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There is nothing more satisfying then the apres ski scene – drinking a cold beer with friends after a long day of skiing or snowboarding is simply priceless. The problem is that not all ski and snowboard resorts have really great places to enjoy after hitting the slopes all day. This post showcases four great winter resorts in North America and the bars you should be checking out!

Flickr.com (leodirac)

Breckenridge, Colorado

Where do I even begin with a resort town being known as the spring-break capital of the world – for skiers and snowboarders?

The typical favorite pub places to hit up by locals and visitors alike is Fatty’s or Downstairs at Erics. Locally handcrafted beers can be found at the Breckenridge Brewery if you are one for skipping out on the mass-advertised beers – you know the ones I’m talking about. Stepping into The Gold Pan will give you a good taste of life in the Wild West. This old – but lively – bar currently holds the holds the oldest liquor license West of the Mississippi River. Margaritas and sangria will more than likely be consumed at Mi Casa if you are planning to continue well into the night after a few apres drinks.

The nightlife really begins once you listening to DJ’s spinning music on the dance floor of Cecelia’s and Liquid Lounge. You’ll be surprised on how many people fit into these two places during the typical spring break weeks for American colleges and universities.

No night is complete without waiting in line at the popular Crepes A La Cart located on South Main Street. They really have basically ever kind of crepe you can imagine – from the Monte Christo (chicken, ham, cheddar, raspberry sauce and honey dijon mustard) to the Funky French Monkey Crepe (peanut butter, banana and chocolate chips).

On the cautious side, remember that if you are not used to the high altitudes – each alcoholic drink will feel similar to guzzling down two of them.

Killington, Vermont

Head on over to Mahogany Ridge at the Killington Base Lodge, the Long Trail Brew Pub at Snowshed or the Bear Mountain Lounge at the Bear Mountain Base Lodge for a few drinks after skiing and snowboarding all day.

The row of restaurants and bars that crowd Killington Road are well known in New England for having one of the best apres scenes in the region. Check out Charity’s and Lookout Bar & Grille and for some apres action. Looking for dancing with a huge crowd? Then you need to be sure to check out the Wobbly Barn or The Pickle Barrel. The best part is that these two places offer their own free shuttles but just make sure you tip them at least!

Outback Pizza is a great place to hit up for their happy hours and five dollar pizzas on Monday’s. The restaurant is also very close to a majority of the rental units at Killington making it an easy walk home if you want to avoid driving.

Don’t worry about those mornings when you wake up and realize that your apres drinks somehow continued to the early morning…there is salvation. I personally recommend heading over to Wally’s American Grill for some fresh squeezed orange juice and a well portioned breakfast burrito if you find yourself closing down the bars.

Flickr.com (Anders Ljungberg)

Whistler Blackcomb, BC Canada

The party begins at Whistler Blackcomb when the chairlifts stop revolving and the sun begins to set. The village is packed with great restaurants, bars and nightclubs for any type of apres scene you want.

Once you are done with your final run, head on over to Merlins at the Blackcomb Base Lodge, Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of the Whistler Gondola and Dusty’s at the Creekside Base Lodge.

The Attic – located above the 21 Steps Restaurant – is a fine place for those looking to relax in some large leather chairs while chatting it up with friends or other visitors.

Stop over at the Brewhouse for a delicious burger sample of the local microbrews but get there early as it can quickly become crowded. Be sure to also head on over to Citta’s patio with some friends for the drink specials and people watching.

The Longhorn Saloon prides itself as being the #1 apres location for the last twenty-five years. This bar becomes an all out party that can literally spill out into the streets. Grilled food, ice cold beer and great music? Sounds like a perfect end of the day to me!

The Whistler Village is bustling at night – especially at Garfinkels Club (Garf’s), Moe Joe’s and Tommy Africa’s Bar. Whether you are into the local music scene, R&B or a bit of funk – they have it.

It’s important to remember that the drinking age requires that you must be nineteen years old which is great for younger Americans who are not yet twenty-one but terrible for those European countries with no drinking age.

Park City, Utah

One would think Mormon Laws would make some parts of Utah a bit low key for those searching for a great apres ski scene – but you would be mistaken by writing off Park City, Utah.

The popular pub places are O’Shucks - where you will be walking on peanut shells and ordering dozens of oysters – to the No Name Saloon for a couple local beers – such as the Polygamy Porter.

The nightclub scene can be found at Harry O’s – which was very popular during the Olympics – and Cisero’s if you are looking for some dancing. It is no secret that these two places are frequently visited by celebrities who are spending a few days in the area.

Cover charges in Park City are known as “membership fees” which can range from a few dollars all the way to $20.00. The reason for these fees is because of archaic (as some would argue) Mormon Laws in which membership fees help bypass.

Check out our ‘Park City Winter Weekend Itinerary’ post if you are planning on visiting The Canyons, Park City or Deer Valley in the near future!