How do you unwind after a day spent riding windy lifts and reaching top speeds on wintry, mountaintop trails? Snow bunnies might think of something fireside, while powder hounds and glade enthusiasts might cheers with a few local beers. But for all winter enthusiasts, it’s easy to agree on one simple thing – half the fun of mountain life is anticipating après ski.

Make the most of your White Mountains après experience with these local stops, and as always, please drink responsibly!

*Please visit the provided links for additional information on operating hours, reservation recommendations, and more.

 

ATTITASH MOUNTAIN RESORT (Bartlett, NH)

We love the variety of ski trails found at Attitash Mountain Resort, as well as the number of dining options found slopeside. Here, you can take your pick of quick snacks while you do a few calf stretches or a full sit-down meal to plan tomorrow's runs down the mountain. Options include The Cantina for tacos and margaritas, Ptarmigans Pub for sandwiches, a full bar and après music on Saturdays, and classic mountain comfort food like pizza, fries, and burgers at several other on-mountain establishments at both Attitash and its next door neighbor, Bear Peak. 

For more restaurant information, including operating hours, visit the Attitash Mountain Resort website. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS 

Cozy up at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa Restaurant (Jackson, NH) for après with a festive feel. This inn boasts an extensive selection of cocktails and whiskey, plus mouthwatering apps and entrees. Even better? It’s only a 10-minute drive from Attitash!

 

BRETTON WOODS SKI AREA (Bretton Woods, NH)

Bretton Woods Ski Area is known for its spacious trails with great views, and that solid experience also extends to the mountain's après offerings. The Rosebrook Lodge (reached via gondola) has three dining options - if you're looking for European-inspired nosh to share like Bavarian pretzels and charcuterie boards, pick the Switchback Grille. Down in the base lodge, the Slopeside Pub is your cozy spot to cheers. New this year? 50 years of Après at Bretton Woods! Head to the 3rd level to listen to live music, partake in giveaways, and enjoy meeting with vendors all season long.

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS

You've no doubt spotted it from the slopes: the iconic red roof of the Omni Mount Washington Resort. This historic grand hotel is just across the street from Bretton Woods, and it has several fantastic dining options onsite, including the classic Main Dining Room, Stickney's Steal & Chop Pub, and The Cave, a speakeasy throwback with a tunnel-like entrance that's just begging for a photo. 

 

CANNON MOUNTAIN (Franconia, NH)

 After a long day tackling Cannon Mountain’s challenging terrain, a drink and dinner at the Cannonball Pub is downright restorative. In between perusing the menu, take some time to enjoy the local ski photos and ephemera that cover the history of this monumental mountain. If you'd like to kick off après ski a bit earlier, other options include Powdermakers at the Notchview Cafe (located inside the Notchview Lodge) and Cafe 4080' (inside the iconic Tram Summit Lodge) for some of the most fun on-mountain unwinding. 

For more restaurant information, including operating hours, visit the Cannon Mountain website. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS 

If you can’t decide between fine dining and something a bit more casual, check out the Franconia Inn (Franconia, NH). Located just minutes from Cannon Mountain, this charming spot offers candlelit dinners (typically by reservation), as well as fireside apps and live music on occasion at Peaks Pub.

Beer lovers looking for a bounty of local pours can opt to head just a bit further north to Rek'-Lis Brewing Company (situated on the quaint main street of Bethlehem, NH) or Schilling Beer Co. (perched beside the icy Amonoosuc River in Littleton, NH). Both are considered darlings of the brewpub scene, so we'd recommend alternating après visits whenever you ski at Cannon.

Bonus! Extra Après Spots

 

CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)

At Cranmore Mountain Resort, there are plenty of après options for the post-skiing set. Zip’s Pub, located in Schneider Square, offers mountain classics like soup, sandwiches, and beer. Craving mac & cheese and fun apps? The Alpine Café & Bar in the new Artist Falls Lodge is a good bet for a hungry crowd. For those just feeling a beverage, you can’t go wrong with Kandabar in the main base lodge. This year, we're planning on checking out the brand new Wicked Char BBQ Food Truck, which is parked slopeside at the BBQ barn on weekends and vacation periods (10am to 3pm). Anybody down for Nashville Hot Chicken after a chilly chairlift ride? 

For more restaurant information, including operating hours, visit the Cranmore Mountain Resort website. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS 

Skiers struggling to make up their minds can find plenty of options at Settlers Green (North Conway, NH). In addition to legendary tax-free outlet shopping, Settlers Green boasts several sweet spots for après. Feel like sampling an inventive grilled cheese, demolishing a burger and brew, or pairing fun apps with seasonal cocktails? This stretch of North Conway is your best bet.

