Big Sky Days & Après Ski Nights
Picture this: you’ve just carved down Big Sky, Montana’s legendary slopes, legs exhausted (but in a nice way!), face tingling from the mountain air. You’ve had an incredibly fun day on the mountain. But now the real fun is only just beginning.
Welcome to après ski, that magical time “after downhill skiing” when the ski boots come off and the socializing kicks in.
Après ski is a celebration of camaraderie and adventure, where swapping slope stories over drinks is as essential as the skiing itself. In Big Sky, this tradition thrives with a character all its own. Big Sky’s après scene combines the charm of a small mountain town with just the right dash of wild Montana spirit, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a live music lover, or a cocktail enthusiast, we’ve got the top 10 spots for aprés ski sessions to perfectly complete your dream Big Sky ski trip.
What Makes Big Sky Après Special
- Welcoming, Come-as-You-Are Culture: In Big Sky, ski boots and googles are as welcome as cowboy boots. No need to dress to the nines here. Big Sky’s mountain village and town hangouts embrace a casual vibe, and the atmosphere is unpretentious and friendly, making everyone feel at home after a day on the slopes.
- Upscale Meets Low-Key: Big Sky strikes a perfect balance between luxury and laid-back. You’ll find upscale venues (think elegant hotel bars with craft cocktails and live jazz) alongside low-key saloons and breweries where you can toast with a local beer. This mix means you can tailor your après to your mood—go fancy one night and casual the next.
- Live Music Galore: In the winter months, Big Sky comes alive with music. Many après spots feature live bands or DJs, especially on weekends. From rocking cover bands in the village to acoustic sets at a rustic ranch saloon, there’s always a soundtrack to your evening. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing in your ski boots!
- Mountain-Inspired Libations: Creative, mountain-inspired drinks are a Big Sky specialty. Sip on huckleberry-infused cocktails, Montana craft brews, or even a local whiskey flight. Many bars highlight Montana-made spirits and local ingredients, giving your après beverages a true taste of Big Sky.
- Cozy and Lively Settings: Big Sky’s après ski venues manage to be both cozy and lively. Crackling fireplaces and outdoor fire pits are common, offering warmth and ambiance under the stars. Yet these spots are also buzzing with energy, like crowded bar tops where fellow skiers swap stories, and cheerful toasts celebrating a powder day. It’s the perfect balance of snug and social, giving you that warm, content feeling while still keeping the party going.
Our Favorite Big Sky Apres Ski Spots (Soon, They’ll Be Yours too)
Now that you know why Big Sky’s après scene is so special, let’s get to the fun part: where to experience it. Here are our favorite spots to toast an amazing day on the mountain.
1. Tips Up
If you ask a local where to go after the lifts stop, Tips Up is bound to be high on the list. Right in the middle of Big Sky’s Town Center, this lively bar is the gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Tips Up serves up hearty comfort food (their burgers and fried chicken sandwiches hit the spot) and features tons of fun: live music most nights, big-screen TVs for the game, and games like pool, cornhole, and shuffleboard to keep the good times rolling!
2. Everett’s 8800
For an unforgettable on-mountain après experience, ride the Ramcharger 8 chairlift to Everett’s 8800 at the summit of Andesite Mountain. Perched at 8,800 feet elevation, Everett’s 8800 combines fine dining with jaw-dropping views of Lone Peak. By day, skiers stop in for leisurely lunches, but in the late afternoon, the deck and lodge turn into a stylish après ski oasis above the clouds. On weekends, live DJ sets amplify the afternoon atmosphere and get the party started at 8,800 feet. The menu features upscale alpine-inspired dishes, so you can refuel in style. Just remember, you’ll need a lift ticket or sightseeing pass for Big Sky Resort to get there (even for après), but the experience is well worth it.
3. Beehive Basin Brewery
Beehive Basin Brewery is a beloved local microbrewery located in Big Sky’s Town Center, and it’s the perfect low-key après ski spot to kick back with a quality brew. They operate a 7-barrel system on-site, which means there are always a variety of freshly brewed beers on tap, all handcrafted right there in Big Sky. The taproom is warm and unpretentious, often filled with a mix of powder hounds and families (yes, it’s kid-friendly until the evening) swapping stories of the day’s runs.
4. Scissorbills Saloon
For a true ski bum après experience, head to Scissorbills Saloon in the Mountain Village. Tucked in the Arrowhead Mall just steps from the lifts, Scissorbills is a no-frills, independently owned Montana saloon that has achieved almost legendary status in Big Sky. Scissorbills offers all your favorite drinks—from local drafts to well-earned whiskey shots—and often features live music that gets people dancing on the bar’s tiny dance floor (or sometimes on the tables!). If you’re looking for a come-as-you-are spot where the locals party and the vibe screams classic ski town, Scissorbills Saloon is the place to be.
5. Montana Jack
Located right at the base of Big Sky Resort (in the Mountain Village’s Exchange building), Montana Jack is the go-to après ski taphouse for craft burgers and brews. This family-friendly spot has a lively atmosphere that hits the sweet spot after a long day on the slopes. Montana Jack boasts over 30 beers on tap, including Montana craft beers, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pint. Pair that with one of their famous burgers, and you’ve got a recipe for happiness. Live music or trivia nights are common, adding to the fun après ski vibe. The best part? It’s literally steps from the ski slopes, so you can ski right into après at Montana Jack.
