Alta, Utah
Yes you can tie one on in Utah, but that’s not the only reason to climb to this attic bar in Little Cottonwood’s iconic Alta Lodge. You do that for the company of friendly, down-to-earth skiers in an even less pretentious watering hole. It’s like drinking in your grandparent’s attic—assuming they lived at the base of one of the best mountains in North America.
Aspen, Colorado
Naming the best bar in Aspen is about as easy as choosing your favorite child. Aspen’s famous for its watering holes and patrons can find everything from dive to diva within an eight block radius. So why Jimmy’s? The Mac & Cheese, for one. But also because for more than 15 years Jimmy’s has served up classic and contemporary cocktails, wines, and beer. Whether you dress up or down, you feel special here.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Serving up suds since 1879, this miner’s bar turned après ski shack is the place to both start and end your night (or would that be morning?). Be warned that when you leave Main Street and amble through those swinging doors, you’re just as apt to fall into an emcee’d dance party as you are to break up a bar fight. And that’s a good thing.
Killington, Vermont
The best thing about partying at the Lookout? The barrel of peanuts at the bar’s door. Or it could be the stellar view of the mountain, or the homemade desserts. And that’s saying nothing about the happy hour deals that have been drawing skiers to the Lookout longer than you’ve been alive.
Telluride, Colorado
New Sheridan Bar/New Sheridan Hotel
Channel your inner gunslinger when you sidle up to the bar of this 1895 saloon, one of the West’s oldest gin joints. The New Sheridan completed a major remodel several years ago, and the effect was to enhance this bar’s historic elegance. For some reason, the cocktails, spirits, and beer taste better when served on the original mahogany bar..
Whistler, British Columbia
Drink, dance, repeat. Hollywood meets the great white north at this pulsing club. Voted the venue of the year in 2010, Garf’s features VIP table service, nightly live music, theme nights like “Thirsty Thursdays,” and more. Reservations (yes, for the club) are highly recommended.
