Ah, Lake Tahoe. This gorgeous part of our country straddles the border of California and Nevada, where the summers are filled with lake activities and the winters with skiing, snowboarding, and aprés-ski, of course. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, within which Lake Tahoe sits, offers a winter wonderland that attracts ski, snowboard, and nature enthusiasts from all over the world.

However, there are more reasons to visit a ski resort than for the outdoor recreation. Some people prefer rocking a cool winter fit for their next Instagram post while sipping on a Bloody Mary, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Although for those like myself counting down the days until they hear that beautiful click of their boots into their ski bindings, the aprés aspect has pretty mighty appeal as well.

From the mid-ski day hotty toddy, to the post-ski beer, and finally the late night “shot ski,” aprés-ski is all about having a good time. For those unfamiliar with the term “aprés,” the word is French for “after,” and when paired with “ski,” it means “after ski.” While humans likely first took up skiing thousands of years back in the Scandinavian Mountains, there’s no telling which Viking had the bright idea to introduce alcoholic beverages into the mix. Regardless, I and many others thank that brave soul for his or her fine addition to ski culture. There's nothing quite like indulging in the cherished tradition of après-ski. It’s truly an art form filled with laughs, warmth, and fun with friends while ingesting good food, drinks and views.

The Sierra Nevadas, just like the Rockies, Alps, Tetons, and other global mountain ranges, offer a plethora of après-ski spots, each uniquely set with its own charm and features. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 6 best aprés-ski spots nestled around Lake Tahoe.

The 6 Best Lake Tahoe Aprés-Ski Spots

1. Heavenly Mountain Resort

Heavenly is probably the most well-known ski resort in Tahoe, and it’s not just because the resort's sprawling slopes span California and Nevada. Heavenly is also home to some exquisite après-ski options.

The Tamarack Lodge at the top of the Gondola offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe, and an ideal setting to enjoy the afterglow of a day well spent on the mountain. Heavenly is also home to Lat38, a mid-mountain rooftop bar, and the Unbuckle Après Party, a featured daily event that is complemented with live DJs, drink specials, and a lively, club-like party atmosphere. Be sure to try out this delectable Toasted Yeti at the Coachman Hotel near Heavenly.

For a musical experience, check out Base Camp Pizza just a few minutes walk from the gondola, where you can lounge with pizza, listen to live music, and sip on your favorite libations. Or, if you’d like to experience a more unusual aprés-ski event, take a ride on the M.S. Dixie II, a 500-passenger paddle-wheel boat with dining, drinking, and a sun deck for an awesome sunset viewing after a day of shredding. Lastly, for the beer enthusiasts, Sidellis Lake Tahoe provides a laid-back, homey environment full of hops and good vibes.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: South Lake Tahoe, on the border of California and Nevada
• Mountain Statistics: 28 lifts, 97 trails, and 4,800 acres of skiable terrain
• Best Bars: Cal Bar at the California Lodge, Lat38, 9150 Bar at Tamarack Lodge, Stagecoach (at one of the base lodges in NV), Sidellis Brewery Lake Tahoe

2. Palisades Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe, the iconic host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, underwent a name change in recent years. To those unaware of the new name, Palisades used to be called Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. In 2021, officials changed the name after acknowledging its offensive nature to the Washoe Tribe—a welcome and necessary change to many. Under its new name, the ski resort continues to offer après-ski options for every taste.

The Village at Palisades Tahoe is a hub of activity after the lifts close, featuring a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. Le Chamois & Loft Bar, a legendary spot in the village, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

For a more upscale après-ski experience, head to PlumpJack Café in the village, which offers a classy scene, an extensive wine and cocktail list, and a menu that showcases the best in contemporary California cuisine.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: In California on the Northwest side of Lake Tahoe, about a 10 minute drive from Tahoe City
• Resort Features: 42 lifts, 270 trails, and 6,000 skiable acres
• Best Bars: Le Chamois & Loft Bar, The Slot Bar, Auld Dubliner, PlumpJack Café

3. Northstar California Resort

A Vail Resorts-owned venue known for its upscale amenities and family-friendly features, Northstar California Resort is perfect for those seeking a more refined après-ski experience.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, located mid-mountain, offers a luxurious location to settle in after a day on the slopes. The Backyard Bar & BBQ, with its outdoor fire pits and comfortable seating, is the perfect spot to enjoy a signature cocktail or craft beer while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, there’s Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar, a popular and plush location with a plethora of wine choices and charcuterie.

Or, you can head up Route 267 to downtown Truckee, where spots like Moody’s Bistro Bar and Beats in the Truckee Hotel and Blue Coyote Bar and Grill set the downtown scene. You can also make the 15 minute drive to the lake to check out the excellent Gar Woods Grill & Pier, sitting right on the water. It’s well worth the trek. The robust dining options and vibrant energy make Northstar a top choice for those looking to combine world-class skiing with some sophistication.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: Just northwest of Lake Tahoe, Northstar is one of the closer resorts on the list to Reno, NV, although it sits in California, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Truckee.
• Resort Features: 20 lifts, 100 trails, and 3,170 skiable acres
• Best Bars: Moody’s Bistro Bar and Beats, Blue Coyote Bar and Grill, The Backyard Bar & BBQ, Petra, Gar Woods Grill & Pier

4. Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Although Kirkwood Mountain Resort, another Epic Resort, is located about 45 minutes south of Heavenly Ski Resort and the bottom tip of Lake Tahoe, it’s still considered a mainstay in the region. Known for challenging terrain and serious snowfall, Kirkwood Mountain Resort also offers some excellent après-ski options.

