Après Ski at Squaw Valley

With ski-tan smiles and serious gear propped in the racks, Squaw is clearly the place for elite skiers. But there’s an easy relaxed feel at the end of the day at Squaw’s base village, with live music, bungee-jump trampoline and countless tail-wagging dogs. Après ski finds a perfect place on the outside deck at the Village at Squaw’s KT Base Bar, with tilt-your-head-back views of legendary KT-22. Another option, if you remember to pack a swimming costume, is to take a hot-tub soak surrounded by 9,000-foot mountains at Squaw’s High Camp complex (opens in March; if you don’t ski, just ride the aerial tram to access High Camp).

Pint-size racers can keep the fun meter amped up high even after the lifts close at SnoVentures at Squaw. Ages 6 to 12 steer mini-snowmobiles on a groomed track. There’s also snowtubing on site.