The Adventure Isn’t Over—It’s Just Changing Pace
The final turn down the mountain. The last wave of the session. The long stretch of road behind you as the fire crackles to life.
That’s when après begins.
Après isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about the ritual. The intentional shift from movement to stillness, from adrenaline to reflection. It’s about marking the moment—because what comes after adventure is just as essential as the adventure itself.
Why We Need Rituals of Rest & Celebration
We push hard. It’s in our nature. We chase the miles, the summits, the moments that take our breath away. But what happens after matters just as much.
Rituals—like après—create space to process, connect, and reset. They turn a simple drink, a warm fire, or a shared meal into something intentional.
Science backs this up. Recovery isn’t just nice to have—it’s necessary. Studies show that moments of pause and social connection boost creativity, sharpen focus, and prevent burnout. Après isn’t the end—it’s fuel for what’s next.
The Roots of Après: A Tradition of Slowing Down
The ritual of slowing down after effort isn’t new—it’s woven into cultures across the world.
In Norway, koselig is the deep comfort of candlelight, good company, and a steaming drink after a day in the cold.
In Patagonia, climbers gather around fire pits, sharing mate and slow-cooked meals under the stars.
In Alpine ski towns, après is a sacred transition—where skiers shed their layers, clink glasses, and let the day sink in.
The same is true of different sport and active cultures… après isn’t just a skiing tradition.
For golfers, the 19th hole may just be as important as the first 18. Sharing a glass after 4 hours of hardship (or glory), replaying the shots, and sharing the moments with friends is a critical step in the golfers journey.
Sailing. Don’t even get us started on sailing. If you have ever hung out with the crew after a regatta. You know what we’re talking about. Après wasn’t founded here but they may have taken it to a new level.
Different places, different sports, different traditions, but the heart of après stays the same: celebrate the effort, honor the moment, and recharge for what’s next with special people.
The Best Après Spots in Park City—Where the Locals Go
Park City is known for world-class terrain, but just as essential is what happens after. Whether you’re looking for a fireside cocktail, a rowdy saloon, or a low-key local favorite, here are a few après spots worth considering:
No Name Saloon – Loud, unpolished, and legendary. If you’re still in ski boots or bike shorts, you’re in the right place.
High West Distillery – Whiskey by the fire, a warm, wood-paneled space, and the kind of slow sip that marks the shift from effort to ease.
The Spur Bar & Grill – Laid-back live music, a solid drink selection, and an atmosphere that makes it easy to stay a while.
Boneyard Saloon – A bit off the beaten path, this locals’ favorite serves up wood-fired bites and craft cocktails with a rooftop patio perfect for unwinding.
The Après You Make – The best après isn’t always in a bar—it’s the tailgate beer, the backyard bbq sip, or just stretching out on the cabin floor. Sometimes, the best spot is a little closer to home.
How to Create Your Own Après Ritual—Anywhere
You don’t need a ski town or a lodge to bring après into your life. All you need is intentionality.
Here’s how to build your own après ritual, wherever adventure takes you:
- Pick your drink – Maybe it’s a hot toddy, a perfectly poured beer, or a strong coffee under the stars. (We also recommend some water at some point)
- Set the scene – A fire, a view, a killer camp chair. Après is about ambiance.
- Actually pause – Put the phone down. Let the moment sink in. Feel the thrill of a day of effort. Enjoy the exhale.
- Share it – Whether it’s a few close friends or swapping stories with fellow adventurers, après is better together.
- Grab a SMMT insulated tumbler. The whole experience is better at the right temp and truly leak proof.
At SMMT, we believe in the full adventure cycle—the push and the pause. That’s why we make gear for the end of the journey. Because what comes after? That’s earned, too!