After hurtling down Stowe’s famous slopes, park your skis and join the nightlife for a much-deserved drink. As the sun dips west, you’ll find that the best après ski spots show off true mountain-life culture.
Given Renoun’s close proximity to the mountain, we know what we’re talking about when we say these are the best après ski spots at Stowe. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best Pizza: Piecasso Pizzeria
Craving some 'za? Piecasso is the best place along Mountain Road. The 2-slice plus 1 domestic beer combo for $7 is right on the money.
Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge has everything you need from a pizza joint, including grab 'n go pizza and an upscale bar and lounge. If you need to wait for a table, the arcade room is an easy entertainer for a restless child (or adult 👶). Piecasso has something for the whole family.
Address: 1899 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone Number: (802) 253-4411
Best Hang Out: Idletyme Brewing Co
An easy place to bring the family or meet a friend at the bar. Open ceilings make and a great backyard patio give an open feel.
Stop at this Mountain Road brewery before hitting the hot tub at your hotel. It seems that cold beer – specifically a frothy IPA – is hot in this ski town. Idletyme boasts “classic European brewing with a healthy dose of the Vermont hop culture.” That means you can choose from two hoppy double IPAs if you’re feeling the Vermont style, or you can select from a wide variety of other beer styles. A full menu ranges from sandwiches and salads to burgers and entrees.
Address: 1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone Number: (802) 253-4765
Best Views: The Octagon
The best place to grab a beer at lunch. Amazing views. Great people.
Before you take your skis off, get back on the 4Runner Quad and take it to the top. The Octagon sits atop the peak and commands some amazing views of the surrounding area. Don’t expect anything fancy, though. This place definitely leans on the location as its main draw.
Address: 4000 Toll Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Best On-Mountain: The Den
It’s Le Cham of Stowe or, more simply, an old-school watering hole. Ski boots expected.
Nestled at the base of the 4Runner Quad, The Den gives you a chance to loosen up before you even leave the mountain without even needing to take off your ski boots. This small and welcoming spot is an old-school watering hole where you’ll find more than a dozen beers, mostly local craft brews, on tap. Reunite with ski friends and enjoy drinks and live music on weekends.
Address: 360 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 Wrap your fingers around an Hourglass Ale or sip a custom cocktail made with local libations like Green Mountain Distillery's organic vodka. This contemporary bistro also offers creative twists on traditional appetizers – BBQ pulled pork nachos, anyone? Address: 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 Phone Number: (802) 282-4625
Relax into dinner at Solstice at Stowe Mountain Lodge for seasonal, artisan-inspired cuisine. A fireplace and two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the classic alpine vibe. Make reservations and trade your ski boots for regular (read: nice) footwear before settling in.
Address: 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 Phone Number: (802) 760-4747 The Matterhorn is inspired by the great après ski bars of the world. This classic is the first après bar on Mountain Road once you leave the slopes, and it’s totally worth a stop. Here’s how to approach it like a local: start with a microbrew and stay for the sushi (yes, sushi). Bring friends to share the 3-for-2 sushi roll special midweek. Not excited about fish? No problem. Go for the signature appetizers and gourmet pizzas. Address: 4969 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 Phone Number: 802-253-8198 Bottom Line: An easy place to gather 'round a table with two (or five) friends. Local’s secret: Order the burger and a Schitz — it’s $9. Enjoy the fresh, trendy vibe at this Mountain Road destination. Choose from 24 rotating taps and more than 100 bottles and cans, or have one of their top bartenders shake up a cocktail. Doc Ponds plays it old-school with more than 1,000 vinyl records on two turntables. Open daily. Address: 294 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 Phone Number: (802) 760-6066
Local's Tip: Doc Ponds' upscale sister restaurant, Hen of the Wood, is always a 5-star experience. Located in Waterbury, VT about a 15-minute drive from Doc Ponds. *Always* make a reservation- often booked months in advance. Best Date Spot: The Hourglass Lounge
A more romantic one-on-one spot to grab a craft cocktail with your nearest and dearest – or the one you just met on the lift.
Best Dinner: Solstice
Cozy and comfortable space perfect for fireside conversations in a truly magnificent location. Best to get a reservation before heading over.
Local’s Spot: Matterhorn
Snag sushi deals and pub fare at this local classic
Unique Experience: Doc Ponds
An easy place to gather 'round a table with two (or five) friends while listening to some records. Local’s secret: order the burger and a Schitz — it’s $9.
Great Beer: von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
From Dunkel to Pilsner, get all the Euro beer you need at this iconic Vermont craft brewery with stunning mountain views
Bottom Line: From Dunkel to Pilsner... The Sound of Music's cool brother: iconic VT craft brewery with stunning mountain views.
Enjoy flavorful, crisp lagers at von Trapp Brewing, located at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. This spacious beirhall has it all: delicious beer, wine, and cocktails for hop-haters, and all the wurst you could ask for – Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Bauernwurst... you can find it all at von Trapp Brewing.
Address: 1333 Luce Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
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