Spring sun means the perfect conditions for outdoor dining in the snow. With the pandemic closing most ski lodges and indoor dining throughout the West, now is the perfect time to up your apres-ski tailgate game. Here are some tips and tricks for a memorable and satisfying meal, post-snow sport workout.
Apres-Ski Tailgate: The Comfort
While a tailgate can be as simple as opening the gate of your truck, elevating your apres-ski tailgate parties require a few more accessories.
Chairs: I don’t know about you, but my tailgate get dirty as all hell from the sand and muck from driving to the mountains. No one wants to sit in muck! Especially, when it means you’ll have to dirty your expensive snow pants. So, don’t forget your camp chairs for everyone that needs to rest their feet.
Tent: This one is a little bit of a depends on the weather. Forget it on bluebird days. Rain at the base makes a tent a must. Any sort of wind, leave the tent in the car.
Portable heater and blankets: Everyone knows that friend who is freezing in 40 degrees, and I personally do find myself a little chilled after a big sweat skiing or snowshoeing. For my tailgates, I bring my favorite propane heater. Also, I always pack a couple of Rumpl blankets for those who need an extra layer.
Apres-Ski Tailgate: The Drinks
I’m not a huge fan of skiing and drinking, or really any sport with any sort of risk. I’ve had too many close calls with big drinkers, from being caught in a small avvy while snowmachining in Telluride to a guide who taco-ed a boat rafting through Glenwood Canyon. So please enjoy after sporting.
Hot Toddies: Combine whiskey (preferably Irish), cloves, and lemon with hot water for this classic apres-ski drink.
Local Beer: Breweries seem to flourish in ski towns. Bend is home to some of the best beers in the world. Check out: Sunriver, GoodLife, and Deschutes for many different post-ski choices.
Not everyone is a drinker, so remember to bring a selection of teas and seltzers. Both choices are warming, fun choices post-runs or post-hike.
Apres-Ski Tailgate: The Food
Most of my favorite choices for the perfect apres-ski tailgate food is something that is cooked ahead and then reheated on a grill or camp stove. This allows you to adventure with your friends and not have to end early to go make food. A few of my favorite recipes include:
- Elk Nachos: The game meat is the perfect compliment to crispy chips and gooey cheese. Top with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, avocado, and sour cream!
- Creamy Chicken Chili. Easy-to-pull-together, the soup also makes a filling and warming tailgate lunch option.
- Sloppy Annie’s (aka my recipe for Sloppy Joe’s): This is another one that is easy to cook or re-heat slopeside.
- Cold Soba Noodle Bar: This is a great option when you don’t have a heat source at the ready. Pre-cook the noodles and prep toppings like tofu, carrots, scallions, and sesame seeds. Then, allow your friends to build their own dish of yumminess. Top it all off with a yummy sauce. Serve in take-a-way boxes with chopsticks!
- Hazelnut Chocolate Cake: Bake in individual containers and these sweet treats are ready to go!
Apres-Ski Tailgate: The Details
Lastly, do not forget about all of the small items that normally you would just pull out of the pantry at home. Your tailgate guests may like a bit of salt and pepper for their food. Napkins are a must. Trash will need to go somewhere, so bring a bag. Lastly don’t forget that you don’t have a sink at the ready for hiding the dirty dishes. Make sure you have a container to transport the dirty dishes home or to your cabin and the convenience of your dishwasher.
