B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h
Après Ski
First, a little bit of background before we get to the après part. Before modern ski resorts and safety measures, skiing in the 19th century was a far more perilous activity. Scandinavian skiers, particularly in Norway, would gather after a day on the slopes to celebrate their survival, literally, with food and drinks. This tradition caught on and eventually found its way into early ski clubs in the region.
Known across the globe as“ après ski,” French for“ after ski,” the phrase describes what happens after the skis come off. Think good food, drinks, and lively company, often around a cozy bar or crackling fire. This cultural phenomenon isn’ t just for skiers. Whether you ' ve spent the day on the slopes or opted to enjoy the snow from a comfortable indoor perch, après ski is more of a vibe than a requirement.
Après ski traditions vary from place to place, but here in the Berkshires, it means hot toddies, live music, local brews, and memorable moments. We caught up with local ski resorts to share how they’ re bringing the spirit of après to the local slopes.
Ski Butternut 380 State Road, Great Barrington skibutternut. com
Last year, Ski Butternut opened Channing’ s Bar in the Upper Lodge, a welcoming new space designed for guests to relax and enjoy a unique après ski experience. While still a hidden gem for some, the bar has quickly become a favorite for its warm atmosphere. This season, Channing’ s will host live music every Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p. m. With seating for up to 100 guests, the bar features a full menu of local craft brews, wines, and cocktails. Ski Butternut also will continue its popular“ Fe- BREW-ary” series, offering complimentary beer tastings in the lodge from Berkshire breweries every Saturday afternoon in February.
Catamount Mountain Resort Hillsdale, New York South Egremont, Massachusetts catamountski. com
Catamount Mountain’ s après ski scene offers as much variety as its slopes, with two satisfying dining experiences. New to the scene is the Fat Cat Pub, a burger bar offering shareable plates like smoked wings, as well as signature burgers served on Berkshire Mountain Bakery buns. Guests can also enjoy loaded salads, a kids’ menu, and a full bar featuring a popular draft margarita and seven beers on tap. Inside the Catamount Lodge, Campfire Bar & BBQ pairs craft brews with delicious barbecue favorites like slow-smoked brisket and ribs, as well as custom-topped mac and cheese. Live music fills the Lodge from Christmas week through the end of the ski season, with Saturday performances every week and Friday and Sunday shows during holiday weekends. Performances run from 3 to 6 p. m., set to entertain both the daytime and night skiers.
Save the date for a crowd favorite— Catamount’ s Laser Light Show & Dance Party on Valentine’ s Day 2026. Now in its fourth year, the annual event features visual effects like lasers, graphics, and music lighting up the mountain, capped off by a dance party in the lodge.
For skiers interested in extending their time on the slopes, night skiing is available Wednesday through Saturday, as well as Sunday nights on holiday weekends.
Bousquet Mountain 101 Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield bousquetmountain. com
Bousquet’ s après ski season kicks off on December 13, with the Winter Starts Here Party, featuring live beats provided by DJ on the Deck. Plan ahead and prepare to say goodbye to 2025 at the 21 + New Year’ s Eve Party on December 31. The DJ on the Deck series returns January 10, 2026, and continues on the second Saturday of each winter month through March— an opportunity to create a regular après ski tradition.
For those looking for a different kind of challenge, the Bousquet Adult Race( B. A. R.) League begins January 6, 2026, and runs on Tuesday evenings all season long. Open to skiers and snowboarders 18 years and older, this recreational league features teams of five, with each participant getting one run on the course before gathering at Drifters bar for drinks. Other highlights include Shredfest Rewind with Bombshack Vintage on March 7, 2026, and
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