6. The Rocks Tasting Room
Tucked in Big Sky’s Town Center is a gem called The Rocks Tasting Room, and it’s a must-visit for a more relaxed, intimate après ski experience. This quaint tasting room combines the feel of a whiskey bar with a cozy café, featuring comfortable seating and a crackling fireplace to warm your toes. The Rocks is known for an extensive drink list highlighting Montana-made spirits and regional craft beers. Unlike many bars, The Rocks also doubles as a bistro with a surprisingly diverse menu: we’re talking gourmet flatbreads, charcuterie boards, homemade soups, and even pho to warm you up. It’s a perfect combo—you can sip a local rye or a glass of wine and get a bite to eat.
7. Westward Social
Westward Social has quickly become one of Big Sky’s favorite on-mountain après ski venues, a modern yet laid-back bar/eatery located in the heart of the Mountain Village. Westward Social is the kind of place where you can literally ski down, unclip, and walk in for a drink. Westward Social is known for its craft cocktails (their huckleberry margarita is a crowd-pleaser) and elevated comfort food served tapas-style. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant scene with long communal tables and cozy booths, perfect for gathering your group. Bar games like giant Jenga or shuffleboard keep the energy light, and there’s frequently live entertainment from local bands or DJs to amp up the fun. Whether you’re clinking pints of local beer or sampling a Montana-inspired cocktail, Westward Social embodies what Big Sky après ski is all about: good food, good drinks, and great company just steps from the slopes.
8. Horn & Cantle Saloon
Ready to time-travel to Montana’s cowboy days? Take a short trip off the beaten path to the Horn & Cantle Saloon at Lone Mountain Ranch. Set on a historic 160-acre ranch homesteaded in 1915, Horn & Cantle delivers a truly authentic Montana après ski experience. The saloon itself is a cozy, vintage Western bar with log walls, ranch antiques, and a wood-burning fireplace that oozes ambiance. Their drink menu is fantastic—try a local whiskey flight or their signature Big Sky Bramble cocktail made with local bourbon and huckleberry (a house favorite). Live music from local musicians fills the saloon nearly every night, ranging from folk and country tunes to acoustic covers. Many people start their evening here with a cocktail and appetizer (bison meatballs, anyone?) before heading into the Horn & Cantle restaurant for a farm-to-table dinner.
9. Alpenglow Bar
If your idea of après ski involves a touch of luxury and panoramic alpine views, the Alpenglow Bar at Montage Big Sky will be your happy place. Montage Big Sky is a five-star slopeside resort in the Spanish Peaks area, and its Alpenglow Bar is absolutely stunning. This sophisticated bar offers hand-crafted cocktails, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. Crackling fireplaces and rich wood finishes make it incredibly cozy, while a live pianist or acoustic guitarist often provides soothing tunes in the background. Don’t miss their creative cocktail menu featuring Montana twists on classics, and if you’re feeling peckish, you can order upscale appetizers from the bar menu. When it comes to Big Sky après ski elegance, Alpenglow Bar is in a league of its own.
10. Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill
Located in the lobby of the Wilson Hotel, Copper Whiskey Bar blends a swanky ski-town vibe with hearty food and drink. Sink into a leather sofa by the inviting fireplace, or head outside to the patio where a firepit crackles in the evening. As the name implies, Copper is all about the whiskey. Their collection is top-notch, featuring bourbons and ryes from Montana and around the world, served neat or in craft cocktails. The menu offers elevated bar fare that pairs perfectly with that whisky in your hand. Copper Whiskey also often features live acoustic music or trivia nights, adding to the fun. If you want to cap off your ski day with a quality drink in a comfortable setting, Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill is the spot to do it.
Aprés Ski Your Way with Two Pines Properties
After indulging in Big Sky’s vibrant après ski scene, you’ll want a comfortable home base to return to. That’s where Two Pines Properties shines! We offer a handpicked selection of Big Sky vacation rentals that perfectly complement your Big Sky adventures, ensuring your après ski time is just as enjoyable as your time on the slopes.
Staying with Two Pines means you’re never far from the mountain or your favorite après hotspots. Our properties are conveniently located for easy access to both the slopes and the town’s coziest hangouts. Whether you want to pop back to your rental after happy hour or host your own laid-back evening with friends by the fire, we’ve got you covered.
Designed for relaxation and connection, our rentals feature thoughtful amenities that elevate your trip, like private hot tubs, fire pits, gourmet kitchens, and large living areas where your crew can gather and reminisce about the day’s runs. Whether you’re winding down with a glass of wine under the stars or warming up beside the fireplace, your après ski experience doesn’t end when you leave the bar. It just gets better.
Book Your Ski-Cation Today
Ready to turn your Big Sky ski trip into an unforgettable experience? Two Pines Properties is here to help you enjoy every moment from first chair to last call. them all. Book your Big Sky ski-cation with Two Pines Properties today to secure a cozy, convenient home base in the middle of the action. The mountains are calling, the drinks are chilling, and your perfect winter getaway awaits.
