Après Rad: Winter Park
Winter Park might sometimes feel like a sleepy town tucked away into the far reaches of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, but once the lifts shut down and everyone is back from the skin track, that's when the party truly starts. The town of roughly 1100 is home to a multitude of options for finding a delicious bite to eat, an endless selection of Colorado's famous microbrews, or simply a chilled-out place to hang out with friends both on and off the mountain.
Winter Park is decidedly low-key, but the locals sure know how to have a good time.
Here's a list of our favorite places to hang out after a long day on the mountain, best served with a healthy dose of fresh powder snow falling from the sky.
Charging laps on the mountain all day will surely leave you hungry and thirsty - here's where to go. Winter Park photo.
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Pepperoni's: For a quick on-mountain bite or pint of beer, head to the base of Mary Jane and stop into Pepperoni's - a cozy little joint that oozes ski town culture. The bar is home to delicious pizza and the largest mug club in all of Colorado, so make sure to join if you're interested in discounts on beer, and leaving mark on the infamous graffiti wall.
Sunspot: High atop Winter Park mountain, Sunspot is the place to be for an upscale experience on the mountain. Whether it's a long lunch or a selection off the dinner menu after a long day on the mountain, the dining at Sunspot can't be beat. Well, actually, the views from the top at sunset might just be only thing better.
Hideaway Park Brewery: For a truly local experience, head to Hideaway Park Brewery, a classic Colorado microbrewery with a tiny but bustling taproom. Conceived by two friends after "2-10 too many beers," Hideaway Park features a rotating selection of high-quality microbrew beers and is the place you are sure to find friends after a long day of skiing or riding.
Idlewild Spirits and Distillery: If you are looking for a different-than-normal après experience in Winter Park, head to Idlewild Spirits and Distillery. This craft distillery features a creative cocktail menu, a wonderful selection of house-made eats and bar snacks, and a killer happy-hour that is sure to awaken your senses.