The Wall Bar & Grill at the base of the Wall Lift is a popular spot to gather and celebrate a day of conquering Kirkwood's legendary runs. To grab some delicious pizza to refuel after ripping up some groomers, check out Cornice Pizza, just a few-minute walk from the resort. Keep in mind, of course, that as with most mountain-side food and drink spots, prices will typically lean on the higher side.

For a more relaxed experience, make your way to the Kirkwood Inn & Saloon, a historic landmark that exudes rustic charm. The cozy fireplace and hearty comfort food provide a welcoming respite after a day of tackling Kirkwood's challenging slopes. The Kirkwood Inn captures the essence of the region's rich history while offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for après-ski relaxation.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: Kirkwood, south of Lake Tahoe
• Resort Features: 15 lifts, 86 trails, and 2,300 acres of skiable terrain
• Best Bars: The Wall Bar & Grill, Kirkwood Inn & Saloon, Cornice Pizza, Snowshoe Thompson’s inside the Timber Creek Base Lodge

5. Homewood Mountain Resort

For a smaller ski mountain sitting directly on the edge of Lake Tahoe, you can’t go wrong with Homewood Mountain Resort. Homewood unfortunately lost a lodge to a fire a few years back, but the resort continues to offer low-key aprés options with some inspiring views.

After a day on the mountain, check out some of the great nearby options like West Shore Cafe, which is currently undergoing renovations, and Swiss Lakewood, a restaurant and vodka garden. The Big Blue View Bar offers exactly what it sounds like: a big, blue, incredible view of Lake Tahoe, with adirondack chairs to rest your tired legs. And if you’re looking for a bit of a wilder time, you’re only 6.3 miles from Tahoe City, which has plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife, like Rosie’s Cafe, a popular locals spot.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: Centrally located on the west side of Lake Tahoe, right off McKinney Bay
• Resort Features: 8 lifts, 67 trails, and 1,260 acres of skiable terrain.
• Best Bars: Big Blue View Bar, Bar 89, West Shore Cafe & Inn, Swiss Lakewood, Rosie’s Cafe

6. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

Another slightly lesser-well-known ski resort option near Lake Tahoe is Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, located approximately 30 minutes north of Tahoe City. Sugar Bowl features four peaks and Royal Gorge Cross Country, the largest cross-country (XC) resort in North America, with eight trail systems and eight warming huts, spanning 6,000 acres of terrain.

Although Sugar Bowl is one of the most family-friendly environments on the list, there are still a few great aprés-ski options. Check out the Belt Room Bar down inside the Sugar Bowl Lodge, located at the base of the Mt. Disney and Nob Hill lifts for a typical aprés experience. The Palisades Bar is a mid-mountain option with stunning views of the Palisades, which accumulates some of the most snow in Tahoe.

And if the resort bars are a bit too pricey for your tastes, you can always make the 20-minute drive up to Truckee or 30-minute drive down to Tahoe City for more expansive options.

Quick Stats:

• Location, Location, Location: Near Donner, and about 30 minutes north of Tahoe City. This is the closest major ski resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area.
• Resort Features: 13 lifts, 103 trails, and 1,650 acres of skiable terrain
• Best Bars: Belt Room Bar, Palisades Bar

So, there you have it: the 6 best spots for aprés-ski all around Lake Tahoe. For good measure, I’d be remiss not to mention a few more terrific places to check out in Tahoe if you find yourself wanting to branch out from the most popular areas. There are more than 15 ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, after all, so there’s no shortage of good times to be had. Here are some of the Tahoe après-ski spots not listed above.

Bonus Lake Tahoe Après-Ski Spots

• Soda Springs Mountain Resort
  • Gotta See: The tubing, sledding, and other family-friendly options, perfect for entertaining the kiddos.
• Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe
  • Gotta See: Winters Creek Lodge for an under-the-radar aprés-ski experience with unbelievable views of Reno, NV.
• Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
  • Gotta See: The Corkscrew Bar for a great place soak up heat from the fire pits on the sprawling Solstice Plaza, with frosty cocktails and craft beer.
• Donner Ski Ranch
  • Gotta See: Old 40 Bar and Grill, a classic aprés-ski spot that fits right in on this smaller, budget and family-friendly ski resort.
• Diamond Peak Ski Resort
  • Gotta See: The Million Dollar View Bar in Snowflake Lodge offers perhaps the best views in all of Tahoe. Be sure not to miss out.

Lake Tahoe's après-ski scene is as stunningly fun as its picturesque mountainscapes. Whether you’re into the high energy of Heavenly, the world-class skiing of Palisades Tahoe, the richness of Northstar, or the challenging runs of Kirkwood, Tahoe has an après-ski spot for you. These places aren’t just for unwinding after a hard-working day on the slopes—they’re the perfect extra touch to any ski trip, just like a tasty whipped-cream swirl topping off an Irish coffee.