Remember, Beaver Creek is an upmarket, family-oriented resort. If you want to party hard, then Vail, nearby, is a much better base. Breckenridge is even better – thanks to its stellar array of bars, and its weekend après-ski scene. Or – if you’re really serious about dancing on the table after dark – target the Alps, focusing on the vibrant nightlife in resorts such as Val Thorens and Meribel in France and Ischgl and St Anton in Austria.

That said, there is one standout bar in town: the Coyote Café, which is the go-to place for just about everyone at the end of a day. You’ll find it in the plaza just one step back from the pistes and lifts and it serves superb margaritas, as well as some divine Colorado-brewed beers. On Sunday afternoons in the spring, the sundeck at Red Tail Camp, on the mountain near the base of the Birds of Prey, Grouse Mountain and Larkspur lifts is also a get bet – thanks to the three B’s: barbecues, beers and live bands.

By contrast, if all you want is conversation and a cocktail in a comfortable hotel bar, you’ve come to the right place. The lounges at The Osprey and Spago at the Ritz Carlton are particularly good.

Several hotels, such as the Park Hyatt also have fire-pits for apres-ski marshmallows, hot chocolates, and drinks. The Ritz Carlton has live music provided by up-and-coming bands who perform outside beside the fire-pit.

The Dusty Boot is a steak house and saloon bar with a daily happy hour. You can build your own burger, eat a steak or drink Tequila by the shot. It receives good review on Tripadvisor: “The food was tasty, good service and fun atmosphere. Excellent prices for the quality of food,” was one of them.

1. 

   
   Guide to the Mountain
2. 

   
   Where to Stay
3. 

   
   Where to Eat
4. 

   
   Where to Learn
5. 

   
   Where to Party