Our steady supply of fresh powder and steadier supply of fresh microbrews means Vermont’s après-ski scene is now in full swing. With 20 downhill ski resorts, endless kilometers of Nordic trails, an abundance of fun, outdoorsy people, and a statewide dedication to healthy food and excellent beer (not to mention a burgeoning wine and spirits market), no matter where you are at the end of the day, you can find a top-notch après-ski spot to relive your turns and burns. Through years of careful research, plus the advice of some serious skiers and riders, Vermont Sports has compiled a list of the state’s top 10 best après-ski hangouts. Although we know there are many more, we applaud these businesses for their popularity, good food, great beer selection, and comfortableness.
THE ALCHEMIST PUB and BREWERY
23 South Main St., Waterbury
802-244-4120
Nearby Ski Areas: Drawing from the Mad River Valley, Bolton, Stowe, and many Nordic resorts and backcountry hotspots.
What’s on Tap: With so many wonderful options, choosing Vermont’s number one après-ski bar is as difficult as choosing Vermont’s number one ski trail. But The Alchemist ranks at the top of this list because skiers from a wide variety of mountains and Nordic trails congregate here at the end of the day, and the on-site brewed beer is the kind you dream about. The Alchemist takes pub food to a new level, with a daily mussels special, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato fries, and hearty sandwiches and dinners featuring local and creative ingredients. There’s much attention to detail—even the catsup is homemade. The only downside to The Alchemist is there seems to be a perpetual 40-minute wait to get a table (no reservations), and the bar area can get uncomfortably crowded. But the experienced and super-friendly bartenders seem to make up for it with their attentive and fast service.
VILLAGE TAVERN
55 Church St., Jeffersonville
802-644-6607
Nearby Ski Areas: Smugglers’ Notch Ski Resort and their cross-country center, as well as ice climbing in the Notch.
What’s on Tap: This place epitomizes what an après-ski place should be, with friendly service, fast cooks, and a welcoming, homey atmosphere. The gourmet is perhaps best described as “hippie bar food,” with all the satiating effect of comfort food laced with interesting twists. For instance, you can get the wings in any of the excellent sauces in chicken or vegetarian-friendly seitan (and they are fantastic). Matt Crawford of St. Albans likes hitting the Village Tavern after a day at Smuggs’. “The Village Tavern has a lot of that local, deeply rooted vibe that seems to be a huge part of Smugglers’,” Crawford says. “Like the mountain, it isn’t fancy, but it’s good. And like the mountain, kids are often around.” What does he recommend you try? “The wings are good,” he says, “but the specialty is the Boyden Burger, made from beef from the Boyden Farm, which is just a couple miles away.”
THE SHED
1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe
802-253-4364
Nearby Ski Areas: Stowe Mountain Resort, as well as four Nordic centers and lots of backcountry skiing.
What’s on Tap: If you need a break from the well-heeled Stowe crowd, The Shed is a no-frills environment, with hot, affordable food and really, really, really good beer. It’s more of a locals’ spot than the establishments farther up the Mountain Road. The Shed brews its beer on site, and the brewing combined with the ever-popping popcorn machine permeates the air with a distinguishable and comforting smell. The rotating brew menu includes Mountain Ale, the West Branch Golden, the Spawn of Oliver, and many more. Be warned, these brews are strong! If you’re beat from the hill and you’re driving home, one or two will be plenty. There’s a full bar and wine list too, but with Shed beer as an option, why would you order anything else? For munchies, The Shed has great fries and nachos.
McGRATH'S IRISH PUB
(at the Inn at Long Trail)
709 Route 4, Killington
800-325-2540
Nearby Ski Areas: Killington, Pico, Mountain Meadows Cross-Country Center, Mountain Top Nordic Center.
What’s on Tap: There are many places on the Killington Access Road that will leave you feeling like you’re stuck in an episode of Jersey Shore. McGrath’s Irish Pub might be a bit farther from the Killington parking lot, but it’s well worth the extra few minutes in the car. And it’s a handy location for Pico skiers, who need just to cross the road. The comfy, rustic pub offers a warm fireplace, bar and table seating, and live Irish music on certain nights. The bartenders are welcoming, making this a perfect spot for a black-and-tan and a big bowl of cheddar-ale soup (when available) or Guinness stew (a constant) after a day spent outside in winter.
