Utah’s Wasatch Mountains are known for magnificent alpine scenery, four seasons of epic outdoor recreation, and two of the top-rated ski resorts in the US boasting the best powder on the planet! Nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Alta Ski Area has a boozy history and storied past of prohibition but most of the archaic and unusual Utah liquor laws have changed over the years and there are plenty of places to drink local in the Wasatch Mountains.   

While our winter regulars to the Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Ski Resort are more serious about skiing the world-famous slopes than “apres-ski”, some of Utah’s most legendary aprés ski bars and restaurants are right on our doorstep! 

Whether you’re seeking a summer cocktail after a wildflower hike through Albion Basin, brats and beer at Snowbird Oktoberfest, slopeside après ski, or even a little dancing after dark, here’s a guide to our favorite aprés ski spots to drink local in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. 

Drink Local at Alta Ski Area 

Slopeside Joe’s Patio

Phone: (801) 742-2300

Open Daily 7 AM to 5 PM

Situated a few turns from the Wildcat and Collins lifts, you can ski straight off the slopes to Slopeside Joes outdoor patio at the Goldminer’s Daughter. Slopeside Joes is Alta’s favorite patio bar to gather with friends for midday or early aprés ski around the outdoor firepit with live music and an iconic Alta Bomb. What’s an Alta Bomb? It’s a shot of espresso dropped into a glass or PBR and meant to be chugged – the most well-known aprés drink in Utah and sold only at Goldminer’s Daughter! 

Goldminer’s Saloon

Phone: (801) 742-2300

Open Daily 12 PM to 10 PM

With a play area for the kids, fun trivia nights and open mic nights, and slopeside views of the Alta ski area,

the Goldminer’s Saloon is a favorite for family-friendly aprés-ski in Alta, UT. Situated on the second floor of the Goldminer’s Daughters Lodge, the Saloon is the perfect spot to share your Alta ski stories around the fireplace, shoot some pool, and snack on their famous nachos and Goldminer’s Pizza with a pitcher of beer from a local Wasatch brewery (or an iconic Alta Bomb!)

The Peruvian Bar

Phone: (801) 742-3000

Open Daily 3:30 PM to 10 PM

Locally known as P-Dog, the Peruvian Bar is one of the liveliest and most iconic aprés-ski bars in the Alta-Snowbird ski area. Situated steps from the Wildcat Base Area, P-Dog is a vibrant local hangout with eclectic décor, vintage Alta memorabilia, live music and DJs, and comfy couches and window sills packed with local legends and stoked skiers. Featuring a wide selection of local beers and spirits from Utah’s best breweries and distilleries, free popcorn and appetizers, and P-Dog’s legendary shot-ski boards, P-Dog is a must-do on your Alta vacation.

Eagles Nest Lounge

Phone: (801) 742-4200

Open Daily 3 PM to 11 PM

Step it up a notch at the Eagles Nest Lounge situated between the Wildcat and Sunnyside base areas in Alta’s Rustler Lodge. The Eagles Nest Lounge offers the perfect ski lodge setting for quieter laid-back aprés ski with a cozy circular wood-burning fireplace in the center of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows with unsurpassed views of Alta’s towering peaks, and a sophisticated selection of fine wines by the glass, top-shelf liquors, and domestic and imported beers for celebratory apres-ski.  

Gulch Pub

Phone: (801) 742-2000

Open Daily 12 PM to 9 PM

Situated in the Alta’s Snowpine Lodge, the Gulch Pub is a stylish upscale bar with rustic chic décor, creative apres-ski fare, magnificent views of the Alta Ski Area, and a wide selection of artfully hand-crafted cocktails, fine wines by the glass or bottle, and local beers from Salt Lake City’s best breweries. Settle in for the evening or reserve a table for a refined dining experience at Swen’s Restaurant.  

Sitzmark Club

Phone: (800) 707-2582

Open Daily 4 PM to 10 PM

The sweet aroma of homemade hot cider and cinnamon welcomes you to the famous Sitzmark Club, an old-school ski bar in the original building of the historic Alta Lodge. The Sitz is a complete throwback to the old days of skiing with a sunken pit bar, a crackling winter fireplace, slope-view windows overlooking Mount Superior, and a top-notch bartender famous for his classic ski stories and signature Sitz Party Margs.  

Drink Local at Snowbird Ski Resort

SeventyOne

Phone: (801) 933-2025

Open Daily 3 PM to 10 PM

Step back in time to the Bird’s earliest days at SeventyOne, a groovy retro restaurant and bar on the lower level of Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge. From the vintage photos, vinyl booths, and old-school games room to the 70s twist on food and classic cocktails, SeventyOne is family-friendly and fun! Whether you’re warming up indoors or sharing aprés drinks and small plates on the heated outdoor patio, there’s an upbeat retro vibe and views galore of the Snowbird slopes.

The Aerie Lounge

Phone: (801) 933-2025

Open Daily 3 PM to 10 PM

The Aerie Lounge & Restaurant are perched on the top floor of the Cliff Lodge with breathtaking views of the Snowbird ski slopes. The Aerie Lounge is a casual and vibey spot for an upscale aprés ski drink with a light menu (and late-night menu) for aprés food, and live music on the weekends. A sleek sushi bar separates the lounge from The Aerie Restaurant where Snowbird’s finest dining experience awaits. Reservations are essential for the restaurant.

The Wildflower

Phone: (801) 933-2230

Wildflower Lounge Open Mon-Thu 5 PM to 10 PM, Fri-Sun 4 PM to 10 PM

Wildflower Restaurant Open Mon-Thu 5 PM to 9 PM, Fri-Sun 4 PM to 9 PM

Located in the Iron Blosam Lodge near the Snowbird Center, the Wildflower Restaurant & Lounge is a local favorite for top-notch Italian cuisine and lively aprés ski in Snowbird. Pull up a stool at the bar for half-price happy hour, warm up around the fireplace with friends, shoot some pool, watch the football, or reserve a table in the Wildflower Restaurant for the best pasta and pizza in the Little Cottonwood Canyon!    

Local Alta Liquor Stores 

As of November 2019, the Utah State Liquor Law allows beer with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in local convenience stores, grocery stores, and on draft at bars and restaurants. Higher ABV beer, wine, and hard liquor must be purchased at a Utah State Liquor Store, or can be bought to-go directly from the local breweries, wineries, and distilleries in Salt Lake City, UT. 

Utah State Liquor and Wine Store

1863 7000 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Phone: (801) 942-6234

This Utah liquor store is on the route from Salt Lake City International Airport to Alta and Snowbird and is a conveniently located a block from Whole Foods and a major grocery store.

Snowbird General Gritts

Phone: (801) 521-6040

Store Open Daily 8 AM to 8 PM

Liquor Store Open Noon to 8 PM (Closed Sundays & Holidays)

Located in the Snowbird Center (Entry #2), General Gritts is a small grocery store and state liquor store that carries wine and beer.

Alta Lodge

Phone: (801) 742-3500

The Alta Lodge has a small store located in the lower level of the lodge that carries a small selection of wines. 

Stay with Alta Chalets and we’ll take care of it all for you! Our luxury Snowbird and Alta vacation rentals boast gourmet chef’s kitchens, entertainment areas, private hot tubs, and breathtaking mountain views to indulge in local libations from the comfort of home. We’ll even do all the shopping and fill the fridge with your favorite foods, our best local brews, spirits and mixers for your favorite cocktail, and a private chef to prepare a meal while you unwind! 

Start your Alta-Snowbird vacation today with Alta Chalets