Oxford Living Dictionaries define après-ski as “the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.” Given the lack of reference to time in this definition, après begins literally the moment you’re done skiing…. and we can’t argue with the Oxford Dictionary.
To us, après is that magical time of the day where you kick the ski’s off and get ready for round two of fun. Think drinks in slope-side chalets, dancing on benches and a boogie outside in the snow to live music. Surrounded by friends coated in ski jackets, beanies and gloves, your overflowing tables barely visibly underneath platters, burgers and cocktails. That’s enough to convert an anti-winter advocate into a rugged up, tipsy, laughing, smiley mess.
Check out our favourite places to tap into that après vibe in the Snowy Mountains.
Après bar
The name speaks for itself, The Après Bar at The Denman Thredbo is the perfect place to slide into for a drink or two with friends made on the slopes. Ski-boot friendly and only a flight of stairs from the Village Square in the heart of Thredbo, Après Bar is loved by seasonal tourists and locals for good reason. Shed layers and chit chat in the warm ambience decked out with luxe lounges, heavy timbers and softy glowy lighting alongside live music. Start with a round of Schnapps to revel in that après atmosphere, then adventure through their quirky cocktails like the ‘Hansel and Gretel’ with Appletons rum, gingerbread syrup, mint leaves and lime juice, topped with Golings ginger beer and bitters. Time often gets away from you at the Après Bar, but their bar menu and tapas will have you taking a rain check on those other dinner plans.
Bernti’s Mountain Inn
Bernti’s Mountain Inn is located in the heart of Thredbo Village, at the magic spot where the main ‘Kosciusko Chairlift’ is just a short walk from the hotel. Choose from not one, but two exceptional restaurants: Zack’s Grill and The Bar and Brasserie surrounded with panoramic views of the mountains. Whenever you’ve decided to retire the skis for the day, all day dining at the Bar & brassiere means you can slide in whenever the tummy grumbles. On those days when the sun has you forgetting it’s freezing, dine out on the outdoor heated patio to take your alpine après to the next level.
Banjo Patterson Inn
An iconic mountain institution, the Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne is the beating heart of the region all year round. The Banjo is bursting with après appeal, featuring a magnitude of dining options including Clancy’s Brasserie and The Overflow Pizza & Burger Bar- with arguably the best burgers in the Snowies.
Where mixology meets the mountains, the Banjo doesn’t wait for the weekend to party when every winter day is one to celebrate. Debrief on the best runs, the worst ones and that big stack while having a tipple in the stone-lined bar that just screams alpine. A warning however, the temptation to kick on at the Banjo is practically irresistible, with a chock-a-block winter ‘what’s on’ calendar and music rotation. Across two dance floors you’ll boogie to lounge sets of funk, groove and chill house, nightclub sets of house and dance and the main bar sets of house, throwback, and remix bangers. Jindy’s home of fun is always ready for you to kick up your boots, sit back, refuel and light up your winter nights.
Pinots wine bar
You know it’s a good bar when it’s named after a pup, called Pinot. Pinot’s Wine Bar in Jindabyne is a hub of vibrancy and a dash of quirk… exactly what the après doctor ordered. End your day and start your night with decadent plates to share (or not) or perhaps a German-style pretzel with garlic butter dipping sauce and a refreshing pilzner from neighbours Jindabyne Brewing. If a tipple tickles your fancy, Pinot’s offers a delicious and quirky range of wines, craft beers and cocktails including ‘A gentlemen’s handshake’, a killer combo of whiskey, muscat brandy and of garnished with of course… a handshake. Alternatively grab a boozy hawt choccie and join in on music trivia Mondays, live music/DJs on Fridays and Singalong (karaoke) Sundays if you dare…
Bacco Italian
Bacco Italian Restaurant is an award-winning Jindabyne restaurant featuring Italian and Modern Australian cuisine in the beautiful Snowy Mountains. As any athlete knows (and yes, more falling over than snowboarding still counts), a carb heavy meal is a MUST! And the best way to carb load? Pizza and pasta of course. Tagliatelle pork and fennel sausage, linguine smoked local trout, capricciossa, Angus Sirloin among other things will undoubtably hit the spot. Revel in your après moment and enjoy a well-deserved hearty Italian meal.
Lake Crackenback Resort
Surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountains, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa offers a fantastic range of activities, facilities and dining options to keep the fun going after that last run in one of Australia’s most stunning natural playgrounds. To get those post-ski activities rolling, trek out 15 minutes from Thredbo Village and Perisher Ski Resort and enjoy activities such as Segway tours, tennis, golf and spa treatments. Then, no matter what activities you’ve chosen to fill your day, end it with a delicious dinner at one of the Resort’s restaurants. An all-season destination, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa provides a luxurious base for all your après desires.
For more to eat and drink in the Snowy Mountains, visit our Eat, Drink, Play Alpine page.
