You’ve successfully conquered Canyons Resort’s 9990 and The Elevator at Snowbird. Or maybe Solitude’s Honeycomb Canyon has kicked your butt. Either way, you’re ready for an ice-cold cocktail or perhaps a steaming-hot mug of something to warm the cockles. Here are five can’t-miss, high-energy après-ski spots to finish off a sensational day on the slopes.
The Thirsty Squirrel in The Village at Solitude is the place to gather around a game of pool or catch up on sports via the big flat-screen TVs while enjoying custom cocktails, craft-brewed beers, a good wine selection and a bevy of soul-warming hot winter drinks. An eclectic food menu ranging from pizzas, wings and nachos to Kobe beef hot dogs and sushi round out the Thirsty Squirrel après experience.
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, 801-534-1400, SkiSolitude.com
Umbrella Bar at Canyons Resort is the place to see and be seen, offering a 360-degree view from the giant glassed-in outdoor deck, including mountain views and great sight lines for the music stage concerts. Staples like buffalo hot dogs, beer and housemade chili are the most popular attractions at this rockin’ gastro pub, where hot-shot local shredders belly up to the bar next to chi-chi celebs.
4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City, 435-649-5400, CanyonsResort.com
St. Regis Bar and the adjacent outdoor Terrace Café at the St. Regis Deer Valley are perfect for upscale après ski. The digs in the classy St. Regis Bar are downright luxurious, and the views from the typically sun-drenched Terrace Cafe are spectacular. Enjoy Jean-George Vongerichten-approved drinks and dishes like the signature 7452 Bloody Mary and a big bowl of moules mariniere while mingling with the posh regulars and star-struck visitors. The terrace is especially appealing when local duo Joy & Eric are playing out on the patio. And be sure to take in the free nightly Champagne sabering exhibition at sunset.
2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City, 435-649-1000, DeerValley.com
Owl Bar at Sundance Resort is a classic Western watering hole, right down to the actual bar itself, which was moved to Sundance from Thermopolis, Wyo. The restored 1890s rosewood bar was said to be frequented by Butch Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. With live music on the weekends and some of the most talented bartenders always, Owl Bar is a cozy, friendly spot to relax with crispy calamari, portobello fries or Owl Bar nachos and your favorite libation after a day of enjoying the serene slopes of Sundance. In winter, try to snag one of the seats next to the fireplace and enjoy a sip or two from Owl Bar’s excellent Scotch selection.
8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, 866-259-7468, SundanceResort.com
El Chanate at Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge offers a south-of-the-border après experience, with a wide variety of imported Mexican brews like Bohemia, Negra Modelo and Dos Equis, not to mention Utah’s largest selection of tequila—some three dozen or so of them! Of course, there are also tempting wine and cocktail offerings, along with a full Mexican-Southwestern menu that runs from quesadillas and carnitas to luscious pork chile Colorado and an El Chanate specialty: pollo en rajas con crema. If you’re feeling frisky, try the connoisseur-approved Herradura Selección Suprema Añejo for the ultimate luxury tequila experience.
Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird, 801-933-2222, Snowbird.com
