Photo-Worthy Mountain Escapes

There’s a moment that comes between hopping off the ski lift and slaloming to the base of the run: a moment of awe. But it’s important to remember that elation comes at every elevation. Here, mountain insiders share their favourite photogenic après-ski delights to top off finding scenic slopes.

Thanks to its architecture, inspired by Alpine lodges in Europe, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is photogenic itself. But for Executive Chef Eren Guryel, there’s another sight worth snapping: the Resort’s vintage camper. “There really isn’t anything like fondue and fresh, steaming bread at the camper for après-ski,” he says. “It just warms the soul.”

His must-order drink? Tipsy Snowman, the Resort’s signature hot chocolate that’s destined for social media fame. Grab some roasting sticks, make s’mores and talk about your day exploring the unforgettable sights of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

“No matter how you spend your day, Instagrammable cocktails and elk chilli and Cotija cheese nachos at The Handle Bar is a great way to round it out,” says Hope Maloney, Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole and a member of Les Clefs d’Or USA.

The beer hall attracts Jackson locals to warm up with curated whiskeys and unmissable desserts like orange pound cake topped with roasted strawberries, mascarpone ice cream and Grand Marnier.

Skiers have long been drawn to this corner of France for its postcard views of 4,800-metre-high (15,700-foot) Mont Blanc. (And, yes, the skiing.) But you can also warm your snow-dusted toes at L’Ideal 1850, a ski-in, ski-out restaurant at 1,850 metres (6,070 feet). Margaux Pfeiffer, Chef Concierge at Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel, and its sister property, Four Seasons Hotel Megève, recommends tucking into a truffle pizza accompanied by your panoramic mountain view.

After lunch, “Take the new ski lift, follow the Mandarines slopes for a few metres and turn quickly to your right, heading towards the fir trees,” Pfeiffer says. “You’ll arrive at the top of the Slalom slope, where a sense of wonder will rush through you as you see this view over the village of Megève, the entire valley and Mont d’Arbois. The natural contrast of colours is breathtaking.”

For a photo-worthy après-ski experience, bartender (and Vail native) Harrison Brown naturally advises guests of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail to head directly to his watering hole, the aptly named Remedy Bar.

“We have several firepits on our terrace that overlook Vail Mountain’s Bear Tree run,” he says. Your drink order: Brown’s own creation, the Stallion, whose ingredients include Breckenridge Bourbon, Contratto Aperitif, Kahlúa and Luxardo maraschino cherries, topped with stout foam. “The sophisticated cocktail pairs nicely with our chef’s Signature ‘Grilled Cheese,’ which is made with foie gras butter, taleggio, warm honey and herbes de Provence.”

“Santa Fe’s views are truly distinctive and offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of diverse terrain showcasing vast, beautiful high desert landscapes,” says Justin Bobb, an expert skier, snowboarder and guide at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.

For a prime panorama, you don’t have to go far. Join the locals for drinks by the patio firepit of Terra Bar, or, in an impressive après power move, ask the Resort’s Après Butler to light your Casita fireplace and arrange restorative nibbles, plus a cocktail kit (the Santa Fe Mule is a favourite, made with Santa Fe Spirits Expedition Vodka), to enjoy in the comfort of your room.