Apres-Ski Near Stratton Mountain: Where Groups Actually Go

Apres-ski at Stratton doesn't look like Killington or Stowe. There's no long strip of bars and clubs. What there is: a few good stops near the mountain, and the entirely valid option of the house.

At the Resort: Long Trail Brewing Tap Room

The best single apres-ski stop at Stratton itself. Long Trail's flagship beers -- the Double Bag, the Harvest, the IPA -- are served fresh here. The space gets lively after 3pm on ski days. It's the right first stop for a group coming off the mountain: ski boots are fine, it's convenient, and you can decompress before deciding on dinner plans.

Fanatics Sports Bar

In the cluster of businesses near the Stratton Mountain access road. Multiple TVs, big tables for groups, wings, nachos, and draft beer. Gets crowded on peak weekends. Weeknights in January are quiet and you can settle in without competing for space.

The House

For a lot of groups staying in a large rental house, the best apres-ski is walking through the door, dropping into the hot tub for 30 minutes, and starting dinner. The sequence that works: mountain, house, hot tub, shower, early dinner, board games, early to bed. Repeat for 4 days. Stock the bar before you arrive. Having it ready at the house is better than driving to a bar in ski boots and heavy jackets.

Manchester (25-30 Minutes)

Ye Olde Tavern: Colonial-era building with a proper bar. Good for a group wanting a full sit-down dinner in a historic Vermont setting.

Main Street Bar and Grill: Bar-centered, good burgers, later hours than the inn dining rooms.

What to Know About the Area

Stratton's apres scene is quieter than Killington's. For groups who wanted a Vermont house experience rather than a bar tour, it's a feature. Know which one your group is before you arrive.

Far Away has a well-stocked hot tub situation that competes with any bar for end-of-ski-day appeal. Check availability.