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Beer & Après Prices in Buttermilk

What you'll actually pay for drinks and food in Buttermilk, Unite

The Drinking Culture in Buttermilk

Buttermilk's après-ski culture reflects its identity as the most laid-back mountain in the Aspen Snowmass quartet. Unlike its steeper siblings—Aspen Highlands and Snowmass—Buttermilk attracts a crowd that prioritizes fun over intensity, creating an approachable atmosphere that welcomes-skiers of all abilities. The resort opened in 1951 as a family-focused destination, and that welcoming DNA persists in its drinking culture today. What makes Buttermilk unique is its unpretentious vibe; you're more likely to find locals sharing stories over PBR than seeing the Hollywood-exclusive scene that Aspen proper sometimes cultivates. The mountain sits just four miles from Aspen proper, giving visitors easy access to both the slope-side bars and the town's more diverse evening options. The crowd skews toward families, beginner-to-intermediate skiers, and those who appreciate a relaxed mountain experience over hardcore skiing. The best nightlife months are December through March, with February offering the busiest crowds and liveliest bar scenes thanks to ideal snow conditions and family ski weeks. Saturday evenings during peak season consistently deliver the most vibrant atmosphere, while weeknight après tends to be calmer and more conducive to conversation with locals.

Complete Bar Guide

The Mountain Club at Buttermilk
mountain-bar €€

Perched right at the base of Buttermilk's slopes, The Mountain Club delivers genuine slope-side après without requiring a long trek. The space features massive windows overlooking the bunny hill, making it ideal for parents watching kids while enjoying a drink. The interior mixes rustic mountain lodge decor with modern touches, creating a comfortable, unpretentious vibe that captures Buttermilk's family-friendly spirit. The crowd tends to be a mix of finishing skiers grabbing last call and families settling in for evening meals.

Signature The Buttermilk Brew (house lager with honey and lemon, $9)
Best Time 3pm-6pm for classic slope-side après
Insider Tip Grab a table near the windows for prime people-watching during the late afternoon ski exodus.
Aspen Brewing Company
village-bar

This cornerstone of Aspen's craft beer scene operates just minutes from Buttermilk and draws a loyal local following. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick, brewing tanks visible from the bar, and a rotating selection of house-made ales. Unlike resort-focused venues, ABC feels genuinely rooted in the community, offering a more authentic Colorado drinking experience. The staff knows their beer, and the Flight Night on Wednesdays offers excellent value for sampling multiple brews.

Signature The Aspen Altbier ($7) and Condor Copper ($8)
Best Time Weekday evenings for relaxed local vibes
Insider Tip Ask about the small-batch releases available only at the taproom.
Jimmy's Bar & Grill
village-bar €€€

A legendary Aspen institution since 1978, Jimmy's occupies a iconic position on Aspen's bar circuit. The墙上挂满了名人的照片,营造出一种温馨的氛围,吸引了各路客人——从滑雪教练到当地名人。酒吧拥有温暖的灯光、深色木镶板和舒适的 booth,非常适合在山丘上度过一天后放松身心。菜单提供丰盛的食物和充足的饮品选择,周末通常会有现场音乐表演。

Signature Jimmy's Famous Marg ($14) and Prime Rib ($18)
Best Time Weekend evenings for the full Aspen experience
Insider Tip The back booth offers more privacy for celebrity-spotting.
The Red Onion
mountain-bar

Since 1969, The Red Onion has been serving classic bar fare and stiff drinks to the Aspen masses. This no-nonsense establishment offers exactly what you'd expect from a decades-old ski town staple—reliable drinks, pub food, and an unpretentious atmosphere. The basement-level location gives it a dark, intimate feel, while the outdoor patio provides a surprising amount of space during warmer months. Expect college-town energy during holiday periods and a more relaxed crowd midweek.

Signature The Ole (House margarita, $11)
Best Time Happy hour (4pm-7pm) for dollar drinks
Insider Tip Arrive early for happy hour to beat the crowd and grab a table.
Cache Cache
wine-bar €€€

For those seeking a more sophisticated après experience, Cache Cache offers an elegant alternative to the typical ski bar. This wine bar and small-plate restaurant focuses on carefully curated wine selections and upscale pub grub. The dimly lit, intimate space proves perfect for date nights or sophisticated conversation with friends. Prices sit at the higher end, but the wine selection and atmosphere justify the premium for those seeking refinement after skiing.

