Après-ski is a tradition as old as skiing itself.

The words, literally “after skiing,” conjure images of Parisians toasting champagne in the sunshine of the Alps.

They laugh, dance, eat, and drink because nobody drives anywhere.

Here in Colorado, people tend to return to their cars, change, and get on the highway as soon as possible, hoping the traffic won’t be bad. But if you stay overnight, live in a mountain town, or want to wait out the worst of the traffic, ski country is full of amazing places to wind down.

These are places where the soul of skiing lives, where locals meet to swap stories from the day on the mountain, and where the view of the Rockies will continue to inspire you after your ski legs have waved the little white flag. Here are 10 of the best.

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen Highlands

This European model of après-ski is alive and well at this lodge high above Aspen. The views of the famous Maroon Bells may make you feel like you’re in the Alps, as will the menu of fondue and raclette and expensive wines and champagnes.

But this is no stuffy millionaire tourist crowd. Locals dance on the deck, spray champagne over each other, and generally revel in being in one of the prettiest places in America, in what’s been called “the world’s wildest ski party.”Just be sure to make reservations well in advance if you want a table.

Flyer’s, Copper Mountain

After a day ripping powder in Copper Mountain’s famous back bowls, this small ski-in, ski-out bar is a perfect spot to warm up, knock back a beer, and rest before more action or just the long run down the mountain.

The fare is simple, chili and brats, but the view of the mighty Gore Range in the distance is one of the finest in any ski area watering hole.

And when you’re thirsty for more powder, you can return to the upper bowls in minutes.

Gold Pan Saloon, Breckenridge

In posh ski resort towns, it can be easy to forget that many have a history long before the first chairlift was built. This saloon in downtown Breckenridge was built in 1879 when it was a hardscrabble mining town.

The customer base has changed, but the rowdy vibe hasn’t. It’s only a block from the gondola, and on winter afternoons, it will be packed with skiers. The food is reasonably priced bar fare, and there’s a winery attached. The walls are covered with historic photos.

There are no more gunfights, but the Gold Pan retains the longest continuous liquor license west of the Mississippi.

il Rifugio, Arapahoe Basin

They didn’t invent après-ski culture at this Summit County ski area, but they’ve refined it.

The parking lot is known for rowdy parties on “the beach,” where the snow begins. The 6th Alley Bar & Grille in the main lodge is legendary for its bacon bloody mary, and the mid-mountain Black Mountain Lodge deck has one of the finest views in ski country.

The newest addition is il Rifugio, North America’s highest restaurant and bar. At a dizzying 12,456 feet, the view is reminiscent of the Alps, as is the menu, light fare like soups, flatbreads, wine, and charcuterie pairings.

Remember to moderate because reaching the bottom requires 1,800 vertical feet of skiing, and at A-Basin, there’s no easy way down.

Last Dollar Saloon, Telluride

As a playground for the rich and famous, Telluride in southwest Colorado has plenty of spots to spend a mortgage payment on dinner.

This locals’ haunt is not one of those places. Established in 1978, it’s only a few blocks from the gondola. It has an Old West-style indoor space and a rooftop patio with stellar views. It’s been labeled “the best ski dive bar in the world.”

There’s no food, but probably the cheapest drinks you’ll find in Telluride. If you need directions, say you’re looking for “The Buck.” Why it’s called that has been lost to history.

Ptarmigan Roost, Loveland Ski Area

Another spot for skiers who are having a great day in the upper terrain and don’t want to ski down for lunch or a beer, this cafe is perched at 12,050 feet. Located at the top of the Ptarmigan lift, on a clear day, it offers one of the most incredible mountain views in ski country.

A wood-burning stove gives it a rustic cabin feel. The menu features simple fare such as burgers, chili, and brats and a modest beer and wine selection. Loveland is a no-frills ski area, a true locals’ destination, and Ptarmigan Roost reflects that.

Warm up, have a beer or two, and return to the mountain or your car.

Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Mountainside Terrace, Beaver Creek

A room at this hotel, the largest log structure in North America, might cost $1,000 or more a night, but the large deck attracts a diverse crowd as the lifts shut down.

You can ski right up to it, and with live music or DJs, fire pits and overhead heaters, it’s a classic après-ski experience. Like most things in Beaver Creek, it’s expensive, but you only live once.

Rosie’s Pizzeria, Pagosa Springs

It’s a good sign when the

fence around the patio is made of old skis. This pizza place in Pagosa Springs exudes ski culture and is a popular stop for those skiing near Wolf Creek Ski Area.

The prices are right up the alley for ski bums: $4 meals during happy hour and cheap Pabst Blue Ribbon. Hungry skiers on a budget have been celebrating apres-ski here for 15 years. When it’s snowing, the Wolf Creek webcams might be showing on the television. The walls are lined with skis and snowboards from a bygone age..

The Secret Stash, Crested Butte

Once located in a hovel at the very edge of town, this venerable bar is no longer secret, having opened a large restaurant in the heart of downtown.

But the pizza hasn’t changed, nor has the vibe. Featuring eclectic gourmet pizzas like The Notorious F.I.G., with bleu cheese crumble base, asiago, mozzarella, prosciutto, black mission figs, and truffle oil, it’s a great place to stuff your face on a pizza you’ve never had before, after expending all those calories at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, one of the steepest areas in Colorado. The secret is out, but the stash is still there.

T Bar, Steamboat Springs

This slopeside bar is the go-to for skiers thirsty from riding the champagne powder at the mega-resort. With a large patio, the drink selection is massive, but the food prices aren’t.

This ski area gets a lot of snow. On a powder day, hang out at the T Bar to prolong the joy.