After a day carving turns through champagne powder with mountain peaks towering above you, there's nothing better than kicking off your ski boots and settling into Banff's legendary après-ski scene. From craft cocktails by roaring fires to steaming hot springs under the stars, Banff's après-ski culture is some of the best in North America. Here's where to wind down after your day on the slopes.
Best Après-Ski Bars & Restaurants
Park Distillery
Vibe: Craft cocktails & campfire-cooked food
Park Distillery is the quintessential Banff après-ski experience. Order a cocktail made with their own glacial-water-distilled spirits, warm up by the open fire, and feast on their legendary smoked brisket and campfire-cooked meats. The atmosphere is buzzing on winter evenings, with skiers swapping stories of the day's runs. Try their signature Banff Reviver cocktail.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Vibe: Craft brewery & pub
Banff's original craft brewery is a natural après-ski destination. House-brewed beers (the Head Smashed IPA is a classic), hearty pub food, and a lively atmosphere. The rooftop patio is heated in winter and offers mountain views. Post-ski pitchers of beer with friends is a Banff tradition.
The Rose & Crown
Vibe: British pub with rooftop patio
A Banff institution since the 1980s. The Rose & Crown delivers cold beer, live music, a buzzing atmosphere, and one of the best rooftop patios in town. On winter weekends, the rooftop is packed with skiers still in their base layers, cheering the sunset over the mountains.
High Rollers
Vibe: Bowling alley & cocktail lounge
Roll a few frames while sipping craft cocktails — it's a fun, unique après-ski experience. The retro-chic bowling alley under the Banff Ave Brewing Co. adds a playful twist to the traditional après routine. Great for groups.
The Elk & Oarsman
Vibe: Local pub & comfort food
A beloved locals' pub with a no-frills, welcoming atmosphere. Good beer selection, filling pub food, sports on the TVs, and the kind of cozy vibe where you can settle in for the evening after a big day on the mountain.
Grizzly House
Vibe: Fondue & exotic meats
A Banff institution since 1967, the Grizzly House is famous for fondue — the ultimate après-ski dinner. Dip bread, meat, and seafood into bubbling cheese and hot oil while sitting in the quirky retro interior. The communal, social nature of fondue makes it perfect for groups celebrating a great ski day.
Après-Ski Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs
There's no better way to soothe tired ski legs than soaking in naturally heated mineral pools (37–40°C) with steam rising into the cold mountain air and snow-capped peaks above. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are open year-round and are at their most atmospheric in winter. Open until 10pm on weekends.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
For a more luxurious après-ski spa experience, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (about 1 hour from Banff) offers a circuit of outdoor hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms in a stunning mountain setting. Book in advance — it's popular.
On-Mountain Après
- Mt Norquay Cliffhouse Bistro: The closest après to skiing — grab a drink right at the top of the chairlift with Bow Valley views
- Sunshine Village Mad Trapper's Saloon: A legendary on-mountain bar at the Sunshine base. Lively atmosphere right off the slopes
- Lake Louise Lodge of the Ten Peaks: Hot drinks and mountain views at the Lake Louise base area
Book a ski-and-stay getaway on Expedia for the best rates on winter accommodation in Banff.