Apres Ski at Mount Sunapee - The Beach

Most ski resorts are littered with bars and restaurants all claiming to be the best Après Ski spot in the area. All of them offering similar food and drink menus, which are sure to satisfy your Après cravings... But, In this edition of Après Fridays I'm going to talk about an Après spot you won't find at your typical ski resort. A place where you don't need fancy entrees, overcrowded patios or an excessive bar tab in order to have a good time. Where were going, all you need is a good parking spot.

Pickup trucks, Grills, lawn chairs, coolers and music blasting from all directions... It sounds like I'm describing a scene from a summer concert or a fall Sunday in Foxboro, MA, but I'm not. I'm describing Après Ski at Mount Sunapee's Beach. The Beach at Mount Sunapee Resort is an Apres spot unlike any other. When spring time slush connects the high-speed quad to Spruce Lodge, you know it's prime beach season.

For those of you who have never been to Mount Sunapee Ski Area, you are missing out on one of New Hampshire's premier winter destinations. The snow conditions are always excellent and the mountain offers a variety of terrain for all ability levels. If you happen to visit on a sunny day, you will experience incredible views of Lake Sunapee and beyond. The mountain is set-up with two main lifts at the base, a triple and a high-speed quad. The triple chair goes about halfway up the mountain and the high-speed quad goes to the summit. The path of snow, which connects the two chair lifts, is called The Beach. The Beach runs the length of Mount Suapee's parking lot. If you are lucky enough to park in the first row, you can actually pull your vehicle directly next to the snow. It is an ideal location for the ultimate Après taligate. 

The best days I've had at Sunapee consist of spring groomers followed by an afternoon Beach session. You can set up shop by fastening a grill to the back of your truck and cooking right on the snow. From burgers to hotdogs to kielbasa, you can grill up some of your favorite summer time meats while enjoying the last of the season's snow. As the temps rise, unfold your lawn chair and go to work on your goggle tan. Thirsty? Well of course you are! Grab your fully stocked cooler and fix yourself a drink. Whatever your drink of choice may be, be sure to have enough Solo cups to go around (Remember it's the same rules as if you were actually on a beach. No glass, be respectful to others and always keep it in a Solo cup). Other seasoned veterans of The Beach will start to assemble their own springtime slush party, and before you know it the entire first row of parking is enjoying Sunapee's snowy beach.

One of my favorite times of the season is heading to Mount Sunapee to Après on The Beach and ski soft New Hampshire snow. The Beach gives skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to sit back relax and reminisce on the winter that was. In my travels, I have not found an Après place quite like Mount Sunapee's Beach. It gives New Englanders a chance to unwind with their ski buddies and toast to another an epic season... All in the comforts of their own pick-up truck.