FIRST
TRACKS
Courtesy of dennis Curran
APRÈS! AWESOME!
The last lift ride greets the dutiful die-hards, and the last run
promises a sound sleep for the evening ahead. But wait – the day
is not near its end. As the sun stretches its fingers through the
pines and birches, it reminds those still on the mountain that
après-ski is calling.
In the tradition of Vermont skiers and riders, a great, all-day
adventure on the mountain is a badge of honor worn proudly in
the after-hours, from slope-side après indulgence to the frenzied
heat of the dance floor or a wood stoked sauna.
GRIZZLY’S (Stratton)
The only thing unfriendly is the eponymous name.
Full of smiling faces and stellar athletes.
JAMES MOORE TAVERN (Bolton Valley)
Costas, the bartender, will never forget your
name or your drink.
THE WOBBLY BARN (Killington Access Road)
Put your dancing shoes on and get a designated driver.
THE HYDEAWAY (Rte 17, Mad River & Sugarbush area) Great
for Taco Tuesdays and die-hard local support.
THE LOFT (Okemo Access Road)
Gaming nooks, a mix of hearty après
and pre-game celebration, Jaeger on tap.
Vermont’s historically jovial venues can turn even local
Vermonters, often the most restrained of revelers, into
raucous, Bacchus-like heroes. The combination of skiing and
après skiing is about the unraveling of stress, the release of
endorphins, and the joy of feeling alive.
Here’s the 2008 Ski Vermont list of the top 10 places
(in random order) to enjoy a hot band, a good joke,
a slow dance, a warm fireplace, new lifelong friends, and
tantalizing libations. — Jen Butson
PUB OUTBACK (East Burke)
True Northeast Kingdom – billiards, volleyball,
sports talk, and local brews.
BILLIARD SANCTUARY (West Dover, near Mount Snow)
Elegant décor offsets the raucous revelry.
THE RUSTY NAIL (Stowe Mountain Road)
Tried and true. Join 480 new best friends
for costume parties or concerts.
BOOTLEGGERS’ LOUNGE (Smugglers’ Notch)
Hire a babysitter and see a comedy show
for the over- 21 crowd.
THE BELFRY (Montgomery, near Jay Peak)
Charming, renovated schoolhouse. A Jay tradition.
Expect lots of laughter.
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