How to Find Ski Lodge Speakeasy at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas (+ Review)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
Requiring little more than a sense of adventure and tidbit of insider knowledge (like what you’ll get in this post), the Ski Lodge at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is a cozy, low-key cocktail lounge with a members only vibe (though everyone is welcomed).
Drawing inspiration from the coziest alpine ski bars of the world, Ski Lodge transports it guests from the blazing heat of the desert sun to a winter lodge, complete with a window overlooking a forest snowfall and crackling fire blazing.
Between the smooth and well-balanced cocktails, the flavor-packed pizza squares from neighboring restaurant, Superfrico, and self-toasted marshmallows over an open flame, Ski Lodge is unlike anything else on the strip. You just need to find it!
In this review of Ski Lodge Las Vegas, I’m going to articulate exactly how to find this speakeasy with photos and turn-by-turn directions, as well as what to expect once you’re there. Let’s get into it!
What is a Speakeasy?
As stated above, Ski Lodge is a themed speakeasy, cheekily “hidden” in a way to feel secretive and needing to be “in-the-know”. Speakeasies originated during the Prohibition era (1920 - 1933), when alcohol was deemed illegal.
Largely fueled by mob influence (and other underworld organizations), hidden bars and establishments popped up all over major cities and rural areas alike, providing spaces for folks to consume their favorite pour of choice (for a price, of course).
Since alcohol was illegal, people needed to “speak easy” when discussing these underground operations with each other to avoid unwanted attention from law enforcement. From there, the term “speakeasy” was coined to identify these establishments during conversation and reference.
With prohibition now a bygone era, modern speakeasies have been trending upwards in popularity. They aim to invoke that hidden, old school atmosphere while operating as stylish (and legal) cocktail lounges. Essentially, the term “speakeasy” is in spirit (and fun) rather than practice.
How to Find Ski Lodge Las Vegas
There are several points of entry when beginning your search for Ski Lodge. First things first, you’ll need to make your way to Cosmopolitan (Cosmo) Las Vegas, as Ski Lodge is located within it. Cosmo is located center-strip, on the west side, between Aria and Bellagio Hotels.
The Las Vegas Monorail doesn’t go to Cosmo, as the monorail is contained to the strip’s east side. However you can take the monorail to the Flamingo stop, which is the closest to Cosmo (roughly a twelve to fifteen minute walk away).
Once you’re at Cosmo, you’ll want to make your way to the second level. If you enter Cosmo walking from Flamingo you would have do so via the sky bridge over Harmon and thus, would already be on the second level. Entering from street level? Take the escalators.
Detailed Directions to Ski Lodge
You’ll want to follow signs to their restaurant row. It isn’t officially called this, but it’s where many of their eateries, such as Eggslut, are located. When you come to “Block 16” (pictured above) continue left
After turning left from Block 16, you’ll come into this long and wide hallway with colorful, patterned carpeting. Go all the way down, veering right towards the end
You’ll know you’re going in the correct direction if you see these creepy-ass dog statues. They’ll be at the end of that hallway after you veer right (There’s a rather nice bathroom here, by the way)
Facing the dog statues, look left and you’ll see yet another hallway with a directional sign hanging above pointing the way to mega-popular restaurant, “Superfrico”. Go down that hallway, keeping the dog statues on your right
At the end of said hallway, you’ll come to a set of tall, purple doors behind the check-in desk for Superfrico. This is not where you’ll check-in for Ski Lodge, though
Facing the purple doors, look left and you’ll see a mostly nondescript black door. The identifying symbol that you’re in the right spot is the golden emblem of a skier in the center of that door. Congratulations, you’ve found it!
There may or may not be a queue of people during your visit. I’ve seen both cases online. On the day of my visit there was a small line to get in. Our wait wasn’t very long, though. Maybe twenty minutes. Your milage will vary, of course
If you’re staying in Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Tower, you’ll take the elevator to the second floor. Coming out of the elevator, continue walking straight until you see Block 16 on your right and then follow the directions listed above.
