10 Best Apres Ski Activities in Connecticut

10 Best Apres Ski Activities in Connecticut

It’s only natural to want to keep the fun going after a long day of skiing. After all, you didn’t visit the resort just to go back to your room and sleep all weekend. Apres ski activities give you a way to channel your desire for adventure without overdoing it. You can explore the villages, eat at local restaurants, knock back some drinks, or even enjoy an entirely different winter activity! These activities around Mohawk Mountain Ski Area and Ski Mount Southington will be the perfect way to end your day.

Go wine tasting at Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen is the perfect place to go for a glass of wine after a day on the slopes. The winery is open until 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, and until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, which could be the perfect way to cap an action-packed day! They have some of the finest wines in the area, including a Cayuga White, a Bourbon Barrel Aged St. Croix, and a Shades de Blanc. Two dessert wine options are available to purchase by the bottle, and you can even take home a signature glass.

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Get Drinks at The Village Restaurant

The Village Restaurant in Litchfield has happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which is ideal for when you’re finished skiing for the day at Mohawk. Their extensive wine list includes red and white wines. Their collection comes from various vineyards in California, Italy, Argentina, Spain, France, Chile, and the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Pair your wine with something off their menu; you won’t regret trying their delicious appetizers!

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Dine at the Pine Lodge Restaurant on Mohawk Mountain

The Pine Lodge Restaurant on Mohawk Mountain used to serve as the mountain’s original lodge—a cozy, rustic vacation spot for skiers in 1953 to sip tea, eat, and sleep. Now, in 2018, it still serves as the mountain’s go-to place for food and drink. It’s located part-way up the Pine Trail and is referred to as a ski-in, ski-out restaurant. Stop in on your way down the slopes for a break, some fare, and a warm beverage!

Mohawk Mountain State Park, Cornwall, CT

State parks are beautiful when they’re covered in snow. In addition to soaking in the snow-covered trees and hilltop views while cruising down the mountain on your skis, go for a hike in the beautiful winter wonderland. Replace your ski boots with hiking boots and grab some of your ski buddies before venturing out to this renowned plot of land. You’ll trek past plenty of scenic overlooks, streams, ponds, and other gorgeous sites. It’s the perfect group activity to keep your feet moving!

Ice fishing on Crescent Lake

Why not trade your ski poles for fishing poles and head to Crescent Lake for some ice fishing? This 56-acre lake is a popular spot among Connecticut fishers, and once the cold rolls in and the lake freezes, it is a hot spot for ice-fishers. Make sure you’re aware of Connecticut’s fishing rules and regulations and have proper permits. If the ice is thick enough to permit it: grab some friends, plot a spot on the lake with some seats, dig your hole, and cast your line!

Ice skating at Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is 20.5 acres and is open from daily from dawn till dusk. There’s an ice-skating pond on the premises to use in the winter months, and it’s the perfect outdoorsy event to follow up skiing! Restrooms are available for public use. If you aren’t up for skating, there’s always the option to take a nice winter stroll through the park!

Eat at the New Mill Restaurant

The well-known historic cider mill (from 1737) in Plantsville has been transformed into the New Mill Restaurant. They have menu specialties like Angus steaks, fresh seafood dishes, homemade pastas, and raw bar selections. New Mill has a full menu of appetizers, salads, and entrees with dishes like jumbo shrimp, pork dumplings, grilled chicken caprese, and lobster crusted cod.

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Forbidden Escape, Plainville, CT

If you’re seeking a different kind of adventure after shredding Mount Southington, head down to Plainville where you’ll find Forbidden Escape. This exciting spot is home to two brain-busting escape rooms. This place being favorite among locals and visitors alike, you’ll be in for a treat when you get to unravel the mysteries and secrets that the rooms hold. To make sure that you aren’t too light-hearted to fully enjoy the experience, read the descriptions of each room, or call Forbidden Escape to have your questions answered!

Get drinks at the Groggy Frogg, Southington, CT

The Groggy Frogg is a hot spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. They have some of the best pub food in town, including award-winning chicken wings, homemade soups, and 10-ounce burgers. But their real treat is the list of bottled beers and their rotating draft line. Come on in and try one of their 16 brews on tap, including Smithwicks, Leinenkugel Seasonal, and Long Trail.

Sleigh riding at Wood Acres Farm

Cap off your day of fun in the snow with a sleigh ride at Wood Acres Farm. Whether you want something romantic to do or just to celebrate the season with your friends, the horses take you through 25 acres of wooded trails. The ride lasts between 40 and 45 minutes as you journey over the hills and through the woods, soaking in the wintery landscape around you.

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