The lifts are spinning and snow is falling in Aspen, Snowmass, and Sun Valley. One of our favorite ways to relax after a day of snowy adventures is fireside with a beverage. It doesn’t get better than the best après-ski at the Limelight Lounge. We “après” all year long, but winter is when this tradition really thrives.

Après: A Time to Gather in the Mountains

During winter in the mountains, there’s something for everyone — more than just skiing and snowboarding! Take a scenic snowmobile ride to the Maroon Bells. Get an adrenaline rush on the Breaktaker Alpine Coaster in Snowmass. Focus on fitness and try snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. Do some last-minute holiday shopping. Decompress after travel with an afternoon at a spa. Visit new exhibits at local art museums and galleries. When the sun starts to go down, it’s time for everyone to regroup and share stories from the day.

A nordic skier in Aspen heading back for après ski at the Limelight.

Guests and locals alike gather in our lounges. You’ll catch families on vacation, friends looking back on a fun day, couples by the fire, and travelers chatting with our bartenders. Outdoor fire pits and heat lamps make for the bestaprès ski, al fresco.

A group gathering around a fire for après ski at the Limelight Lounge.

Happy Hour at the Limelight

Happy hour in the Limelight Lounge conveniently takes place during après hours. Aspen and Snowmass have happy hour between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily for a well deserved break from a busy day’s activities. Find daily happy hours with us in Ketchum too, so you can spend some time catching up with friends, old and new. Specials on pizzas, noshes, and drinks are sure to make the fun times even better.

A wood-fired pizza being prepared for après ski at the Limelight Lounge.

Our wood-fired pizza is considered some of the best around. Trust us, you’ll be craving a slice as you take your last turns down the mountain.

Warm Up with Signature Libations

A day spent in the mountains earns a delicious après beverage, as there’s nothing like relaxing by a fire with friends, family, and a delicious hot toddy. In addition to the classics, our team likes to put together special seasonal cocktails to surprise and delight our après fans. Here are a couple of the featured winter drinks from the Limelight Ketchum:

Ski Bunny: Prosecco, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, white peach puree, pomegranate seeds

The Ski Bunny cocktail at the Limelight Lounge Ketchum during après ski.

Skier’s Edge: Don Julio Blanco tequila, Domaine de Canton Ginger liqueur, jalapeño lime juice, agave

The Skier’s Edge cocktail at the Limelight Lounge Ketchum during après ski.

The kids don’t have to miss out on fun either, with a delicious mug of hot cocoa to warm them up on a snowy day. Try the peppermint variety at Limelight Snowmass for an extra festive treat!

Boogie Down with Live Music at The Limelight

We bring live music into the lounges on many winter evenings. Local musicians fill the lounge with smooth jazz, classic rock, bluegrass, and acoustic guitar.

Our Favorite Local Après Spots

Mix it up during your vacation and try some of our other local-approved restaurants and bars for après. In Aspen, you won’t want to miss Ajax Tavern, Chair 9, the Red Onion, or the Highlands Alehouse, for your nightly outing. In Ketchum, Grumpy’s and Lefty’s are both within walking distance of the hotel. If you’re skiing Baldy, Apple’s is another favorite and is located at the base of the mountain, on the Warm Springs side.

We hope to see you in the Limelight Lounge this winter. Be sure to ask our staff for their local après recommendations, and start a new tradition this year by booking your stay at one of our Limelight Hotel locations!

About Kelsey Anderson

Kelsey is a Midwest native who currently resides in Colorado. She spends her weekends hiking, biking, and checking out local eateries. Her favorite things to do in Aspen are hiking around Maroon Bells, jamming at Belly Up, and exploring the latest restaurants.