If you’re staying in their Chelsea Tower you’ll also take the elevator to the second floor but you’ll simply walk left when exiting the elevator. You’ll almost immediately see Superfrico’s check-in desk.
Now, let’s get to the experience and my review!
Ski Lodge Las Vegas Review
As stated above, we did arrive to a small queue of people excitingly waiting to be seated. To contextualize, my wife and I were here on a weeknight during the second week of May. So your experience will vary depending on day of week, season, etc.
There was a gentlemen in a suit letting groups in one at a time, presumably as availability allowed. I’ve seen clips online of people entering Ski Lodge through the black door but when our turn came, we were guided through Superfrico’s purple doors.
From there we entered an atrium with patterned marble flooring, beautifully illuminated in a blue hue and an artsy, peacock-style colored chandelier hanging above. For a moment, my decision to skip Superfrico this time around became regrettable.
If you did have a reservation for Superfrico, you would enter through one of two sets of doors on the right. For Ski Lodge, we entered through the door second to left and came into a foyer.
I was doing my best not to get left behind as we were being swiftly led through the foyer. There wasn’t much time to look around or attain many photos, unfortunately. The foyer was similarly illuminated, but with red, purple and pink hues.
It portrayed a funky vibe that, in my opinion, was more in line with that of Superfrico rather than a lodge. I momentarily wondered if the gentlemen guiding us made a mistake and was taking us to the restaurant (honestly, I wouldn’t have been upset by that).
Alas, through another door on the other side of the room, just past an old Vegas-style neon sign, we entered a dimly lit room with the heavily-recognizable “window” behind the bar, showcasing a forested winter wonderland. We officially made it to Ski Lodge.
Seating and Atmosphere
My wife and I were seated at the back corner of the bar (perfect for incognito photo gathering). Looking around, you’ll immediately take note of all the quirky and pun-filled skiing and outdoor-themed decor plastered all over the walls.
They come across as randomly placed and a bit dis-organized, but that’s part of the charm. I’ve personally never been to a mountain ski lodge but I would imagine that this speakeasy’s portrayal leans accurate, at a minimum.
Actual skis are displayed along the ceiling near the speakeasy’s entrance. Additionally, you’ll likely take notice of the dozen or so pine trees hanging upside down. This was an aesthetic choice to match the bar’s eccentric mountain vibe.
On the other side of the room from where I was sitting was a warm, crackling fire (the appearance of such, anyway). A strange feeling it was to leave the warm atmosphere of the strip and enter such a cozy, snowy vibe-filled space.
A blend of modern hits and nineties-era classics bellowed through the speakers, filling the room with feelings of nostalgia and excitement. The noise level was on the higher side, but not so high that I couldn’t hear my wife speak.
Space is a premium inside Ski Lodge, but they make good use of it. Aside from the bar, which itself is capable of seating around a dozen or so guests, there are half a dozen tables in the main room that’ll sit four to five each, in addition to several duel-seating tables.
Near the back of the room is a social space complete with couch and coffee table. Beyond that is a separate room additional tables. It appeared as though that space was mostly utilized for larger parties.
Drinks and Food
The sole food item listed on Ski Lodge’s menu is the famous pizza squares from neighboring restaurant, Superfrico. There are three variations listed - The OG (their vegetarian offering), Ultimate Pepperoni (pictured above) and one rotating (currently Pistachio Mortadella).
We had already enjoyed an early dinner at How Ya Doughin Pizza, just down the strip from Cosmo, prior to Ski Lodge but in the name of research, we decided to split the Ultimate Pepperoni. It’s essentially a Detroit-inspired-style pizza turned up a notch (or three).
A thick, airy crust with crispy, caramelized cheese along the edges serves as the pizza’s foundation. Look closely and you’ll notice the frico-style cheese baked into the crust, giving the square an extra layer of savory crispness.
The toppings, which include Superfrico’s house-made mozzarella, tomato sauce, spicy ‘nduja, ezzo pepperoni, pickled chilis, Sicilian oregano and a drizzle of honey brings an explosion of bold, yet balanced flavor.
