Rafters

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Powder Magazine (November 2012) Ranked Rafters as
The Number One Ski Area Bar in North America!

And We'll Tell You Why...

Seldom has a gathering place gone through so many changes as RED’s fabled base lodge and now world famous Rafters bar has. Once a compressor building for the Black Bear Mine in the late 1800’s, the structure was moved to the base of Red Mountain in 1948 to become the lodge for the newly opened ski hill. Red Mountain was the third hill to open in all of North America.The lodge became a dormitory for visiting skiers, a locker area for club memebers and then manager’s quarters for the ski hill staff.

In 1974, the top floor became Rafters, the world-class ski bar. Even through a massive expansion of the base lodge two years ago, RED intentionally preserved the feel of this historic bar, keeping original heritage timbers from the turn of the 19th century in place and leaving intact the rustic feel of the original structure.

The well-worn and warm wooden floors and picnic tables add to the understated clubhouse feel, much like RED Mountain itself. This makes the experience so unique and special, similar to going to a vintage neighborhood bar. Locals and tourists alike appreciate this special bar in an era when classic watering holes get converted daily into yet another, chain-restaurant lounge.

Rafters is still chock full of the ski lore of years gone by, including a shrine to the local Old Bastards Ski Club. However this year there are some additions of new imagery from top local athletes like Dane Tudor, James Heim and Mike Hopkins, as well as images from last season’s visiting pro skiers and boarders including European X Games Snowboard Champion Mattieu Crepel, who spent several weeks at RED filming for Standard Films.

Extended Food offerings, Nightlife, Music and events

We’re expanding our programming this season with Rafters, serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday nights until 9 pm. Remember, we have a childrens’ section in the bar so mom and dad can enjoy a beer, food and still be with your family, a sound bite from the music.

Also new this year is an expanded entertainment schedule including the RED Mountain Music Series sponsored by Skullcandy Audio, which will include three dates with up-and-coming national recording artists. Local DJ nights, films and special events will also be hosted throughout the season as well. And finally Rafters is always the place to ring in the new years with great food, music and dancing.

Or download the Rafters Menu PDF here