Sutton: The slopeside Auberge La Paimpolaise is the obvious place to head. The après-ski crowd here is loud and lively. Make sure to ask about the local beers. Auberge des Appalaches, just down the road, also has several tasty local beers on hand, plus loads of toys and board games for people of all ages, perfect for families or groups looking for friendly competition and laughter.

Orford: The on-mountain Slalom Pub has has happy hour from 4–6 p.m., dinner, live entertainment and games. The other choice is to head to nearby Magog, where a variety of pubs and restaurants line the main street. Among the noteworthy are The Liquor Store, the jazz bar Le Chat du Mouliniere and Café St. Michele, where live folk music is featured. Or, simply walk along until you find a place that meets your fancy.

Bromont: Especially on weekends, this resort hops because of the night skiing and proximity to Montreal. Much of the nightlife is actually on the slopes. The on-mountain Le Bromontais Resto-Bar has a lively bar and dance floor. It's a very “happening” place—particularly when a Nuit Blanche is in progress. The Golden Pub offers the unusual combination of deli and bar, but is recommended by locals as a good après-ski spot. For a quieter setting, we recommend the bistro-bar at Le Château Bromont.

Owl's Head: Owl’s Head is fairly isolated, but the base lodge bar is well-known for its après-ski parties. It has a pool table and plenty of dance space. Wednesday is karaoke night, Fridays and Saturdays feature a live DJ, and the beat goes on till 3 a.m.