experience. A sommelier details three types of warm beverages perfect for winter adventuring, incorporating Macallan 12-Year, 15-Year and Double Cask Whiskeys into recipes like the Lavender Honey Toddy, which uses organic lavender grown onsite at Gracie’s Farm.
Wherever you decide to tip your glass, you’ll enjoy the experience with light festive bites themed just for the occasion.
For a fashionable spin on après with a strong Western aesthetic, consider Blue Sky’s Kemo Sabe Speakeasy Experience at the iconic shop along Park City’s Main Street. You can custom-design your own Kemo Sabe hat while enjoying chef-curated bites and cocktails purchased in the Speakeasy.
Guests at The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, can get cozy with a private hot toddy workshop featuring The Macallan whiskeys. The experience can be enjoyed at The Bar, but whisky lovers who are feeling more adventurous can snowshoe, hike or travel by ATV to Blue Sky’s mountain top yurt for a bespoke feel.
Goldener Hirsch | Deer Valley, Utah
Newly launched last year, Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection’s beloved après-ski venue, the Après Chalet, has become a fast favorite on the Deer Valley and Park City ski scene and is totally unique in Silver Lake Village.
This season, the hotel is partnering with luxury ski wear and lifestyle brand Perfect Moment to outfit the Chalet with custom seating, warm blankets and “tree” decor inspired by the label’s coveted signature silver puffer jackets.
“Fireplaces throughout the space enhance the atmosphere and ensure guests are cozy and convivial,” says Woody, who also oversees Goldener Hirsch.
Picture yourself celebrating the day’s best runs on the sun-soaked patio here or cozying up fireside with a signature Goldener Hirsch Hot Chocolate. The steaming hot drink is proffered with much theater, hand-poured by your server tableside and presented on a slate tray along with a house-made marshmallow, chantilly cream and an Austrian cookie.
The Express-O Lift Martini is another house favorite cocktail. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider splurging on the Chalet’s extravagant seafood tower and toasting the end of another epic day on the mountain by clinking flutes of Champagne.
Winter in these parts was never more worthy of celebrating.
Dressed for après-ski in Norma Kamali turtleneck catsuit; Moncler puffer; Yves Salomon headpiece; Versace gloves.
Crossbow hat and hat box; Moncler sweater; TWP blazer; YSL boots; WP blazer; Moncler sweater; Moncler jeans; YSL suede boot heels; Nili Croc Belt.
Hotel Jerome’s Bad Harriet D Lady Recipe
A number of cocktails served at Bad Harriet, Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, are named after powerful and influential women, among them the D Lady, which is inspired by the iconic Princess Diana.
Ingredients:
1 ¾ oz Empress Gin
¼ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz Lemon juice
½ oz English Breakfast Tea Syrup*
Egg White
Recipe
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Dry shake, to emulsify the egg, with the rest of the cocktail. Add ice, shake and strain carefully into a chilled coupe cocktail glass. Garnish with an array of edible micro flowers.
*English tea syrup: Brew a strong 8 oz cup of English breakfast tea. Whilst still warm, dissolve 8 oz of sugar. Store and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.