TOM'S LOFT TAVERN
300 Mountain Rd., Ludlow
802-228-5638
Nearby Ski Areas: Okemo Mountain Resort
What’s on Tap: The Loft has a sign that says, “Home of Lousy Food, Warm Beer and Grumpy Owner.” It’s with this sentiment that you are sure you’re not in Aspen. That homey, get-real vibe draws Skier Matt Tripp of Mount Holly. “I love going to the Loft for the après-ski atmosphere,” Tripp says. “You will always see some familiar faces, and everyone there is friendly and ready to talk skiing (or snowboarding).” Tripp recommends the buffalo chicken sandwich, the pulled pork, and the nachos, although he adds, “You really can’t go wrong.”
THE HYDE AWAY
1428 Millbrook Rd., Waitsfield
802-496-2322
Nearby Ski Areas: Mad River Glen and Sugarbush Resort, Ole’s Cross-Country Center
What’s on Tap: Described as rustic and cozy, the tavern at the Hyde Away Inn & Restaurant is a local’s spot where you can debate single chair vs. high-speed lifts, skiing vs. snowboarding, and the Mad River Valley’s toughest slope. Regarding the latter, the folks from the Hyde Away will have you know that you won’t find the answer at either Sugarbush or Mad River Glen, since the toughest slope in the area—in their opinion—is the tavern floor. That might especially be the case on Wednesdays, when Vermont microbrews are on a $3 special. The Hyde Away is known for its meatloaf Monday, featuring cheddar-stuffed meatloaf with gravy, sure to satiate anyone after a long day in the Green Mountains.
THE SNOWSHOE LODGE & PUB
13 Main St., Montgomery
802-326-4456
Nearby Ski Areas: Jay Peak
What’s on Tap: Dean Zorn, director of Jay’s snowboarding program, says, “I like the Shoe because it’s a family-owned restaurant and bar that feels like a hub of the community. It is definitely a spot for locals, and visitors are always made to feel welcome.” Zorn points to the free pool and open mike nights, plus $1.50 Genesee Cream Ales and $2.50 PBRs as some of the bar’s highlights. He recommends the homemade soups, hand-battered fish and chips, and “whatever is on the blackboard,” which has included barbecue pork and beef ribs, spinach lasagna, prime rib, and littleneck clams. Don’t miss the bloody Caesars either, the French-Canadian twist on bloody Marys that use Clamato instead of tomato juice.
THE BREWSKI PUB AND GRILL
4087 Route 108 South, Jeffersonville
802-644-6366
Nearby Ski Areas: Smugglers’ Notch
What’s on Tap: The Brewski is under new management and has freshened up the place famous for its beach volleyball. Shawn Donovan, who lives in Waterbury Center, says the Brewski is a must-stop after a day at Smuggs. “The main reason I go to the Brewski is for the atmosphere… it is definitely a ‘locals’ bar,” he says. “It’s nice to sit down after a long day at the mountain and have a pint of a local brew with a lot of like-minded ski bums. The free pool and foosball are a plus,” he adds. The Brewski also showcases live music, including Gordon Stone and Liquid Dead. This year, the Brewski plays host to the Smuggs’ Ice Bash vendors and campers, so the après-ski crowd will be rubbing elbows with the après-climb.
VALLEY VIEW SALOON
131 Route 100, West Dover
802-464-9422
Nearby Ski Areas: Mount Snow
What’s on Tap: West Dover’s newest eatery is home to the valley’s largest beer selection, with eight taps and 15 to 20 bottled beers. Although this is the Saloon’s first après-ski season, it’s already a hit. Amenities include a 40-foot bar, big, high-definition TVs, and a packed entertainment calendar. You can snack on big deli sandwiches and big portions of pub food. Colby Dix, a musician who has played at the restaurant, had this to say: “The Valley View Saloon offers a distinct change of pace from the rustic theme of many local establishments, with clean lines, new construction, and a really positive vibe from the entire staff. It also has a complete New York Deli menu, with huge delicious sandwiches and excellent après-ski snacks.” Plus, if you’re broke from your lift ticket, there’s a $2 PBR special every day.
THE PUB OUTBACK
466 Route 114, East Burke
802-626-1188
Main Mountain: Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails
What’s on Tap: The Pub Outback is
a laid-back spot to grab a beer or bite to eat after a day at Burke. Joshua Hardt, an avid outdoorsman who lives in Hubbardton, says the Pub Outback, “has got to be one of my favorite spots in that neck of the woods.” The menu is heavy with steak, burgers, and seafood, as well as standard pub appetizers. On weekdays, the pub isn’t open until 5 p.m., so you can kill time in Burke’s newish Tamarack Grill, which has an extensive beer list.
Sky Barsch Gleiner lives in Orleans and thoroughly enjoys both the après and the ski parts of the day.
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