St. Regis Deer Valley

14 Best Après Ski Lounges

If you like fireplaces, champagne, deep cushy couches, hot chocolate, hot toddies, and snuggling in a cozy setting, this is the article for you. Yes, every place on this list is a cold weather destination, but you do not have to be a skier, boarder, or outside adventurer to enjoy them. Instead of all the physical outside activities, all you must do is relax and lounge all day with a good novel or your closest friend.

I have stayed at many of the locations listed below, and will continue to venture back, as each location is special and luxurious in its own way. Any  bar with relaxing ambiance, especially if there is a view to be seen, is where you will find me.

Aspen, Colorado

Hotel Jerome

Hotel Jerome – I absolutely love this hotel, and it’s hard to decide which of the two great bars to lounge at, so chances are you will find me at both! The Living Room is my dream martini–consuming location. Lots of nooks or assorted crevices to snuggle into, plus a creative cocktail menu and assorted tapas. The J-Bar is my belly–up–on–a–stool choice with a cowboy mountain–y feel and one of the best burgers in town.

Hotel Jerome

The Little Nell – Ajax Tavern = champagne and truffle fries = Slope side view = my perfect spot.  When with my Colorado friends, this is the first place we go, before even checking in. The outside deck at the bottom of the slopes has the best people watching around. Almost every table is drinking bubbles, as Veuve Clicquot seems to be the Champagne of choice here, so I’m in!

St. Regis – I am a St. Regis hotel addict and this is for sure one of my favorites. Just stroll through, spot the large fireplace in the center, and find your seat. Make sure to have the Signature drink of the St. Regis, the Bloody Mary, which here is called the Down Hill Red Snapper. I promise it does not disappoint.

St. Regis Aspen

Vail, Colorado

Four Seasons Vail

Four Seasons – The Remedy Bar: such an appropriate name. I’ve enjoyed après ski here numerous times, and the choices for lounging are endless. I love the square bar, so you can see all the action all around you, but don’t worry, there are plenty of couches to find yourself sinking into. There are great mixology drinks here also, so put your trust in the bartenders to guide you with the right concoction to imbibe in.

Gstaad Switzerland

Le Grand Bellevue

Le Grand Bellevue – The first place I visited my first time in Gstaad and I’m hooked. I love the very large and open bar to sit and relax in deep leather couches. Also, you must check out Bouquet, a great late-night cocktail lounge to “see and be seen.” Check out my article about Glamour in Gstaad here.  

The Alpina Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad – I adore this hotel and look forward to future visits as the lounge and bar areas are spectacular! The views are endless, no matter what season you visit.  Even though I am not a cigar smoker, I fell in love with their cigar lounge and enjoyed a glass of Champagne while strolling through. More about the Alpina Gstaad here.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Mont Cervin Palace

Mont Cervin Palace – I’ve stayed here two times and cannot get enough. Classic, elegant and sophisticated is Joseph’s Bar. You can hear the pianist from any seat you choose, and it’s a great place for people watching in the center of Zermatt. Make sure to stroll through the Davidoff Lounge if you are a cigar aficionado.  

Edwards Bar

Edwards Bar – This was my third trip to Zermatt, and I always swing by Edwards. It’s small, cozy, and the Maître d’ seems to make his rounds to every table and say hello, no matter the language. I love the extended living room couch that faces the bar and the deep red colors that bring me back to the days of old school glamour.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof –  Inside or outside? This year I had the pleasure of experiencing the Ruinart Ice Bar outside the hotel for the holidays. If the cold weather is too much, The Ruden Bar or the Stars Bar is the place, and make sure to cozy up next to the fireplace and enjoy an afternoon tea or slip away in a glass of fine cognac.

Lake Tahoe, California

Ritz Carlton

Ritz Carlton – I remember the year this hotel opened, and I couldn’t get to North Lake Tahoe quick enough. There are not many 5-star quality locations in the Tahoe area, and having gone to college in San Francisco, venturing to Tahoe for skiing was a common weekend jaunt. I love the openness of their Living Room. A great place to take in the view and relax when a lazy day is needed.

Squaw Valley – My first snow skiing experience was here, and I’ve been addicted since then. I was 12 years old and my eldest sister took me snow skiing at Squaw Valley, USA. The dramatic entrance with the five rings from the 1968 Olympics with the torch flaming away made a lasting impression on me. Since then, I have been staying at The Resort at Squaw Creek every time I can, and the choices to lounge off the slopes are numerous.  

Deer Valley, Utah

St Regis

St. Regis Hotel – Yes, another St. Regis. I remember the year this resort opened in 2009. The views from the outside terrace are spectacular.  A great place to watch your loved ones ski down while you enjoy yourself a cocktail or hot chocolate to keep you warm.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Carlton Hotel

Carlton Hotel – Elegance and class are the only words you need to describe the Carlton Hotel St. Mortiz. Between the Carlton Bar, lobby, and terrace, you will have a difficult choice of where to relax. I have such great memories with my brothers here after a long day on the slopes and the desire to enjoy a cold martini in such a sophisticated ambiance.

The purpose of this article is to show you that you don’t have to be a person who hits the slopes to enjoy a ski resort getaway. Even if you hate cold weather destinations, I can promise that these places to hang and relax in a beautiful setting off the slopes will change your mind. I hope someday you get a chance to visit and relax in any of these locations. Who doesn’t like a cozy couch, a cocktail, and a view?

St. Regis Deer Valley