Park City is glorious this week – blue bird skies, sunshine, and the snow on the slopes is still awesome. As the days warm up a bit, 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 three of our favorites with you.
St. Regis Deer Valley
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 the main lodge’s ski beach, the views of the surrounding mountains seem to go on forever. When the chairlifts stop running, St. Regis’s outdoor fire pits light up and the elegant atmosphere takes on social warmth that engenders conversation with friends old and new. “My absolute favorite après ski is nestling into one of the comfy terrace chairs with a glass of Parallel Cabernet with the black truffle & Fontina pizza,” said Ann MacQuoid. “I could lose myself staring into that panorama, but never fail to meet a new friend while I’m there.”
Park City Base
If you’ve spent the day riding the slopes at the Park City base area, you can ski right to the front door of High West Saloon. 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 telling their skiing 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!”
Canyons Village
Anyone could spend their entire vacation at Canyons Village and never leave it. They could also eat at The Farm (the all-organic gourmet restaurant located at the base of the Red Pine Gondola) everyday and never grow tired of it. Their après ski menu is particularly luscious. The Bison chili topped with aged cheddar is spectacular and will take the chill off in a hurry. Couple it with a hearty lager and you may be ready for an early night. “I love their house-made pretzels with brie dip,” 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!”
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, then spend time with your friends and family enjoying all the après ski options available in town. Cheers!
