Wintertime in Bellevue means the Cascade Mountains are covered with precipitous loads of powder, offering great skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports from December through April. Whether you are getting your powder fix at the Summit at Snoqualmie or challenging yourself at the Crystal Mountain Resort, Bellevue, Washington is the ideal basecamp filled with Après-ski activities.
What is Après-Ski?
First things first, after a long day carving the snow on the slopes or making shoe prints with your snow shoes, nothing beats winding down with relaxing spaces, delicious food, specialty craft cocktails, and good company. Après-ski is the French term for the hangout time enjoyed after engaging in the thrill of snow sports. And in Bellevue, which is the French term for beautiful view, there's plenty of ways to Après-ski.
Best Après-Ski Spots in Bellevue
Bellevue has an under-the-radar yet lively aprés scene with several spots to unwind in style. After a day hitting the powder, these hotspots are the perfect places to let loose.
Happy Hour
After a long day on the slopes, nothing beats happy hour with specialty drinks and apps.
Head to John Howie Steak for an expansive happy hour menu of craft cocktails and wines alongside Wagyu beef fat truffle fries, ahi tartare, and deviled eggs. 520 Bar & Grill on Old Main has lively happy hour specials on bar bites and local brews in a casual sports bar setting. Sip top-shelf spirits at El Gaucho's swanky bar while indulging in their steak tartare and calamari.
Central Bar + Restaurant is another hotspot for happy hour offerings and cozy atmosphere and Civility & Unrest serves up meticulously crafted cocktails in a speakeasy-themed atmosphere.
Live Music & Fun
Keep the aprés-ski vibes going into the night with live music and games.
Groove to live music at Rouge Cocktail Lounge over their handcrafted cocktails, or head there a little earlier and enjoy afternoon tea service by Fogrose Atelier.
Catch local bands while enjoying each other's company at Bake's Place.
Legion is another lively spot with elevated southern cuisine, drinks, live entertainment and a dance floor.
Up the ante at Forum Social House, which is home to the Par1 miniature golf course, Topgolf Swing Suites, billiards, ping pong, and the Rockwell nightclub.
Spa Time
Pamper yourself after an active day outdoors with spa treatments at spas and salons across Bellevue.
Relax in the soothing mineral pools at Yuan Spa before enjoying a massage, body wrap, or facial. Restore your body with therapeutic massages, scrubs, and facials at Truce Spa.
Recoop Modern Luxury Spa offers massages, mani-pedis, and body treatments to rejuvenate your muscles.
Hot Pot & Soup
Replenish with a large selection of brothy, steaming hot pot and slow simmered soup in Bellevue. Dolar Shop, Hai Di Lao, Lao Ma Tou, and Boiling Point all offer customizable hot pots to warm you up. Get traditional Korean bone broth soup at Daeho Kalbijjim Bellevue. Slurp up piping hot ramen at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.
See why hot pot is all the rage in Bellevue in this Hot Pot Oasis blog post:
Elevated Dining
Cap off the day with an elevated dining experience. Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi impresses with modern sushi and steak alongside panoramic city views. Water Grill is the spot for seafood lovers, raw bar enthusiasts, and crafty cocktails.
Authentic Spanish tapas and paella shine at Castilla and show stopping margarita flights accompany elevated Mexican cuisine at Cantina Monarca.
Try Takai by Kashiba or Minamoto for traditional Japanese kaiseki in a serene setting.
