River Ranch on the Alpine Meadows access road was voted to have the top apres-ski in North Lake Tahoe. Go before sunset to enjoy the winter wonderland scene across the Truckee River.

If you're going by Squaw, The Loft Bar is the old-timer locals' hangout and the Red Dog Bar & Grill is a favorite with the Squaw Valley employees. Bar One has live music, dancing and pool tables, while the Plaza Bar is where sports fans go to see sporting events on the big screen TV. For a more intimate apres-ski, the bar at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn has a cozy fireplace and an excellent selection of wine. The newest apres-ski spot in the Squaw scene is the Balboa Cafe, with its tasty appetizers and a variety of drinks.

In Tahoe City, places to head include Pete 'N Peters, Bridgetender, Rosie's Cafe, Pierce Street Annex (behind Safeway near the Boatworks Mall, voted best pick-up place), or Jake's on the Lake. Hacienda del Lago in the Boatworks has nachos 'til 6 p.m. For the best live music, try Sierra Vista, adjacent to the Boatworks Mall.

Sunnyside, just a couple of miles south of Tahoe City on the lake, has a lively bar and half-price fish tacos and beer specials, every Wednesday night from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Locals know this is one of the lake’s best happy hours. Arrive early — this place gets crowded quickly.

In Truckee, you can find music at Bar of America and the Pastime Club on Commercial Row. The Cottonwood Restaurant overlooking Truckee on Hwy. 267 has jazz. Trio is Truckee&Mac246's latest stylish watering hole, where the emphasis is on ¯socializing over wine rather than merely tasting. A menu of light appetizers and desserts is available to accompany the three and six ounce pours of wine. Live music in the evenings is garnering Trio a reputation as a happening nightspot.

The casinos on North Lake Tahoe have entertainment every night. Sure bets are the Cal-Neva Lodge (775-832-4000), The Crystal Bay Club (775-831-0512), Hyatt Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Biltmore (800-245-8667). Call to see what shows are currently performing. The Tahoe Biltmore also has an excellent pool hall.

Spindleshanks bar in Tahoe Vista is a great apres-ski spot where drinks and appetizers are half price every day during happy hour. On Wednesdays the appetizers are half price all evening. The lakefront Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Cornelian Bay is worth an apres-ski visit not just for the view, but for the clever laugh-out-loud names and descriptions of the drinks.

Incline locals hang at Bigwater Grill, Frederick's at the 7/11 Plaza, Hacienda de la Sierra, Rookie's Sports Grill, Crosby's and Legends. Cutthroats in the Hyatt Regency also gets rocking apres-ski.

With all these bars check the local papers for their half-price appetizer days.

Reno is also packed with non-stop nightlife.