What would skiers do without après? Frankly, we’re not interested in finding out. Durango is an après paradise, where the sun always shines, the snow never melts and the beer flows like water.
Choosing the proper place to kick up the boots and bliss out isn’t hard. This time-honored tradition requires epic views, great drinks, and good company at the very least. And since Durango has plenty of all three, the conditions are primed for a little post-turn partying. Just because the lift stops, doesn’t mean the fun has to.
Here's a list of our favorite après ski (or after ski) bars and restaurants to wrap up a great day of skiing or snowboarding:
Après Stops at Purgatory Resort
Spring skiing is on its way, a time when the slopes are plagued by more blue jeans and swimwear than ski bibs, but that won’t affect how your hot toddy tastes. On the mountain, you’ll never stray more than a mile away from body-warming, confidence-building beverages. From the beach, you’ll find the Bear Bar and Grille at Purgy’s. From the front side, there’s the Powderhouse and on the back slopes of the mountain, the beloved Dante’s Backside Bistro. Parents fear not, each locale is family-friendly.
The Bear Bar
Best for beach bumming, live music, Bloody Marys, and people watching.
Powderhouse
Best for a mid-run breather, speedy service, and terrain park access.
Dante’s
Best for mountain views, deck lounging, meeting people, and quick meals.
Après Stops around Durango
Looking for a stop on your way back to town or the hotel? These three spots are ideal, whether you just want a quick drink or a place to post up all evening.
Olde Schoolhouse Saloon
Best Atmosphere; Best Pizza
Slow service, sassy bartenders, rowdy patrons, and insanely delicious pizza-- all the reasons we love the Olde Schoolhouse, located just a few miles south of Purgatory Resort. It’s not the first place I’d bring the kids, but if you’re looking for a good time, it's always reliable. This little white cabin off the side of Highway 550 is special, a favorite for both locals and seasoned visitors. It has bar games, a pool table, lots of charm and a real Southwestern mountain vibe.
James Ranch
Best Location; Best Burger
Only open for food during the winter on Saturdays, from 11-5 P.M, this expansive working ranch is a must-visit for any weekend warrior on their way back to town. In the winter, a pop-up cowboy tent serves as the dining area. With its twinkling lights, wood-burning stove, and huge windows, it brings a cozy, picnicky vibe to any après party. Bring the whole family and take on the slower pace of farm life, if only for a moment.
Ska Brewing's World Headquarters
Best Biergarten; Best Beer:
Durango’s own wind-powered brewery serves award-winning, nationally-adored beers all evening long. Ideally during après, you want the opportunity to sit outdoors, but not the obligation. With two different levels of indoor and outdoor seating, Ska is a welcoming hearth for all travelers, with plenty of space to spread out. And if you’ve ever dreamed of eating your dinner from a tricked out shipping container with beautiful alpenglow views and picture-perfect scenery, you can cross that off your bucket list too.
Après Stops in Downtown Durango
Want to stay within walking distance of the hotel and shops of Durango's historic Main Avenue? Follow the sound of live music and guarantees of balcony views.
11th Street Station
Best Food/Drink Selection; Best Energy
Sometimes the slopes get the better of you. You leave all your strength at the top of the mountain, and après just means you want to assess the severity of your windburn and sip a nightcap. Your only hope of rallying would be to surround yourself with a great set of happy people. 11th Street Station is where you’ll find it. With a parking lot full of food trucks offering any and everything you could possibly need, fear not about arguing what kind of food the group wants. Every man for himself at this motor-inspired, eclectic depot. There is seating both outdoors around the heater and inside near the cocktail bar and coffee bar lounge.
Fired Up Pizzeria
Best Balcony; Best In-town Pizza
Fired Up Pizzeria has moved next door to its old location, to make room for its newest neighbor, Mountain Taco. Both restaurants are owned by the same family and share the same love of delicious, unique spins on food favorites, but only Fired Up boasts the best balcony in town. Enjoy a birds-eye view of Main Avenue, with room to kick back and lounge for as long as you’d like. The restaurant, once a bank, then an art gallery, and now a wood-fired pizzeria, has everything you need for après, including a full bar. They even offer a cauliflower crust for gluten-free, keto-friendly options.
Balcony Bar and Grill
Best Live Music; Best Nightlife
Après is not a luxury but a necessity; that’s what you’ll learn from a night spent at the Balcony. Often host to some of the greatest downtown dance parties, here you’ll enjoy a wide selection of drinks and cozy bar foods. Its corner location on 600 Main Avenue allows it the great 180-degree vista of the town and only attracts the most fun of patrons.
Steamworks Brewing
Best Comfort Food; Best Sports Bar
The claim to Steamworks' fame may not be as a sports bar, but the huge array of television screens make it a viewing-party favorite. If you’re looking for a post-mountain game to watch, the bar here is an ideal place to set up. Steamworks has a huge menu of award-winning beers and delicious comfort foods, from burgers and pizzas to tacos, pasta, and their famous Cajun Boil.
The balcony may not share the same mountain views as others on Main Avenue, but the high-on-life energy is just the same.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the perfect end to the perfect day on the slopes, consider spending your après ski time at a bar or restaurant in and around Durango. Whether you're going to spend your time at Purgatory, outside of Durango, or right in the heart of Downtown, visiting any of the bars and restaurants on our list is a great way to wrap up a successful ski or snowboard day in Durango.
