Once spring hits in the mountains, our mind immediately goes to warm ski days followed by enjoying a cold beverage on a sunny patio. Aprés ski - french for “after ski” - originated in the Alps, where it was customary to stop at a local watering hole after skiing, and enjoy a drink while still in ski clothing. Whistler just happens to have some of the best aprés ski spots around, so we wanted to share a few of our favorites, now that the days are getting longer and warmer! (You can also check our older "Cheers to Whistler Apres Ski" blog post)
Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub
Tucked away in a quiet part of Whistler village, Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub has large doors that slide open, making it a great spot to grab a drink after on a sunny spring day. Known as the “Locals’ Living Room,” Tapleys offers skee ball and darts, international sports on TV, and live music on occasion. Come in and grab a Gibbons Aprés Lager and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Tapley’s.
Dubh Linn Gate
Dubh Linn Gate, Whistler’s favorite Irish Pub, features not one but three Happy Hours, 7 days a week! From 5-7pm, you can enjoy “After Apres” with deals on BC craft beer pints, highballs, and house wines. The massive outdoor patio has a prime view of the slopes, making it one of our favorite Aprés Ski spots in Whistler. There’s also a breakfast happy hour, and a late night happy hour, in case aprés ski isn’t your thing. The Dubh Linn has live music nearly every day of the week, along with Irish comfort food and a large selection of drinks
Garibaldi Lift Co
Garibaldi’s is widely known as THE place to Aprés in Whistler, with the closest patio to the slopes and excellent views of skiers ripping down the hill in the winter and downhill mountain bikers in the summer. GLC was recently renovated, and revelers can enjoy an interior fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, and several outdoor patios. At GLC, you’ll find live music, DJ sets, a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and pastas, and plenty of pitchers and creative cocktails. Garibaldi has been recognized as having the best patio in Whistler 6 years in a row, as well as the best place to aprés and the best place to see live music.
Merlin's
Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Merlin’s almost seems like it was built for aprés ski. Merlin’s is the kind of place where dancing on the bar, enjoying a shot-ski with friends, and soaking up the sun with a pint (or several) is encouraged. The outdoor patio is expansive, and the inside is decorated like a mountain chalet with chair lifts hanging from the rafters and log cabin walls. There’s even a DJ station built into a gondola car. Head to Merlin’s after your last run for a towering plate of nachos, some drinks, and a good time. Families welcome until 7:30pm.
Longhorn Saloon
Longhorn Saloon has one of the premiere patios in Whistler Village, located right off the hill and across from the Gondola/ticket office. The Longhorn has been a Whistler staple since 1981, and it is not uncommon for aprés ski to turn into the rest of the night...
All images by Tourism Whistler / Justa Jeskova