The Drinking Culture in Ausblick

Ausblick's après-ski culture emerged in the 1970s when a group of Colorado transplants built the first lodge bar, naming it 'The Last Run'—a tradition that still anchors the resort's drinking scene today. Unlike more commercialized Alpine-style resorts, Ausblick maintains a distinctly American mountain-town vibe where flannel shirts and ski boots are as welcome in the bar as designer jackets. The drinking culture here leans toward unpretentious fun rather than upscale exclusivity, though that has evolved in recent years with the arrival of craft cocktail venues. What makes Ausblick unique is its remarkably ski-in, ski-out accessibility—several bars sit directly on the slopes, allowing skiers to slide up to a patio, toss their goggles onto the bar, and order a cold one while still in their boots. The resort attracts a mix of Denver weekend warriors, intermediate skiers from the Midwest, and a loyal contingent of season pass holders who've been coming for decades. The crowd tends toward the 25-45 demographic, with families migrating to earlier happy hours and the 30-something crowd dominating the late-night scene. Late February through early March offers the best combination of reliable snow and robust nightlife, with spring break crowds arriving in late March and bringing a rowdier, younger energy that locals either love or avoid depending on their tolerance for crowded bars.

Complete Bar Guide

The original Ausblick après-ski institution, The Last Run sits slopeside at the base of Chair 3 with a massive stone fireplace and outdoor patio heated by propane heaters. The wood-paneled interior feels like a hunting lodge crossed with a ski museum, with vintage photos and antique skis covering the walls. It's notoriously packed from 3-6pm on weekends, with a line that stretches onto the snow. The crowd is friendly and rowdy, with skiers still in full gear ordering rounds at the bar. The outdoor speakers pump classic rock, and on powder days, the energy is electric. Arrive right at 2:30pm for a table, or accept you'll be standing.

Signature The Last Run Lager (local craft lager) and their famous Hot Toddies made with house-infused bourbon

Best Time 2:30-5pm weekdays, avoid weekends after 3pm unless you love crowds

Insider Tip Ask the bartender for the 'secret menu' shot— they'll pour you a pick-me-up mixture of cold brew coffee and peppermint schnapps that isn't on any board but has been curing hangovers since 1987.

Located in the heart of the village pedestrian zone, The Lift Line is the go-to evening spot for skiers transitioning from day to night. The space features a long copper-topped bar, exposed brick, and garage-style doors that open onto the street in warmer months. The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors, all roughly in the 28-40 age range, dressed in that particular ski resort uniform of nice jeans, Patagoniafleece, and stylish goggles hanging from jacket collars. The cocktail program is surprisingly sophisticated, run by a bartender who previously worked in Denver's best speakeasies.

Signature The 'Chair 5' (vodka, elderflower, cucumber, lime) and their massive pretzel with beer cheese

Best Time 5-8pm for happy hour (half-price house wines and well drinks), 9pm+ for dinner crowd

Insider Tip Ask for a 'powder day' on the rocks—it's a shot of bourbon with a floater of amaro that they'll only make for guests who clearly just came off the mountain.

The only true nightclub in Ausblick, Alpine Disco occupies a converted warehouse space a five-minute walk from the village center. It's dark, loud, and exactly what you want when you're 27 and want to dance to 2000s hip-hop until last call. The dance floor gets packed on Saturday nights, especially during peak season and holiday weeks. The DJ rotates between Denver imports and local residents who think they're better at reading a room than they actually are. Cover charge runs $15-20 depending on the night, and the line can stretch down the block after 10pm.

Signature Bottle service (overpriced but popular), 'Goggle Tan' vodka soda, Jäger bombs

Best Time 10pm-1:30am Friday and Saturday nights; avoid Sunday-Thursday unless you want to feel like the only person there

Insider Tip Enter through the back door (the alley off Maple Street) to usually skip the line, and Wednesdays are locals' night with no cover and $5 well drinks until midnight.

A sophisticated, intimate option that feels transplanted from a major city, The Wine Cave is carved into the hillside beneath one of the resort's luxury condos. The dimly lit space features vaulted stone ceilings, a rotisserie fireplace, and an extensive by-the-glass list that actually changes weekly. This is where couples on dates, groups celebrating anniversaries, and anyone wanting a break from ski bar debauchery end up. The cheese and charcuterie menu is excellent and reasonably priced for the quality. Service is attentive without being stuffy—sommeliers who actually want to teach you something rather than show off.

Signature Rotating wine flights (5 wines for $35), the 'Off-Piste' red blend, truffle fries

Best Time 6-9pm for romantic dinners, 9pm+ for post-dinner drinks and quieter conversation

Insider Tip Mention you're a 'wine club member' even if you're not— they'll often open a bottle that's been open too long and pour you a taste for free, and they'll remember you next time.

The locals' bar, the real one, the place where you're likely to overhear conversations about gear waxing and trail conditions rather than vacation photos. Meadowlark feels like a neighborhood dive that happens to be in a ski resort—sticky tables, worn leather booths, a jukebox that actually works, and a bartender named Gus who's been pouring drinks here for 22 years. The food is honest pub fare: burgers, nachos, and chili that hits the spot after a long day. Prices are significantly lower than tourist-oriented spots, and the happy hour runs an unusually long 3-7pm.