Signature Seasonal sangria ($13) and cheese boards ($18)
Best Time Evenings for upscale unwinding
Insider Tip The wine flight options offer excellent value for sampling different varietals.
Woody Creek Tavern
village-bar

Just a short drive from Buttermilk, this roadhouse-style bar attracts a devoted local following seeking escape from resort prices. Woody Creek Tavern feels genuinely removed from tourist-driven Aspen, offering cheap drinks, simple eats, and authentic Colorado bar culture. The porch provides outdoor seating when weather permits, and live music on weekends draws crowds from across the valley. Don't expect sophistication—this is pure local watering hole energy.

Signature Cheap domestic beers ($4) and stiff well drinks ($6)
Best Time Late afternoons and weekends for authentic local vibes
Insider Tip Bring cash; the ATM fees are steep and they prefer cash交易的灵活性。
The Woolf
village-bar €€€

Aspen's newest addition to the cocktail scene brings metropolitan sophistication to the mountains. This cocktail bar focuses on craft mixology with an impressive spirit selection and creative drink menu. The modern, dimly lit space attracts an older crowd seeking sophisticated conversation over carefully constructed cocktails. Prices reflect the premium mixology, but the drink quality rivals Denver's best bars.

Signature The Smuggler ($15) and Aspen Old Fashioned ($14)
Best Time Evenings for craft cocktails and conversation
Insider Tip Ask the bartender for seasonal creations not on the printed menu.

Prices & Value

Aspen and Buttermilk occupy the premium end of Colorado resort pricing, with costs significantly higher than average mountain towns. However, budget-conscious drinkers can find value by venturing slightly beyond the resort core.

Beer
Domestic draught: $7-9; Craft beer: $8-12; Imported draught: $9-13
Wine
House wine: $10-14; By-the-glass premium: $15-25
Cocktail
Well drinks: $10-12; Premium cocktails: $14-18; Shots: $8-15

How it compares: Buttermilk and Aspen hover near Colorado's most expensive destinations, rivaled only by Vail and Beaver Creek. Towns like Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs offer 20-30% cheaper drinks, while budget areas like Leadville provide extreme value. Within Aspen, happy hour deals and local bars offer the best value, while resort venues command premium pricing.

Where locals drink: Locals escape to Woody Creek Tavern and Glenwood Springs for budget-friendly drinking, while happy hour at The Red Onion delivers the best drink specials within immediate range. Aspen Brewing Company offers fair pricing for quality craft beer, and Wednesday Flight Night provides exceptional value for beer explorers.

Perfect Après Itineraries

🎉 The Classic Route

Begin at The Mountain Club at 3pm for slope-side beers while watching the last skiers descend ($9 beers). Transit to Aspen Brewing Company around 5pm for house ales and relaxed local vibes ($7-8). migrate to Jimmy's for dinner and signature margs around 7pm ($14-18). Cap the night at The Red Onion for late-night cheap drinks ($8-10pm happy hour specials). Budget: $50-75

💰 Budget-Friendly

Start at The Red Onion's 4pm happy hour for dollar drinks ($1 domestic, $2 wells), move to Aspen Brewing Company for $7 Altbier, finish at Woody Creek Tavern for $4 domestics. This route maximizes drink quantity while minimizing cost. Bonus: grab food at any stop for adequate dining. Budget: $20-35

✨ Upscale Evening

Begin with cocktails at The Woolf ($14-15), proceed to Cache Cache for wine and cheese ($15-25 per glass, $18 boards), conclude with dinner and premium drinks at Jimmy's upscale dining room. This itinerary prioritizes quality over quantity with sophisticated settings. Budget: $100-150

Local Secrets

  • The Mountain Club's rooftop patio opens during spring for excellent afternoon sun and reduced crowds.
  • Aspen Brewing offers free brewery tours on Saturdays at 2pm—great for beer enthusiasts.
  • Woody Creek Tavern's Monday-night trivia draws competitive locals and offers cheap drink specials.
  • The Red Onion's happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily, but Friday specials extend until 8pm.
  • Cache Cache fills quickly during peak season—call ahead for reservations to secure a prime table.
d States. Prices verified for 2025/26 season.

Quick Price Check

Pint of Beer (Mountain) $12

On-slope bar, standard lager

Pint of Beer (Village) $10

Village bar, evening drink

Glass of Wine $11

House wine, restaurant

Coffee $5

Espresso or cappuccino

Mountain Lunch $33

Main course + drink, on-slope

Evening Meal $67

Two courses + drink, mid-range restaurant

How Does Buttermilk Compare?

Item Buttermilk United States Avg Alps Avg
Pint on mountain $12 $12 €7
Mountain lunch $33 $32 €22
Evening meal $67 $60 €45

The Après Scene

Our Take

Buttermilk has solid après options without being overwhelming. A good mix of mountain bars and village spots, reasonable prices by resort standards. You can have a good time without breaking the bank.

Where to Drink

Money-Saving Tips

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