Seven Days of Après in Breckenridge

Après: French for socializing after skiing.

Some of my favorite times in Summit County have been red-cheeked exhausting, overwhelmingly powdery, ski-til-you-drop jelly-leg days exploring mountain nooks and crannies. Those days always end with a group of us thawing out over drinks in one of Breckenridge’s iconic watering holes.

Here are my top seven picks for post-skiing libations in Breck — one for each day of the week.

Breckenridge Ski Resort‘s new après hotspot, T Bar beckons from the base of Peak 8. Ski down, toss your gear to one of the racks outside, and walk in to the log mansion-esque bar. The instant soul-warming ambiance goes great with daily specials and live music six days a week. Try a Breckenridge 50th Anniversary Ale.

Soak in that cosmopolitan meets Colorado mountain town vibe with a spot at Ember‘s intimate bar. It’s the kind of place where everyone laughs together at the bartender’s jokes. Bring an adventurous palate to Euphoric Hour where you’ll find global small plates and creative cocktails like the Sexy Woman — a hot sweet concoction of passion fruit and jalapeno-infused vodka.

The Hollower Margarita at dive bar Angel’s Hollow is an escapade in a pint glass. Sip the hand-built mix of tequila, fresh-squeezed limes, and sugar while sampling their signature pork carnitas.

Bring your dog and your friends to Quandary Grille‘s yappy hour for burgers and Colorado brews near the base of Peak 9. The outdoor patio allows furry friends to hang out while you enjoy two for one après appetizers and $3 drafts, wine and mixed drinks.

Check out the cantina at Mi Casa for $5 PBR pitchers, 99¢ tacos, $3 buffalo wing baskets, and a free chips and salsa bar. If you get to the popular happy hour early enough to get a table, you’ll soon be full and happy for under $10.

Can’t narrow down which martini to try? It’s OK — Blue River Bistro‘s twice-a-day happy hour (3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to close) gets you two for one martinis and appetizers. Go ahead and enjoy that acai mint martini and follow it up with a Colorado Sidecar.

Below Kenosha Steakhouse you’ll find Rita‘s, a basement oasis of rowdy island-inspired fun. Order up Rita’s happy hour tacos and a specialty marg and you’ll feel like you’ve gone from a snowy mountaintop to sunny tiki bar in seconds.

Get the Après Adventure scoop from Ryan Ross.

— Lisa Pogue