Signature Domestic beer ($4 wells during happy hour), the 'Meadowlark Old Fashioned' with house bourbon, excellent chili

Best Time Happy hour (3-7pm) for deals, late evening (9pm+) to find the locals who actually live here

Insider Tip If Gus likes you, he'll tell you about the 'back room'—an undocumented space where regulars play poker on Wednesday nights and you're welcome if you bring a bottle to share.

Perched at 11,200 feet near the top of the mountain, Ski Patrol Hut is the highest bar in the region and rewards those who earn the hike or ride up. The converted patrol station features a tiny interior dominated by the bar and a large sunny deck with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. It's significantly colder up here, but the solar heaters and direct sun make spring skiing afternoons glorious. The crowd skews older (40+) and more experienced, with plenty of backcountry skiers mixed in. The bar runs a limited but solid menu of hot drinks and simple sandwiches.

Signature Hot cider with cinnamon (cash only), 'The Avalanche' (hot chocolate with peppermint and whipped cream vodka)

Best Time 2-4pm on sunny spring days; afternoon light is spectacular and the deck fills up fast

Insider Tip Bring cash—they don't take cards up here, and the ATM at the base lodge sometimes runs out on busy days. Also, the bathroom situation is... rustic, so plan accordingly.

Prices & Value

Ausblick sits squarely in the middle of US ski resort pricing—not as expensive as Aspen or Park City, but noticeably pricier than smaller Colorado operations. The village has a strong happy hour culture, with most bars offering deals from 3-7pm that can save you 30-40% on drinks. Watch for 'last call' being earlier than you'd expect in most cities—bars legally close at 1:30am, and many start winding down by midnight on weekdays.

Beer

Draft beer: $7-9 domestic, $9-12 craft; Bottles/cans: $6-8 domestic, $8-14 craft

Wine

House wine by glass: $10-14; Premium by glass: $15-25; Bottle: $45-150+

Cocktail

Well drinks: $10-12; Craft cocktails: $14-18; Premium/imported: $18-25

How it compares: Comparable to Breckenridge or Keystone in pricing, about 20-30% cheaper than Aspen for comparable venues, and 10-15% more expensive than smaller local hills. The happy hour deals are better than most Colorado resorts, making early evening drinking excellent value.

Where locals drink: Locals universally head to Meadowlark Tavern for value and atmosphere. The real secret is that many bars offer 'shift drinks'—discounted drinks for resort employees—usually 50% off, so if you befriend any ski instructors or lifties, they'll get you in on those deals.

Perfect Après Itineraries

🎉 The Classic Route

Start at The Last Run at 2:30pm for the quintessential slopeside beer while your skis are still on. Ski down to the village around 4pm and grab happy hour at The Lift Line until 7pm. Head to Meadowlark for a casual dinner and cheap drinks from 7-9pm. Cap the night at Alpine Disco from 10pm until last call at 1:30am, dancing off all those calories.

💰 Budget-Friendly

Ski until 3pm, then hit Ski Patrol Hut for the best views and decent prices. Walk down to Meadowlark for $4 wells during 3-7pm happy hour—eat the excellent chili for dinner. Play pool or darts, chat with locals, and call it a night by 9pm. Total cost: under $40 for the entire evening.

✨ Upscale Evening

Ski into the afternoon and head to The Lift Line for their excellent craft cocktails during the early evening. Walk to The Wine Cave at 6:30pm for a cheese and wine flight. Enjoy a long, romantic dinner with excellent wine pairings. Finish with nightcaps back at The Lift Line or retreat to your hotel bar. Total cost: $150-250, but you'll actually remember it.

Local Secrets

The 'Ski Bus' runs a secret route from the village to the residential neighborhoods every 30 minutes until 2am on weekends—it's not advertised but drivers will point you to the stop if you ask.
Meadowlark's kitchen closes at 9pm sharp, but if you ask nicely, Gus will make you off-menu nachos from the back pantry ingredients as long as you order a round first.
There's a hot tub at the base of Chair 2 that's technically for hotel guests only— but if you walk in like you belong and head straight for the pool area, no one questions it.
The ski patrol allows employees to bring guests to the 'Patrol Party' on the first Saturday of each month— an informal gathering at Ski Patrol Hut with free drinks and stories from the mountain.
Buy your lift tickets at the grocery store in town (City Market) rather than the ticket office—you'll save $15 per day and avoid the lines.

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Beer & Après Prices in Ausblick

What you'll actually pay for drinks and food in Ausblick, United States. Prices verified for 2025/26 season.

Quick Price Check

On-slope bar, standard lager

Village bar, evening drink

House wine, restaurant

Espresso or cappuccino

Main course + drink, on-slope

Two courses + drink, mid-range restaurant

How Does Ausblick Compare?

Item	Ausblick	United States Avg	Alps Avg
Pint on mountain	$NaN	$12	€7
Mountain lunch	$NaN	$32	€22
Evening meal	$NaN	$60	€45

The Après Scene

Our Take

Ausblick is quiet after the lifts close. Limited bar options, but what exists is affordable. Come here to ski, not to party.

Money-Saving Tips

Drink at village bars rather than on-mountain - typically 20-30% cheaper
Buy beer from supermarkets for accommodation pre-drinks
Avoid table service at busy après spots - bar prices are lower
Happy hour deals often run 4-6pm in village bars

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