Snowbird's ski and snowboard resort's nightlife is very quiet. For the liveliest apres-ski parties, try Tram Club on the bottom floor of the Snowbird Center right at the base of the ski and snowboard trails. It has retro decor and a picture-window view of the tram's huge operating gears. It's your best bet if you want to dance. Sporting events are showcased on about a dozen TVs. The Wildflower Lounge is mellow and has a good bar menu with 30 cent wings every day from 4–6 p.m. The Aerie has a bar with live jazz several nights a week. There's the usual bar menu plus fresh sushi apres-ski specials. Sunday through Thursday The Aerie serves $10 cheese fondue from 5–6 p.m. El Chanate Cantina, which specializes in margaritas and is home to Utah's largest selection of premium tequilas, is also a great place for Utah microbrews. They also serve $1 tacos from 4–5 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays. Watch sports events on four TVs, listen to live acoustic music, or spin something on the jukebox. Apres-ski specials daily until 5:30 p.m.

Remember: The nightspots are "private clubs" that charge a $4 three-week membership fee. If you are staying at a Snowbird lodge, the membership is included with your accommodations; however, the Tram Club is owned separately and requires a separate membership. At night, you can take the free Snowbird shuttle to and from the Snowbird Center and the various restaurants and nightspots at the lodges. If you're staying at the Cliff Lodge, you can walk down some stairs and across the Chickadee novice slope to get to the Snowbird Center. However, we recommend the shuttle, which runs until 11 p.m. (sometimes later). The walking route is slippery and you'll be dodging skiers, snowboarders and others who use that slope at night.

Here's the lowdown on Utah's liquor laws, including the "private club membership" you'll need if you aren't a lodging guest. There's plenty of nightlife in Salt Lake City to consider too.