The salty smokiness of the pepperoni, in concert with the slow-building heat of the ‘nduja and tanginess of the pickled chilis, is already indulgence at its finest. Then that drizzle of honey arrives and contributes just enough sweetness to balance the spice.
It’s stated on the menu to expect a bit of a wait, as these pizzas are made fresh to order. We ordered ours almost immediately with our cocktails and it took roughly twenty minutes to arrive. Trust when I say - even a thirty-plus minute wait would be worth it.
Of course, Ski Lodge serves a variety of craft cocktails as well. My choice was the “Niseko Old Fashioned”. Made with a legent bourbon and suntory AO whiskey blend and finished with spiced coconut, it wholly fits with Ski Lodge’s intimate atmosphere.
Rich whiskey notes lead the way, followed by subtle hints of sweetness and spice that adds depth without overwhelming the drink. It’s well-balanced, easy to sip and crafted with enough complexity to keep it interesting and pairs perfectly with the savory pizza squares.
Next up is “Slava’s Snowstorm”, my wife’s drink of choice. As one of the most popular drinks at Ski Lodge, it can be found in the “Gnar Classics” section of the menu. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes an impression even before taking your first sip.
A blanket of warm toasted coconut cardamom foam sits atop the chilled drink, creating a unique contrast that immediately sets it apart. The rich cold brew comes through first, delivering the familiar comfort of an espresso martini, while subtle notes of spice and sweetness add extra depth.
The coffee flavors are bold without being bitter, the foam adds a silky texture and the cardamom lingers pleasantly on the finish. Creative, smooth and easy to drink, Slava’s Snowstorm feels right at home in Ski Lodge’s cozy, fireside setting.
The sole dessert item on Ski Lodge’s menu is the S’mores Mountain Campfire Kit. It’s a fun addition to the Ski Lodge experience, especially if you’re leaning into the mountain-lodge vibe.
Roasting your own marshmallows at the table adds a playful, interactive element, and the finished s’mores are genuinely tasty. Gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate and crisp, penguin-shaped graham crackers come together just as you’d expect.
That said, the price feels a bit steep for what you actually receive. At $30 (at the time of this review’s publishing), it feels like you’re paying more for the experience, rather than the dessert itself. Which, to be fair, is a frequent characteristic in Las Vegas.
The quality is there and the experience is surely enjoyable, however the portion size left me questioning the value. It’s worth an order if it’s your first time and you want the full Ski Lodge experience, but it likely wouldn’t warrant an order on subsequent visits.
I didn’t do this myself, but I have been told that you can order most entrees off of Superfrico’s menu at Ski Lodge. Either use your phone to scan the menu or ask the bartender to supply you with one.
Does Ski Lodge Las Vegas Take Reservations
Unlike neighboring restaurant, Superfrico, where reservations are not only accepted but highly suggested, Ski Lodge does not accept reservations. It’s first come, first serve seating and crowds are controlled via a queue outside of the speakeasy.
Would I Recommend Ski Lodge?
In short, yes. Highly, in fact. I first heard about Ski Lodge in 2024 when my wife sent me a Tiktok about it. Since then, it’s been at the top of my must-do list for our next visit to Las Vegas. Recently, that chance came.
The excitement and anticipation of merely looking for and finding Ski Lodge, in concert with the vibe-filled experience inside made the wait worthwhile. The crafted cocktails were amazing, the pizza was succulent and the service was exceptional.
In a city densely packed with bars, lounges and speakeasies, Ski Lodge sets itself apart with its unique theme and creative menu. No matter where you’re staying on the strip (or off) you should make Ski Lodge a part of your itinerary.
If you’ll still be up for more fun, you can walk over to Flamingo Hotel and experience their Bugsy Siegel-themed speakeasy, “The Count Room”. Or walk a bit further to Linq Promenade and take a “Happy Half Hour” ride on High Roller.
If you found this review helpful, please consider leaving a tip via the “Buy me a Coffee” button below. These tips help to offset ongoing expenses related to reviews like this, such as parking and entrance fees, food, drinks, gas, and more. All tips are appreciated. Thank you!
