Apres-Ski at Blue Mountain: Best Bars and Restaurants

The skiing ends but the day does not have to. Blue Mountain and the surrounding Collingwood area have developed an apres-ski scene that rivals destinations with much bigger reputations. From lively bars with live music to intimate restaurants serving excellent food, here is where to head when the lifts close.

In Blue Mountain Village

Copper Blues Bar and Restaurant

Copper Blues is the heart of Blue Mountain's apres-ski scene. This lively bar sits right in the Village and features live music on weekends and holidays. The atmosphere is energetic without being overwhelming, the drink selection is solid, and the food is better than typical bar fare. Arrive early on Saturday evenings because it fills up quickly.

Best for: Groups looking for a lively atmosphere with live entertainment

Twist Restaurant and Wine Bar

Twist offers a more sophisticated apres-ski experience. The menu features elevated comfort food with a strong wine list. The atmosphere is warm and upscale without being stuffy. It is an excellent choice for couples or smaller groups looking for a quieter evening.

Best for: Couples and adults seeking a refined dining experience

Firehall Pizza Co.

When you want something casual and satisfying after skiing, Firehall delivers exactly that. Wood-fired pizzas, cold beer, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a reliable choice for families and groups. The pizzas are genuinely good, not just good by resort standards.

Best for: Families and casual dining

Northwinds Brewing at Village at Blue

For craft beer enthusiasts, Northwinds offers a taproom experience right in the Village with a rotating selection of house-brewed beers. The flight option lets you sample several styles, and the taproom atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Best for: Craft beer lovers

Jozo's Bar

Located at the base of the mountain, Jozo's is the closest bar to the slopes. You can literally ski down to the door. This makes it the natural first stop for apres-ski, and on busy days it fills up quickly with skiers still in their boots. The patio is fantastic on sunny late-season days.

Best for: The first drink right off the mountain

In Collingwood

The Huron Club

The Huron Club has become one of the area's most celebrated restaurants. Located in downtown Collingwood, it offers a menu that changes with the seasons and focuses on locally sourced ingredients. The cocktail program is exceptional, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and elegant.

Best for: Special occasion dining

Crow Bar and Variety

Crow is a beloved Collingwood spot with a creative menu, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. The space is stylish and the food is inventive without being pretentious. It draws a younger crowd and is particularly lively on weekend evenings.

Best for: Creative cocktails and inventive small plates

Tesoro Restaurant

Tesoro brings authentic Italian cuisine to Collingwood with handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a thoughtful Italian wine list. The restaurant is warm and inviting, and the food is consistently excellent.

Best for: Italian cuisine and pasta lovers

Gibson and Company

A Collingwood institution, Gibson and Company offers reliable gastro-pub fare in a welcoming setting. The menu covers a lot of ground, from burgers to seafood, and the portions are generous. It is a safe bet when your group cannot agree on a restaurant.

Best for: Groups with diverse tastes

Side Launch Brewing Company

Side Launch is Collingwood's original craft brewery and offers tours, tastings, and a taproom experience. Their Dark Lager and Mountain Lager are local favourites. The brewery is worth visiting even if you are not a beer enthusiast — the building and atmosphere are impressive.

Best for: Brewery tours and craft beer tastings

Budget-Friendly Apres Options

Not every apres-ski experience needs to involve restaurant prices. Here are some wallet-friendly alternatives:

• **Grab takeout** and enjoy it back at your chalet with your own drinks
• **Hit the LCBO or Beer Store** in Collingwood and stock your chalet for the weekend
• **Cook a group dinner** at the chalet — this is often the most enjoyable option for large groups
• **Hot chocolate at the Village** — Several spots sell hot drinks that you can enjoy while walking around

The Chalet Apres Experience

Some of the best apres-ski happens not in bars or restaurants but back at your rental property. At Blue View Chalets, the apres experience includes:

• **Hot tub under the stars** — Nothing beats soaking in a hot tub after a day on the slopes, especially when it is snowing
• **Chalet cooking** — Prepare a group dinner in the fully equipped kitchen. Fondue, chili, or a roast in the oven are all crowd-pleasers.
• **Games night** — Break out the board games, cards, or video games in the spacious living area
• **Fireplace evenings** — Some of our chalets feature fireplaces perfect for winding down

The advantage of a chalet is that your entire group is together, comfortable, and not worrying about driving. You can enjoy drinks, food, and conversation at your own pace without watching the clock.

Planning Your Apres-Ski

A few practical tips for making the most of apres-ski at Blue Mountain:

1. <strong>Make reservations</strong>: &mdash; Popular restaurants fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Book ahead, especially for groups of six or more.
2. <strong>Designate a driver</strong>: &mdash; If heading to Collingwood restaurants, make sure someone in your group is driving responsibly. Better yet, stay at Blue View Chalets and take turns being the designated driver on different nights.
3. <strong>Change out of ski gear</strong>: &mdash; Most restaurants outside the immediate Village area expect you to not be in ski boots.
4. <strong>Check hours</strong>: &mdash; Some Village restaurants close earlier than you might expect on weekdays during shoulder season.
5. <strong>Tip well</strong>: &mdash; Service industry workers in resort towns work hard during peak season. Recognize their effort.