Après-Ski in Chicago: Top Spots for Drinks, Music & Cozy Vibes

Vertigo Sky Lounge returns as Chicago’s only outdoor winter patio and ice bar, reopening on Jan. 17. This season the rooftop elevates its experience with “Hot Tub Time Machine,” a theme inspired by classic ski lodges and retro après-ski culture.

The 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio transforms into a cozy, alpine-style retreat where guests are encouraged to don vintage ski attire before taking the “lift” to the 26^th floor of the Dana Hotel & Spa. At the top, visitors gather around a 14-foot custom-carved ice bar and enjoy seasonal offerings such as s’more stations, warming soups, spiked hot chocolates and signature hot toddies.

Mixologist Chris Nuestadt has crafted a winter cocktail menu that balances nostalgic flavors with modern technique. Featured hot toddies include:

Apple: rye whiskey, apple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and Angostura bitters
Honey: aged rum, honey, lemon, Benedictine, cinnamon and nutmeg
Tea: vodka, tea syrup, hot tea and lemon

Vertigo’s winter patio offers a distinctive outdoor alternative for cold-weather socializing, combining heated spaces, thematic décor and a playful throwback vibe. The setting is designed for groups seeking a memorable evening—whether sipping a crafted hot cocktail at the ice bar, toasting at the s’more station or soaking in the rooftop views while wrapped in retro ski gear.

In addition to the themed drinks and food stations, the venue emphasizes comfort and ambiance: heated areas to stay warm between drinks, attentive service, and curated music that complements the vintage ski-lodge concept. The rooftop’s elevated location also provides panoramic city views, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors looking for a unique winter-night outing in Chicago.

Vertigo Sky Lounge’s Hot Tub Time Machine season is positioned as an immersive, social experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary hospitality. Guests can expect quality cocktails, seasonal treats and a lively atmosphere tailored to the winter months—an appealing option for après-ski style gatherings without leaving the city.