There has been something strange going on in Jackson for the past week or so. Walking outside in the morning to warm up my car up hasn’t required two down jackets, long underwear and my ski gloves. In fact, there has even been a handful of mornings completely devoid of that thick layer of snow or ice built up on my windshield. There are a number of small occurrences happening all around that remind me that spring is right around the corner. While many places celebrate spring with budding flowers and the last vestiges of winter snow melting away, my favorite part of spring has to be the skiing. One of the best places to shred the slush is our town hill, Snow King. March is jam packed with fun events happening at The King up until it closes on March 26, like Hill Climb weekend and locals appreciation day. The party doesn’t have to end when the lifts stop running either, come March 27 the hill is fair game for after work skinning, dogs, and sunny slush runs. Because it is in the middle of town, there is no shortage of après options. Here are seven of our favorites, all within a short stroll from the base (check out additional options from previous après ski posts like Seven Great Watering Holes for close options as well).
The Silver Dollar Bar.
One of the most iconic bars in Jackson, is also a great place to belly up to after a few laps at the King. Known for their live music and killer margaritas, the bar at The Wort Hotel is a great place to unwind. Their happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, featuring dollar off all drinks. If margaritas are your thing, then Monday is your day. Enjoy $6 bartender margs from 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays are locals appreciation day with half priced wings, $3 drafts, $5 house wine 6 to 10 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m, another great reason to stop in.
The pastrami sandwich special at Big Hole BBQ
Big Hole BBQ: If you haven’t tried one of Jackson’s newest restaurant additions you are missing out. Expanding from their flagship store in Victor, Big Hole offers the same great barbecue in Jackson with an expanded menu and full bar. Take advantage of their happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily with rotating discounted drinks. Just remember, few things say après skiing like barbecue sauce smeared on your ski pants.
Snake River Brewing: This Jackson staple is so close to the base of the king you can see the buddies that you ditched to grab a beer. From 4 to 6 p.m. you can snag a basket of $8 wings, $6 nachos and $1 off a pint of locally crafted brew to wash it all down.
Funky Chicken pizza from Pinky G’s
Pinky G’s: If your thinking about hanging up the boots before the final chair, or just need a break between laps at The King, stop by Pinky G’s to take advantage of their après deals. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. you can take grab one of their great specials. Fill up on either a slice of pizza and tall boy or tall boy and a shot for $5 any day of the week.
Local: The secret has been out on this happy hour for awhile. Despite the central location and perpetually busy bar, you will always find great service and usually a seat or two to post up at whether you are in ski boots or dress shoes. From 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Sundays, enjoy 2 for 1 specialty cocktails, wine, and draft beer.
Lotus Cafe. Lotus takes the cake as being one of the most stylish new bars in the valley. Their newly renovated space is expansive, yet still quite intimate with their upstairs bar and seating area, large booths and patio (for the summertime). From 4 to 6 p.m. you can celebrate their new location with 50 percent off their specialty cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass.
One of Caldera’s specialty pies
Pizzeria Caldera. Few things are better than warming up beside a fire after skiing. It is even better when that fire is cooking your food. Located up a small flight of stairs in the heart of Town Square, this wood-fired pizza restaurant has a wide selection of gourmet pies that range from classics like a standard Margherita to specialty pies like the carne that has buffalo meat and elk sausage. From 4 to 6 p.m. daily, enjoy half off all drinks by the glass. For an extra bonus, swing by on Tuesdays to take advantage of the two-for-one pies all night long.
