Crushable beers inspired by ski culture and bearing names like Pils-gnar and Yard Sale are no-brainers when it comes reaching for a handcrafted après beverage. From pale ales to stouts, check out these 8 ski-themed craft beers to stash in your cooler this season.
TGR Pils-gnar | Melvin Brewing
Melvin Brewing is based in one of the most iconic ski towns in the country, so you know they have a crushable, ski-inspired beer in their line-up — like this recently-released collaboration with Teton Gravity Research. The Pils-gnar has all of the characteristics of a refreshing, easy-drinking pilsner, is sold in 6-packs, comes with its own Spotify playlist, and is “inspired by, and built for, those who shred gnar.”4.5% ABV; melvinbrewing.com
Out of Bounds Stout | Avery Brewing Company
One of Avery’s popular year-round offerings, Out of Bounds is a dry stout packed with big flavor. Hersbruker and Bravo hops add an extra layer of flavor to the already full-bodied brew, and at 6.3 percent ABV, it’s still easy-drinking enough to sip on between runs for snow enthusiasts that like to carve their own path. 6.3% ABV; averybrewing.com
Face Down Brown | Telluride Brewing Company
Whether you’ve ever been to a ski resort or not, chances are you’ve most likely heard of Telluride Brewing’s Face Down Brown. This beer is one of the most beloved beers in the state of Colorado, and it just so happens to get it’s name from some of those yard sale moments often seen on the hill. Rich and nutty flavors from toffee and chocolate are balanced out by a trio of hops in this award-winning American Brown Ale. 5.7% ABV; telluridebrewingco.com
In the Steep IPA | Outer Range Brewing Co.
Aptly named, Outer Range’s In the Steep New England-Style IPA resembles a hazy, powdery day on the slopes. Citra, on Citra, on Citra hops give this bright beer its tropical and fruity flavor. Sold in 4-packs, this buzzed-about Summit County brew can also be found on tap at the Frisco-based brewery, conveniently located just off of I-70…6.9% ABV; outerrange.com
Yard Sale Winter Lager | Uinta Brewing
We’ve all been there. The artwork on Unita’s Yard Sale Winter Lager alone will take you back to your worst yard sale moment on the slopes. Although it only weighs in at 4 percent ABV, this Vienna lager boasts earthy notes from its hop profile, which is rounded out nicely with the slightly sweet flavors of honey and caramel. 4%ABV; uintabrewing.com
Little Mo’ Porter | Elevation Beer Co.
The Little Mo’ Porter gets its name from one of this Chaffee County brewery’s favorite ski runs at the local resort of Monarch Mountain. A Robust Porter, the Little Mo’ is laced with chocolate and coffee notes and is the perfect hearty, malt-forward accompaniment to warm up with on a frigid powder day.
6% ABV; elevationbeerco.com
Mounds of Snow Oatmeal Milk Stout | Vail Brewing Company
There’s nothing quite like cracking open a hearty stout after a day on the mountain. Vail Brewing Company’s Mounds of Snow Oatmeal Milk Stout has all of the characteristics of a comforting post-ride stout. It’s sweet and toasty from a toasted coconut and cacao nibs combo, and oh-so-smooth and creamy. Find it on tap at the brewery, or pick up a 32 ounce Crowler to stash in your cooler for later. 5.4% ABV; vailbrewingco.com
This Season’s Blonde Pale Ale | Aspen Brewing Company
Part of Aspen Brewing Company’s Silver Queen Series, This Season’s Blonde is a classic English-style Pale Ale, inspired by the brewery’s first seasonal offering — the Spring Blonde Wheat Ale — which was released in 2008. This Season’s Blonde is citrusy and floral, yet balanced by a wheat and honey flavor. This tried-and-true classic should be a staple every time you hit the slopes in the Aspen/Snowmass area. 5.6% ABV; aspenbrewingcompany.com