If you'd rather après on the upscale side, book a reservation at the Wild Rose Restaurant at the Stonehurst Manor. As one of the best fine dining restaurants in North Conway, you can expect attentive service, refined cocktails, and Victorian decor at both the Wild Rose and the adjacent Library Martini Lounge (so ditch the ski gear and dress up a bit if you got with this option). Another lovely place to unwind at the end of the day? The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa in Jackson, NH. Choose from Forty at Thorn Hill or The Tavern. Sumptuous menus and an upscale setting awaits!

 

GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT (Gilford, NH)

After you've had your fill of powdery runs with an epic view of Lake Winnipesaukee, it's time for the proverbial party. Gunstock Mountain Resort has plenty of ways for you to toast the day. The Barrel Bar & Grille recently got an upgrade, and we can't get enough of the new 20-seat, U-shaped cocktail bar. The Panoroma Pub at the summit is another great option, as is the Powder Keg Pub & Restaurant or the Pistol Pub (a locals favorite) inside the Historic Lodge. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS

The Lakes Region is replete with excellent dining options. If you're looking for stops just a short drive away, you can't go wrong with Hart's Turkey Farm (Meredith, NH) or The Common Man family of restaurants, including the Italian Farmhouse (carb loading, anyone?) and the perfectly Adirondack-inspired Lakehouse Grille. 

 

LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, we love the idea of skiing right to après. The Mountain Club on Loon’s Black Diamond Pub has it all; award-winning chefs, extensive beer, wine, and spirit lists, and a menu of soul-warming seasonal favorites. It's also right at the base of Loon, making it an easy gathering spot for the whole crew. Other on-mountain options include the Summit Cafe (for amazing views of the western White Mountains), the Governor Adams Lodge, Octagon Lodge, and more!

For more restaurant information, including operating hours, visit the Loon Mountain Resort website. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS 

Chances are, if you’ve been coming to the Granite State for a while, you know about the Common Man (Lincoln, NH). With classic American faire on the menu and outstanding service from the front door to dining room floor, this local chain is the perfect spot for a laid back après.

Off the slopes a little early? Wine lovers would be well-advised to make a quick trip to Lincoln proper and visit Seven Birches Winery at Riverwalk Resort. Sample the best of local reds and whites, and learn a bit about the winemaking process as you sip.  If you'd rather hard ciders or meads, check out Seven Birches' sister shop, Rhythm Handcrafted Beverages, at the Lincoln Village Shops just across the street. 

But about beer? As a local institution for over 20 years, the Woodstock Inn Brewery has seen its fair share of thirsty skiers. Take a seat at the lively bar, order some epic pub fare, and take your time trying out the many brews at this mighty fine stop. If you're lucky, you just might catch live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Just a few doors down, you can also check out Twin Barns Brewing Co. North Taproom. It's got the cozy, rustic ambience you'd expect from the mountains, plus some of the finest beers from the Lakes Region to sample.

Get an in-depth take on all things vine-related! Sign up for Seven Birches’ “Meet the Winemakers” winery tour (hosted at the Riverwalk Resort) if you'd like to skip the skiing for an afternoon.

 Bonus! Extra Après Spots

 

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN (Jackson, NH)

If your knees are feeling a bit wobbly after tackling the rugged slopes of Wildcat Mountain, it's best to take a break at the Wildcat Pub. Located on the third floor of Wildcat’s base lodge, this stop features live entertainment every Friday and Saturday during the prime ski season, as well as nosh and drinks to help hungry skiers refuel.

For more restaurant information, including operating hours, visit the Wildcat Mountain website. 

OFF-MOUNTAIN OPTIONS 

Ready to step back in time? Take a short trip to Jackson Village and pay a visit to the historic Eagle Mountain House. At this grand hotel (one of the few remaining in NH), guests can enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountains from the Eagle Landing Tavern. Seating options include a formal dining room, as well an intimate bar with classic cocktails and comfort foods on the menu.

But if you're headed north post-skiing, views don’t get more stunning than the après spot tucked inside The Glen House. Inventive cocktails made with The Notch Grille’s private label vodka (in partnership with famed Tamworth Distilling) are certainly a draw, but our favorite tradition is sitting beside the outdoor firepit, toasting the day in the shadow of Mt. Washington.