Skiers and snowboarders call this time of year “slush season.” Mountain town locals call it “mud season.” Out-of-state tourists in search of a uniquely Colorado experience call it “see you next winter.”
But it’s really one of the best times of the year to catch some live music in the mountains.
You don’t have to avoid these wet, shoulder-season months of April and May in Colorado’s ski towns. Some late-season skiers, mud-friendly hikers and adventurous spirits prefer to visit ski towns in these months because the European tourists have cleared out, hotels are dirt-cheap and a more authentic experience can be had.
It helps that there’s rock ‘n’ roll to keep you company — and hip-hop, jam bands, folkies and DJs. Ski-town rock clubs are packed all winter long with talent from across the globe — small-to-medium- sized acts that will appeal to the locals and tourists alike. And the venues that host these bands — ranging from professional, full-time rock clubs to beer-soaked sports bars with a stage — are the infrastructure bringing the music to the mountains.
The music doesn’t stop in the off-season, and here are eight of our favorite ski-town rock clubs around Colorado.
In Aspen, you never know what you’ll hear
Belly Up Aspen: If only every ski-town rock club were this pro, this stylish, this full of innovative music. While many Aspen haunts feature washed- up après-ski singers and their John Denver covers, the Belly Up is the risk-taker of the group. Its calendar is filled with familiar names (Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors plays there Sunday), but it’s unafraid of bringing in trend- setting up-and-comers as well (buzzy electro duo Phantogram plays a free show May 12). 450 S. Galena St., Aspen;
In Breck, a unique vibe
Three20South: This comfortable Breckenridge space is the size of Denver’s Hi-Dive, but it has a vibe that is all its own. Jam bands are as comfortable here as the hip-hop kids. It helps that the inviting doorway to this newish rock club sits right in the heart of Breck’s Victorian village. Chali 2na, the former Jurassic 5 MC gone solo, played a set at Three2oSouth earlier this week, and funk artist Zach Deputy will play there June 25. 320 S. Main St., Breckenridge;
In Telluride, not just bluegrass
Fly Me to the Moon Saloon: This classic, underground retreat is a haven for live music (and realistically priced beers) in ritzy Telluride. During this June’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Fly Me to the Moon will host intimate NightGrass shows by Josh Ritter, Ben Sollee, Cadillac Sky and others. It’s a cozy space, so introduce yourself to your neighbors, because you all are about to get really familiar. 132 E. Colorado Ave., Telluride; saloon
In Vail, a weekly party, plus
Sandbar Sports Grill: This sports bar has a unique setup. A large screen pulls down from the ceiling for UFC matches and NBA games. And when the sports are over, the screen retracts into its ceiling home, revealing a rock-ready stage. Workers carry out bar tables, stools and pool tables onto the strip-mall sidewalk out the side door, and viola, live music happens. Yes, you’re still in a strip-mall sports bar. But beggars can’t be choosers, and the Sandbar has brought some great indie bands — not to mention a long-running, Sunday-night reggae party — to Vail. 2161 Interstate 70 Frontage Road, Vail;
In Steamboat, a wild west of rock
Ghost Ranch Saloon: This space has been renovated to look like a Wild West Saloon. If that sounds kitschy, it is — especially in Steamboat Springs. But why not have fun with in this rare ski-town rock club? These folks are breaking for mud season until early May, but then the action starts again with DJs and acts that include One Be Lo on May 15 and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers on May 27. 56 Seventh St., Steamboat Springs;
In Keystone, good-time jams
Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern: Keystone’s night life options are severely limited, but the Goat is a consistently unpretentious good time, with tipsy bar bands, road-weary bluesmen, grizzled singer-songwriters and bearded jam bands. It’s also not uncommon to catch an open-mic night here in its relaxed barroom with a surprisingly talented local or two. 22954 U.S. Highway 6, Keystone;
In Crested Butte, changing it up
The Eldo Brewery and Taproom: They call this hotspot “A sunny place for shady people,” and that’s the kind of a tagline we can get behind. It helps that they’re bringing some solid talent to an area of the state that isn’t all that accessible. Lyrics Born and DJ Logic played here in March, and the brewery’s summer schedule will go live soon on its website. 215 Elk Ave., Crested Butte;
In Winter Park, a sunny patio
Winter Park Pub: Locals call it “The Pub,” but we’ve learned that this is the place for a lively bar scene and an occasional live band in Winter Park, a ski town not known for its varied night life. The beer- garden patio is a treat on warm days, and the ski-motif indoor bar is also an easy spot for a good time. 78260 U.S. Highway 40, Winter Park;
Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com; Twitter @RVRB
