The Black Tie Ski Rentals Guide to Whistler’s Best Apres
If there’s anything that comes close to perfect day of skiing or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb, it’s the perfect après session. It’s not so much about the reward after a day on the slopes (that’s a reward in itself), but a celebration. Après is a chance for you and your friends to toast to the day’s achievements, relive the hilarious moments and fill hungry and thirsty bodies with food and drink. And while Whistler may not have the steeped heritage of the legendary après bars in Austria and Switzerland, people here know how to party. Whether you’re into sunny patios or quiet nooks, Whistler has your après needs covered. Here are some of our favourite local venues.
1. GLC
Named after Whistler Mountain’s original resort development company, the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) has long been a favourite après venue for locals and tourists alike. It’s one of the few you bars where you can actually ski straight onto the patio, which received a renovation update last year. Chow down on some waffle fries, catch a DJ or live music show, order another round and your ski experience is complete.
2. Handlebar Cafe and Apres
When a couple of Whistler skiers partnered up to open their own bar at the base of Blackcomb, they did so with a mission: Make après great again. Bucking the tired trend of serving burgers and nachos with a pedestrian beer selection, Handlebar brings in a variety specialty craft beer kegs with authentic German-style street food. It’s not a big place, but there is a beer garden outside and groups usually end up mingling with one another. We also love Handlebar because it’s a couple doors down from our Upper Village store front.
3. Dubh Linn Gate
Whistler’s favourite Irish pub boasts more beer taps – 25 in fact – than any other venue in town, so you can expect plenty more than Guinness and Murphy’s. A menu of hearty comfort food and appetizers will keep the après hunger at bay. The outdoor gas-powered fire pit is a popular spot on winter afternoons, as are the regular live music shows from local artists. Don’t miss Happy Hour, every day from 3-6 p.m.
4. Longhorn Saloon & Grill
The biggest après patio in Whistler (and arguably one of the best), Longhorn’s outdoor seating is always packed during the après hour. Folks have been partying here since 1981 and for good reason. It’s steps from Whistler Mountain, has a great beer selection and regular DJs and live music acts. Few patios have view of both mountains that Longhorn has, perfect for sunny days.
5. Dusty’s Bar and Grill
The original Whistler watering hole (though it’s been known by a few different names over the decades), Dusty’s is still the go-to après joint for Creekside skiers. Shoot some pool, tuck in to some of the signature barbeque dishes and don’t miss your chance to try one of their legendary Caesars. This place loves to play classic rock and will occasionally feature live music – with guitars of course.
Off the Stroll
Sometimes it’s worth walking a bit further from the base of the mountain to switch up the après selection. The following venues come highly recommended by Whistler locals.
El Furniture Warehouse – On a budget? Look no further than El Furniture Warehouse’s famous $5 menu. Get there early to avoid lining up for a table.
Pizzeria Antico – Authentic Italian-style pizzas and an impressive craft beer selection. Happy Hour is 3-5 p.m. everyday and their $15 Pizza & Pint deal rolls around every Tuesday.
Fitzsimmons Pub – Another craft beer hot spot in the Upper Village with a constant keg rotation. And some great board games!
Brewhouse – Whistler’s only brewpub on the edge of Olympic Plaza. Freshest beer in town.
With hundreds of bars littering the town of Whistler, there’s really no excuse not to après . Cheers from all your friendly staff at Black Tie Ski Rentals!
