Park City is returning to normal this week after yet another successful Sundance Film Festival. We at Chin-MacQuoid-Fleming-Harris are already fixating on the ski reports, blue bird skies, and awesome snow on the slopes. As the days grow a bit longer, we may end our runs a little earlier than we did in January, and that means we have time to enjoy one of our favorite things – the best après ski scene of any ski town in the world. In our book, there’s just nothing better than zooming downhill all day long, then bringing our speedometer to zero with friends, great food, and delectable drinks. Every bar and bistro in Park City has fantastic apps and signature cocktails for après ski, and we want to share four of our favorites with you.
Legends Bar and Grill
Anyone could spend their entire vacation at Canyons Village and never leave it. They could also eat at Legends Bar and Grill everyday and never grow tired of it. Their après ski menu is particularly luscious. The Corn Chowder made with fire-roasted corn and topped with queso fresco will chase away the chill and leave your tummy contented. Couple it with a hearty lager and you may be ready for an early night. “I love their crispy crab cakes,” said Dana Fleming. “That, with a glass of Chardonnay is perfect for sharing with friends. Often we just hang out talking and stay for dinner too!”
The Boneyard & Wine Dive
If your personal après-ski appetite involves Riesling and an ahi poke tower, but your buddy is dying for an IPA and a classic American burger, head to Boneyard Saloon & Wine Dive. This dual restaurant lets you choose which side you’d like to sit in, but offers selections from either menu. The Saloon side has big-screen TV’s, a wide selection of beers on tap, and a wood-fired grill that makes everything taste great. The Wine Dive is more quiet and refined, offering artisan pizzas, Korean street tacos, and Sriracha deviled eggs. “The Wine Dive’s prosciutto and fig pizza is something I’ll dream about all day on the slopes,” said Suzanne Harris. “They also serve food later than most places in town, making it a good choice for those late-night snack attacks. To top it off, parking is free in their private lot!”
St. Regis Deer Valley Terrace Lounge
The bar and terrace lounge at St. Regis Deer Valley is the perfect ending to a magnificent day of Deer Valley skiing. Perched high above D.V.’s ski beach, the views of the surrounding mountains seem to go on forever. When the sun dips low, St. Regis’s outdoor fire pits light up and the atmosphere takes on social warmth that engenders conversation with friends old and new. Fireside Adirondack chairs provide the perfect respite for worn-out legs. You can witness St. Regis’s signature champagne sabering ritual at 5:30pm every night, and pair some bubbly with your s’mores.“My absolute favorite après ski is a glass of Parallel Cabernet with the Maine Mussels Marinièr with garlic toast ,” said Ann MacQuoid. “I could lose myself staring into that panorama, but never fail to meet a new friend while I’m there.”
High West Distillery
High West Distillery and Saloon is just a stone’s throw away from the bottom of Quittin’ Time ski run at Park City Mountain, making it the world’s first (and only, so far) ski-in, ski-out distillery.World renowned for their whisky blends, High West also has a full bar and après ski-perfect appetizer menu. After 3:00, the barroom turns into a high-spirited social hour of people recounting their downhill tall tales. The menu is highly creative and puts a twist on every item. “There’s nothing I love more than burning off a zillion calories on the slopes all day, and then reloading it at High West Saloon afterwards,” said Steve Chin. “My personal favorite is the bourbon Hot Toddy and the Grillsworth – a grilled Krispy Kreme donut topped with vanilla ice cream and whiskey caramel. Tell me that doesn’t sound like something you want to eat right now!”
Many people think February is the best time for skiing in Park City, and this month is certainly living up to their expectations. We at Chin MacQuoid Fleming Harris encourage you to ski as many runs as you can fit into the day, bask in the sunshine and clean air, and then spend time with your friends and family enjoying all the après ski options available in town. Cheers!
