Cozying up by the fire in the hotel lobby might be an enticing way to spend the evenings after a day on the slopes, but for those looking to keep the good times rolling in the p.m., there is no shortage of options at resorts throughout Colorado, Utah and Tahoe. Here are just a few ideas for not-to-miss nighttime activities after a day on the slopes.
Colorado
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Breckenridge
Breckenridge is home to an expansive arts district, offering everything from line dancing classes, pottery, and glass-blowing workshops to live theater and internationally acclaimed musical performances. Guaranteed there is a multitude of fun possibilities every night of your visit. There’s even a great little single-screen movie theater showing first-run releases and if you’re hankering to stay out late night, Cecilia’s is the place to get your dance moves on.
Keystone
Didn’t get enough turns in during the day? Keystone is one of few resorts out west that offers incredible night skiing. Both the River Run Gondola and Peru Express chairlift run until 8 p.m. and the vast terrain includes 10 wide open, well-lit trails—green, blue and even a black. There is something truly cosmic and magical about carving under the stars. Keystone’s mountain-top tubing hill is also open until 8 p.m., and its scrumptious collection of award-winning fine dining restaurants (Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone Ranch, Alpenglow Stube and Der Fondue Chessel) are open even later. In the base area, both the Dercum Square Ice Rink and Lakeside Village ice skating are open until 8 and 9 p.m., respectively.
Vail
What’s a totally one-of-a-kind nighttime rush you can land at Vail? Ski biking by headlamp. That’s right—it’s a guided tour down the mountain on a bike outfitted with skis instead of wheels. The tour starts at the top of the mountain at Adventure Ridge, which also offers multi-lane tubing until 7 p.m. In addition to its many culinary offerings (Terra Bistro, Sweet Basil, and Matsuhisa are standouts), Vail’s other classy night-time offerings include the Vail Jazz Winter Series, bringing in one A-list jazz artist from across the globe to perform every month of the winter. To keep dozens of warm bodies in close proximity, Shakedown Bar is the place to bust a move or catch a live DJ at Samana Lounge, both of which are located smack in the middle of Vail Village.
Beaver Creek
A truly rare gem for evening entertainment, Beaver Creek is home to the Vilar Performing Arts Center, which brings in first-rate theater, ballet, concerts and live comedy throughout the winter. This season’s lineup includes Peter Cetera, Joel McHale, and Patti LaBelle, to name a few. There are numerous options for seasonally fresh, multi-course meals, including on the mountain in the cozy confines of Beano’s, Zach’s, or Allie’s cabins. Also, the ice skating pond, situated front and center in Beaver Creek Village, surrounded by fire pits, is open until 9 p.m.
Utah
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Park City Mountain Resort
If you thought Utah was still under the thumb of prohibition, you probably haven’t knocked back a hot whiskey at High West, the world’s only ski-in distillery. Not only do they produce amazing varieties of the hard stuff, but also a long list of comfort foods like short ribs and lamb stew. Home of the Sundance Film Festival, Park City’s historic Egyptian Theater brings in a barrage of big-name performers, including the Village People, Shawn Colvin and Robert Earl Keen in the coming weeks. Park City also hosts a steady string of world-class live music, comedy and dance at the Eccles Center. Look out for star satirist Fran Leibowitz and the good-vibin’ tunes of Taj Mahal, among others, this winter. Amid the many mouth-watering dining options (hit The Farm in Canyons Village or 501 on Main in historic Park City), the Viking Yurt is a not-to-miss dining experience for adventurous (both in the outdoor and palate sense) foodies. It begins with a SnoCat ride to the top of the mountain, followed by a four-hour, European-inspired, six-course meal in the cozy yurt.
California
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Heavenly
You don’t even have to leave the mountain for the next phase of your adrenaline journey after a day on the slopes at Heavenly. Boasting one of the craziest après events, complete with drink specials and sexy ladies dancing on tables, the Unbuckle Apres Party kicks off every day at 3:30 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge. If you like to gamble, there are plenty of casinos to choose from operating around the clock, including Harvey’s, which houses The Improv Cabaret Theater, featuring a variety of live comedy all winter. The Montbleu is the casino to hit for world-class entertainment. Umphrey’s McGee and Trombone Shorty are just a couple of the A-listers on the calendar this winter.
Northstar
If dancing into the wee hours is your calling, you’ll have to drive down the road to Truckee, but Northstar Village itself becomes a magical place in the evening. Ice skating is free under the stars and lights in the center of the village. Plus, you can dig into free s’mores at the surrounding fire pits, all to the tune of live music and DJs every Friday to Sunday through early March. Mikuni Sushi Bar is a popping place for great cocktails and sashimi in the p.m., as is new addition Petra’s wine bar, a classy spot to sip a big red and munch on a small plate.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is rather sleepy when it comes to nightlife, the one exception is 7800 Bar and Grill, a classic, wood-paneled ski lodge serving awesome beer, sandwiches, and homemade soup that hosts brewery takeovers, patio parties and dancing until at least midnight on the weekends.
Featured image provided by © Vail Resorts
