With your gear still on and your hair a mess, grabbing a beer and a bite to eat on the mountain can be the icing on the cake of an amazing day.
Coined après-ski, it’s said to be a culture that originated in the Alps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take part in this French tradition the next time you head out skiing or snowboarding.
Here’s the scoop on a couple of Alberta’s mountain resorts and what they have to offer.
Mount Norquay: Located minutes from the town of Banff and home to Alberta’s largest tube park, Norquay is known as a hidden gem.
If you’re looking to unwind at the end of the day with a beer and an incredible view of the mountains, the Cliff House Bistro offers just that.
Built in the 1950’s and hand carved into the side of a mountain, the quaint bistro sits perched at an elevation of 7000ft.
At the base of the resort, you can take in the atmosphere of the Lone Pine Pub.
This pub is best known for its juicy burgers and craft beer from the Banff Brewing Company.
Celebrating 90 years this year, Norquay will be selling their “Cheers to 90 Years” beer.
If you go on one of their 90cent ski days, you’ll have some extra money in your pocket for some après at the end of the day.
They are being held once a month and are also part of the anniversary celebrations.
This month the resort will also be hosting one of their annual events called Lifts of Love on the evening of February 14th.
At this event singles are invited to come and participate in a unique form of speed dating.
With two single file lines, daters are paired up and sent up the chairlift together with only a few minutes to get to know one another.
At the end of the evening, there will be an after party with a DJ and buses to take everybody back into town.
Lake Louise: Voted “Canada’s Best Ski Resort” by the World Ski Awards, Lake Louise offers the largest resort in the area with a multitude of options for food and beverages.
Temple Lodge, often referred to as Temple Beach, is located on the backside of the mountain.
Here you can sit on the deck and enjoy a shot of Jägermeister from the ice bar with a burger straight from the grill.
The Whitehorn Lodge is set mid-mountain at 6700ft above sea level.
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, it’s known to have the best deck view.
Powderkeg Lodge is located at the base of the mountain and is the go-to place to have a quick bite and a beer in the lodge of Ten Peaks.
Spearheaded by Executive Chef Scott Green, the resort has recently added a new addition to their list of restaurants.
Kuma Yama Sushi, Japanese for “Bear on the Mountain,” is a full-service sushi bar that serves sashimi, ramen bowls, custom Maki rolls, and much more.
Traditional Japanese beer and Saki are popular choices from the drink menu.
On February 27th, the resort will be hosting their annual Neon Get Your Ski On 80’s themed KROWD party in the lower level of the lodge of Ten Peaks.
They’ll be opening up a space for a dance floor, bringing in some DJ’s, and holding a huge party.
A ticket to this event will get you 20-25% off hotel costs, and 20% off full day lift tickets for both Saturday and Sunday.
Aprés-Ski: Alberta Style – The Weal Publication
