After a long day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a cosy lodge, bar or local establishement. With a drink in hand, you can talk about your day on the ski field and meet new, like-minded people. Après-ski, meaning after ski in French, has become a welcome tradition in Queenstown in winter. The Queenstown Winter Festival is one of the most significant events in the South Island that celebrates everything winter. Enjoy four epic days of live music, markets, and fireworks. Plus, of course, some epic skiing and top après-ski spots. Get amongst all the après-ski action in Queenstown.
The World Bar
The World Bar is one of the most popular spots in Queenstown, with a fabulous beer garden. Here you can enjoy mac ‘n’ cheese balls in front of a roaring fire as you listen to the sound of live music. They serve delicious dinners, including burgers, nachos, and fried chicken tacos. This is one of the best places for après-ski if you enjoy a shindig, as the bar hosts movie premieres, epic parties, and random events. Plus, you can enjoy one of their famous teapot cocktails. It’s the perfect location for those who want to make the most of the nightlife in Queenstown.
Rhino’s Ski Shack
This hidden gem, located in a brand new location on Searle Lane, is one of the best late-night bars for après-ski. You’ll be transported to the European ski life with traditional style, chopped logs, and vintage skis as you enter this Queenstown bar. If you visit Rhino’s Ski Shack during the day, you can enjoy a chilled-out vibe and one of the games on offer. If you visit during the evening, this low-key venue turns into one of the hotspots of Queenstown with one of the best DJ’s around.
Little Blackwood
If you’re looking for a cocktail bar, look no further than Little Blackwood. This bar perfectly blends classic with new. Sip a cocktail and enjoy a cheese board with a range of artisan meats. Sit outside to soak up the majestic backdrop of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, or step inside to cosy up in front of the roaring fire while some of the best live musicians in New Zealand entertain you for the evening. Après-ski in Queenstown should certainly include a visit to Little Blackwood.
Cowboys
Are you looking for some après-ski fun? Head to Cowboys, where you can play a game of shuffleboard or pool and test your skis on the mechanical bull. With an eclectic mix of cowboy memorabilia, this bar provides a unique experience in the heart of town. Plus, there are loads of freebies! Enjoy free pool, shuffleboard, bar snacks every day from 3pm – 8pm, and free pizza on Wednesday nights between 8pm and midnight. Cowboys is a great place to relax and have fun after a long day skiing, so sit back, relax and enjoy a “beergarita”.
Yonder
Where’s the best après-ski spot in Queenstown? Over Yonder, where you can enjoy an exciting food menu inspired by the owners’ travels. The bar prides itself on the innovation of its worldly staff, who translate travel to the table. This venue is a must for foodies to sample some delights such as salt ‘n’ szechuan squid, banana blossom bao, or cheesy pull-apart bread. Yonder is a must visit for après-ski and into the wee hours of the night.
Boardwalk
Perched in the Boardwalk restaurant, you can admire the sites of Queenstown’s iconic lakefront. Sitting alongside the Steamer Wharf, you can enjoy an evolving menu of fresh seafood and local produce. This is the spot to replenish with food and drink after a long day up the mountain. Whether you’re looking for a steak dinner or a tantalising snack, Boardwalk provides an impressive array of good stuff in a stunning central location.
Heidi’s Hut
Visit Heidi’s Hut, and you can say that you’ve dined in the ‘highest’ restaurant in Queenstown. Cosy up amidst the mountains with a gourmet pizza and a local craft beer. And warm your soul with crackling fires and a glass of bubbles. You can also head to Heidi’s Hut for a champagne brunch with a breathtaking view! Hit the first tracks and then enjoy a glass of G H Mumm at Heidi’s for your après-ski. This is a unique experience that ensures the fun doesn’t stop after you hit the slopes.
Gin Garden
The clue’s in the name! The Gin Garden offers an array of tastings and distilled beverages throughout the day. It’s tucked away in Arthurs Point and conveniently postitioned near the end of the Coronet Peak mountain road. Owned and run by Broken Heart, this boutique venue prides itself on quality beverages and a range of meals to compliment them if you’ve worked up an appetite. Gin tasting for après-ski anyone?!
Fergburger
If you find yourself with a craving for burgers after a day up the mountain, a visit to Fergburger is a no-brainer. The most famous burger joint in Queenstown, Fergburger consistently delivers delcious burgers to the masses of people in town. Using prime New Zealand beef, wild venison and high country lamb, these deluxe burgers use a range of gourmet ingredients to create the perfect feast to refuel you after an adrenaline-fuelled day.
Patagonia Chocolates
Downing a couple of chilled beers might sound appealing to several skiers, but alcohol isn’t on everyone’s to-do list after a long skiing session.If you’re looking for something a little different, visit the Patagonia Chocolate Cafe, where you can warm up with one of the best hot chocolates in town. Not to mention, there’s plenty of ice cream, delectable desserts and an array of delicious chocolates here.
