We’ve all heard the saying that a skiing destination or resort is “a drinking town with a skiing problem.” Pairing snow sports with beer is a tradition that likely dates back to the first time someone was foolish enough to strap strips of wood to their feet and point them down a mountain. Some of us enjoy an après ski beverage as a reward for a long day on the slopes and some just like sitting in the lodge laughing at others’ wipe-outs. Whatever you prefer, there are several ski resorts that go above and beyond in their offerings for mountainside beverages. If a ski trip is on your list this season, be sure to consider swinging by some of these local watering holes after hitting the slopes. As always, please drink (and ski) responsibly!
North East
Adirondack Steak and Seafood Brewery, Lake Placid, NY
You can’t go wrong with steak, seafood and craft beer and, luckily, Adirondak Steak and Seafood Brewery combines all three. Started in 1996, this family owned brewery prides itself on quality and consistency, creating small, handcrafted ales and lagers in a variety of ever-changing (and award-winning) styles. Located near Whiteface Mountain, it’s the perfect place to refuel after a day on the slopes.
Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery, North Woodstock, NH
Woodstock Inn Station is an inn, restaurant and brewery located in NH. Converted from a dilapidated home on Main Street in North Woodstock in 1982, the little inn was later combined with a train station moved from neighboring Lincoln that allowed them to expand two years after the opening. With signature ales like Through Hiker Double Rye Pale Ale and White Mountain Wheat, there’s something for you whether you’re a black diamond skiier or prefer cruising the green trails.
Rockies & Points West
Smugglers Brewpub, Telluride, CO
The only brewpub in Telluride and ranked one of the top 15 craft beer breweries in the USA, Smugglers is locally owned and operated. Their handcrafted beers (sixteen on tap plus their seasonal offerings) are brewed on site and their food is homemade daily. Smugglers blends history, food, and “Beer With an Altitude” and serves up all three right at the foot of the mountain.
Crazy Mountain Brewery, Vail, CO
The Vail Valley’s first production brewery, Crazy Mountain Brewery was created by Kevin and Marisa Selvy who “crafted a crazy brewery scheme and followed [their] hearts to Colorado” where they say “crazy is as crazy does, so drink up and live the life you want.” Their handcrafted beers run from the year round Crazy Mountain Amber Ale to the seasonal Snowcat Coffee Stout and is a place for anyone who likes beer brewed with passion. Located minutes from Beaver Creek Resort, it’s a great place to relax after carving new trails.
Lone Peak Brewery, Big Sky, MT
Opened as a microbrewery serving only 6 beers in 2007 by a husband and wife duo Steve and Vicky Nordhal, Lone Peak Brewery has since expanded into a brewery, bar, and restaurant. While they offer brewery tours on request, you can find their beers on tap in their restaurant. From Nordic Blonde on the light end of the scale to their Hippy Highway Oatmeal Stout plus an evolving rotation of seasonal or limited edition beers, there’s something here for every ski bum and brew hound.
Wasatch Brewery, Park City, UT
Established in 1986 by Greg Schirf after moving from the Milwaukee to Utah, Greg started the very first brewery in Utah and one of the first craft breweries in the United states. Serving award winning brews since 1986, Schirf proposed a bill to the Utah legislature in 1988 legalizing brewpubs and opened the first in the on Main Street in Park City. Raise a glass to legalizing boozing at high altitudes with a Ghostrider White IPA or an Apricot Hefeweizen.