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Stowe, Vermont is one of my favorite New England towns in any season! But winter is extra special. Stowe has some of the best terrain in New England…and some of the best après, which I’m always here for. Despite being a small town, Stowe has tons of apres bars, some on-mountain/in the village and some nearby in town. And there’s a spot for any vibe, a quick beer, cozy pub drinks, wild-later night spots & upscale cocktail après.
I did a Stowe trip last winter and did a full après ski tour of all the best spots, so you can head right to the perfect one. I even spent the day with a ski instructor who gave me a locals tour and all the insider tips for the best post-run spots to grab a drink! I’ve also added a few bonus non-apres bars at the bottom if you’re visiting outside of winter.
Planning a Trip to Vermont?Check out my other Vermont guides here! Vermont Trip Planner & Ultimate Stowe Travel Guide – best places to stay, best bars, skiing, foliage & more
Best Après Ski Bars Stowe Map
Best Overall
Looking to après where the locals head straight after the lifts close? These 4 spots are all off-mountain (in town) but are the most popular classic après options locals flock to.
The Matterhorn
2 minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort
The closest, and arguably most popular, stop is the Matterhorn. This classic pub has live music, laid back vibes, pizza and other clsasicbar food + sushi (unexpected, but highly recommended) If you’re looking for the most classic apres spot, head here for a quick drink or a long night!
Lower Bar
15 minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort
One of my favorite spots is right in downtown Stowe, Lower Bar. It’s a bit of a farther drive off-mountain, but it’s worth it. Tons of beers on tap, tacos, super laid back overall. I loved this spot!
Grant’s
10 minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort
For a more elevated après, head to Grant’s, which has a lively bar, but also more of an upscale dining menu. It features live music, and is fine to go post-mountain not looking super fancy, but is a good option if you’re also looking for more than bar food!
Backyard
10 minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort
Dive bar vibes with classic bar food – highlights include the tater tots and smash burger. I’d personally opt for Matterhorn, Lower Bar or Grant’s over Backyard, but it’s a good option if the others are full. It also has a fun patio if you’re ever here in nicer weather!
Best On-Mountain Après
Cliff House
Looking for a beer (or two) before taking on your last run of the day, Cliff House at the summit (right when you get off the gondola) is the perfect place to end your day, with some of the absolute best views in New England. Snag a seat near the window if you can, or brave the elements and have your beer on the deck with the best view in the house.
Best Après in Spruce Peak Village (Mountain Base)
Spruce Peak Village is the charming mountain village right at the base of Spruce Peak trails. It’s connected to the base of Stowe mountain trails (and parking) with the Over Easy Gondola. A quick ride from your last run straight to the village and the Over Easy gondola runs later (after the mountain lifts close) I love staying in Spruce Peak Village if I can (it’s pricy, but sooo amazing!)
Whether you’re staying there or not, the most picturesque apres is right at the end of the Over Easy Gondola!
Whistle Pig Pavillion
Classic lodge decor, overlooking Sprice Peak Village, the ice rink and with views of the slopes, I love stpoping by Whistle Pig. They have fire pits and adirondak chairs outside, or head inside and grab some of their hearty food – cheesy raclettes, chili, mac & cheese and more. Grab an Old Fashioned with Whistle Pig rye to warm up after a chilly day on the slopes!
Whistle Pig is open until 9 on Fri & Sat, but closes at 7PM on other nights.
Spruce Camp Bar & Lodge
The Spruce Camp Lodge is perfect for a quick drink post your last run. It closes at 5PM, but if you want to explore the Village or get a beer to end your day this is the perfect spot. The sunset views from the deck are also 10/10
Elevated Après
Après Only
10 minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort
Looking for lounge-y vibes with cozy couches, fur blankets, cocktails/wine, and a quieter atmosphere? Après Only is chic and has more upscale vibes than any of the other bar on this list. The highlight for me was the make your own s’mores board complete with a little flame to toast them!
Stowe Breweries
Not après exactly, but if you’re in Stowe these are some other great breweries to check out!
The Alchemist Brewery
Beer lovers flock to the Alchemist Brewery. The space is super modern and unique, and in nice weather the beer garden is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. For beer, they have lots of options, but a Heady Topper is a must for any first time visitor!
Stowe Cider
Visiting in the fall? (Stowe has some of the best foliage in New England) I highly recomend a stop at Stowe Cider! It’s a cool space with good food, live music, and of course, all the cider! They do tastings
Von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall
Yes, those Von Trapp’s via Sound of Music infamy, Maria and Captain von Trapp settled in Stowe VT after making it to the US and one of their children eventually had the idea to turn the property into a brewery and luxrury alpine lodge!
The property is beautiful and I highly recommend a visit t the beer hall!
New England Travel Planning
Need some more help or inspo for planning a New England trip? New England has so many great areas to see from the rocky coastlines of NH and Maine, to the stunning White and Green Mountains for NH and VT, to iconic cities like Boston & Salem, and the infamous beaches of Cape Cod there’s endless areas to explore. See other New England recs below!
