What is après ski? Après ski is the French word for “after ski,” which is a phrase that describes social events that happen after you and your group skied the slopes. The term is now popular in areas like the Teton Mountains, Park City, and other popular ski destinations all over America. It’s also become more associated with yurt culture because of the ubiquity of yurt restaurants being added to ski resorts. 

We appreciate how much the skiing community continues to enjoy modern yurts. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax, dine, or unwind for some après ski fun, few places compare to a yurt. They’re sustainably built, well-furnished, and offer the perfect barrier from the winter climate without making a huge impact on the natural surroundings you experienced on the mountain. Here are a few of our favorite Pacific Yurts offering unparalleled après ski experiences you have to check out this winter.  

1. The Viking Yurt – Park City, Utah 

Set among the picturesque peaks of Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort, The Viking Yurt restaurant is far from your ordinary après skiing experience. After a brisk day on the mountain, cozy up to a six-course Nordic-themed meal in the quaint comfort of a finely decorated wintry yurt. The full experience includes an 8,700-foot climb to the restaurant on a sleigh ride (blankets included!) that includes crystal clear views of the night sky and the glistening sights of Park City below. Once you’ve arrived at their yurt restaurant, prepare to dig in! Courses include dishes like braised short rib, ice cream, and the traditional glogg (a Nordic hot drink). Since this epic dining experience only allows 40 people per night, reservations are recommended for all visitors, particularly around the holidays. 

2. High Sierra Snowcat – Mono City, California

If you’re looking for a more remote winter yurt adventure, the High Sierra Snowcat experience is the trip of a lifetime. They have two massive snowcats at their disposal and a finely furnished après ski yurt that’s equipped with a family-style table, cooking island, and dual burners. Guided packages also include cooked meals that make it a premium and ideal backcountry skiing experience after exploring the least traveled trails in the Sierras. While trips with High Sierra are customizable, they recommend a party size of six with a preferred length of three nights to ensure maximum adventure at a minimum cost!  

3. Blue Moon Yurt – McCall, Idaho 

For a hip après ski experience, the Blue Moon Yurt is a bohemian winter paradise located in Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall, Idaho. The guest experience at the Blue Moon centers around the unique combination of delivering an outdoor activity (snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, etc.) alongside an equally adventurous culinary encounter that makes it the perfect post-skiing experience. Guests are invited to hunker down from the cold weather near the generous warmth of the wood-burning stove inside the yurt, and guests are given the chance to taste some of the finest winter-woods cuisine offered in Idaho. As of October 2019, the Blue Moon Yurt, newly opened at Jug Mountain Ranch, is accepting reservations for the coming winter season. 

4. The Ledgewood Yurt – Killington, Vermont

Nothing says après ski like the idyllic winter resorts on the East Coast. The Ledgewood Yurt in Killington, Vermont offers a perfect balance between fine resort dining and backcountry skiing. This yurt restaurant brings fine dining to the slopes of Vermont’s favorite ski destination and can accommodate large groups and family-style dinner parties. Options for après ski dinner reservations include Adult Dinner Parties (21+), featuring a five-course meal full of local cuts, sustainably grown vegetables, and creative desserts. For those looking for a family-friendly eating experience, the Family Dinner Excursions offer a three-course meal that includes a kids’ meal for the youngsters on board. Reservations for all meals at the Ledgewood are required, so book your next après ski culinary adventure soon! 

5. Teton Yurts – Alta, Wyoming 

The Teton Yurts are perhaps the most adventurous ones on our list. The yurts provided by Teton Backcountry Guides in Alta offer warmth and comfort from the elements while still giving you and your group premier access to beautiful backcountry skiing. With five yurts under their ownership, they give eager hikers and cross-country skiers the chance to witness the epic beauty of Wyoming’s wilderness over multiple days. Each yurt provides ample space where you can warm up and enjoy a meal after a guided adventure from those who know the Tetons like their own backyard. With different levels of accessibility to each location, the Teton Yurts are a perfect destination for snowshoe hikers and cross-country travelers of many aptitudes. Book today to experience the yurt ski trip of a lifetime!

6. Grand Hyatt Vail – Vail, Colorado

If you’re looking for a truly unique winter yurt experience then visit The Grand Hyatt Vail. This ski-in, ski-out yurt is open daily from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and offers a number of après ski specials, tastings and special pop up events throughout the winter season. Guests can ski directly to and from Chair 20 lift to this cozy basecamp. The interior of this yurt hosts couches, a bartender for cocktails or hot chocolate, and fire pits to warm up and mingle just outside. If you’re looking for more fun things to do before heading back to the ski trails, rent ice skates, listen to live music, and enjoy complimentary s’mores and cookies each evening.

Après Skiing and Yurt Restaurants Near You 

More ski resorts are adding Pacific Yurts to offer skiers lodging or dining experiences that are unique to their destination. Looking for a wintry yurt restaurant to experience some après ski fun? Visit our Yurt Vacations page to start planning an unforgettable ski trip today. 

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