Katelyn Michaud
This blog post is part of "The Guide to Winter Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.
If you’ve ever skied in the Alps, you know that après ski is an absolute must after a day of skiing in a mountain town. And sometimes, the night life lasts into the wee morning hours. While not quite as popular as Europe, après ski in the United States can be the perfect way to celebrate last chair with all your friends. For those looking for an evening of fun, Lincoln has several local restaurants and bars perfect for après ski.
No one really knows who invented après ski, but since it’s a French word, we’re guessing it was the French. After a day of skiing, nothing is better than resting your sore legs than working on your ski tan outside on the deck while drinking a cold beer. For many skiers and riders, it’s the time to reflect on your day of skiing and share your epic adventures on the hill with those who love the snow as much as you.
At the Mountain
For your ski weekend, Loon Mountain offers two great options for an afternoon ski break or après ski celebration. Dubbed the “birthplace of legendary après ski at Loon,” the Paul Bunyan Room is located upstairs in the Octagon Lodge. Usually attracting the younger and local crowd, the slopeside bar is home to 32 draft beers on tap, including many local brews, and live entertainment throughout the day well into the night.
The large wraparound deck is the perfect place on a warm day to watch the action on the nearby Superpipe while sipping a cold beer. Throughout the winter, the Paul Bunyan Room hosts Legendary Nights where bands from all across New England play into the wee morning hours (here in the mountains, that's usually around midnight, maybe one if you’re really lucky).
For a more relaxed après ski, head to Babe’s Blue Ox in the Governor Adams Lodge. The fully stocked bar serves delicious cocktails and food like a weekly Charcuterie Board special. You’ll often find some of the “old timers” who have been coming to Loon for decades sitting at the bar.
Downtown Lincoln
Gordi’s Fish & Steak House on Main Street is your quintessential White Mountains ski bar. Owned by two Olympians, Gordi’s pays tribute to Gordi Eaton who was on the 1960 and 1964 Olympic ski teams and his wife, Karen Budge Eaton, who was on the 1968 and 1972 Olympic ski teams.
Enjoy drinks and dinner surrounded by ski memorabilia and old photos of yesteryear while warming yourself up by the roaring fire. From 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm you can enjoy their special Après Ski menu with daily food specials like meatball sliders, NY style hot dogs, and more.
Who doesn’t want a burger and a pint after a powder day? Black Mtn. Burger Co. is great family-friendly option for après ski snacks and brews. The delicious pub fare pairs perfectly with their beer and specialty drinks menu. Tasty drink specials are available daily on the blackboard menu.
For a quieter and more sophisticated après ski with their Italian cuisine, wood fired pizzas and delicious appetizers, visit Black Mtn. Burger Co’s sister restaurant in the RiverWalk Resort, La Vista. Their fully stocked bar and wine cooler have something for everyone.
Wine might not be your first thought for après ski, but after your first sip from Seven Birches, you’ll never what anything else. Seven Birches Winery, has two locations – one in the heart of RiverWalk Resort plus Rhythm Cider located at the Lincoln Village Shops.
Located across the parking lot from RiverWalk Resort in the Village Shops, One Love Brewery is Lincoln’s newest brewery. Family owned and operated, One Love Brewery brews German Lager-style beers and serves excellent Gastropub food. The rustic feel of the old mill pairs beautifully with their One Love Brewery "Czech Your Head" Pilsner. Don’t forget to order the pretzels!
DOWN THE STREET IN NORTH WOODSTOCK and franconia
The Woodstock Inn & Brewery is a long-standing local favorite. Just a five-minute drive from Lincoln, the Woodstock Inn & Brewery was the third craft brewery to open in New Hampshire over 20 years ago. With just seven barrels, the brewery has now grown to 37 barrels. Their beer is a mix of hoppy IPAs and thick ales that pair perfectly with an after-ski glow. Maybe their "Frosty Goggles" sums up your day perfectly? The extensive food menu is also great for refueling your tired muscles for skiing the next day.
Truant’s Taverne is another local favorite in North Woodstock. For over 39 years, the restaurant and pub has been cooking up fine foods and pouring great drinks. The bar pours 24 beers from tap, including mostly local brews. There’s plenty of live music and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Play a round of pool or darts or chat away with the locals and ski bums.
Sitting alongside the Gale River just a hop, skip, and a jump from Cannon Mountain, Iron Furnace Brewing is quickly becoming a popular spot on the weekends. The beers are hopping and change regularly and there’s wine and cider for those you don’t like beer. The small snack menu provides the perfect amount of food to keep you satisfied until dinnertime.
Drink Up!
If you don't have a designated driver to get you home safely, or if you can't end the night in the hotel restaurant and lounge, The Shuttle Connection is just a call away! With plenty of options for après ski at the mountain or nearby, there is no excuse to not enjoy a cold beer after a hard day of skiing. Put the ski boots away and slip on your dancing shoes. Welcome to après ski in the mountain ski town of in Lincoln, New Hampshire.
This blog post is part of "The Guide to Winter Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.