Utah’s Wasatch Mountains are famous for their rugged beauty, alpine adventure, and some of the best powder skiing on the planet. At the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll find Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Resort, two legendary destinations where the mountain culture runs deep, and so does the après-ski spirit.
Once known for its Prohibition-era restrictions, Alta now embraces a more relaxed side of mountain life. Today, you’ll find everything from cozy slope-side bars and craft cocktail lounges to laid-back patios serving local brews and signature Utah spirits.
Whether you’re sipping a summer cocktail after a hike through Albion Basin, clinking steins at Snowbird Oktoberfest, or warming up by the fire after a long ski day, Little Cottonwood Canyon has no shortage of great places to drink local and unwind in style.
Here’s a guide on where to get a drink, Little Cottonwood Canyon style.
Drink Local at Alta Ski Area
Slopeside Cafe
Phone: (801) 742-2300
Open Daily 7 AM to 5 PM
Just steps from the Wildcat and Collins lifts, Slopeside Café is where Alta’s laid-back après scene comes to life. Ski right up, kick off your boots, and grab a seat by the outdoor firepit. The sunny patio buzzes with live music, local brews, and plenty of mountain camaraderie.
Don’t leave without trying the infamous Alta Bomb. This drink is a shot of espresso dropped into a pint of PBR.
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
Seasonal Hours: Winter Season Only
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. Steps from the Wildcat Base Area, this classic Alta institution buzzes with energy, from live music and DJs to vintage ski memorabilia lining the walls.
Grab a local beer or craft cocktail, snack on free popcorn, and join in on a shot-ski with new friends. Between the comfy couches, eclectic crowd, and mountain-town charm, it’s easy to see why P-Dog remains a must-stop spot after a powder day.
Eagles Nest Lounge
Phone: (801) 742-4200
Open Daily 3 PM to 11 PM
Perched between the Wildcat and Sunnyside base areas, the Eagle’s Nest Lounge at Rustler Lodge offers one of the most refined après-ski experiences in Alta. Cozy up around the circular wood-burning fireplace or take in floor-to-ceiling views of the canyon’s snowy peaks while sipping a glass from their curated wine list or a local craft beer.
With its relaxed atmosphere, polished service, and timeless mountain charm, Eagle’s Nest is perfect for those looking to unwind in comfort after a day on the slopes.
Gulch Pub
Phone: (801) 742-2000
Open Daily 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Situated in the Alta’s Snowpine Lodge, the Gulch Pub is a stylish upscale bar with rustic chic decor, creative apres-ski fare, and magnificent views of the Alta Ski Area. To pair with magnificent views is their 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
Seasonal Hours: Winter Season Only
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, floor-to-ceiling 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: Breakfast 7:30–10:30 AM, Lunch 11 AM–4 PM, Dinner 4–10 PM, Lounge 11 AM–10 PM
Retro meets refined at SeventyOne, where American grill favorites and an open kitchen pair perfectly with the restaurant’s 1970s-inspired vibe. The menu features comfort classics elevated by fresh ingredients and warm, nostalgic energy.
The SeventyOne Lounge (21+) serves après bites and craft cocktails in a relaxed, retro-cool setting that’s perfect for swapping ski stories over refreshing drinks.
The Aerie Lounge
Phone: (801) 933-2025
Open 5 PM to 9 PM Wednesday through Saturday
Perched atop the Cliff Lodge, The Aerie Lounge is one of Snowbird’s most stunning après-ski destinations. With sweeping views of the slopes and a sleek, modern atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the mountain. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a light menu of après favorites, and live music on select weekends.
A stylish sushi bar separates the lounge from The Aerie Restaurant, Snowbird’s premier fine-dining experience featuring seasonal dishes and an award-winning wine list.
The Lodge Bistro – The Lodge at Snowbird
Phone: (801) 933-2145
Seasonal Hours Only
Tucked within Snowbird’s Lower Village, The Lodge Bistro offers French-inspired fine dining in an intimate alpine setting. Guests can enjoy seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere perfect for both après-ski and special occasions.
During the summer months, the outdoor patio is a must for mountain sunsets, while in winter, the Bistro Lounge (21+) becomes a cozy gathering spot for cocktails, small plates, and conversation by the fire.
The Tram Club – Snowbird Center
Phone: (801) 933-2222
Seasonal Hours: Winter Season Only
A true Snowbird classic, The Tram Club is where locals and visitors come to unwind after a day on the slopes. Known for its lively energy and famous spicy fries, it’s the perfect place to grab a cold drink, shoot a game of pool, or catch live music and sports on one of 14 TVs.
Must be 21+ to enter The Tram Club.
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 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 conveniently located a block from Whole Foods.
Snowbird General Gritts
Phone: (801) 521-6040
Store Open Daily 8 AM – 8 PM
Liquor Store Open 12 PM – 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.
Raise a Glass to Relaxation with Alta Chalets
After a day of exploring the best bars, lounges, and après-ski spots in Little Cottonwood Canyon, there’s nothing better than ending the night in comfort. Our Alta and Snowbird vacation rentals are made for winding down. With mountain-view decks perfect for a nightcap, cozy fireplaces for sharing a bottle of wine, and fully equipped kitchens for mixing your favorite local spirits.
Want to keep the good times going? We’ll stock your fridge with great food, Utah craft beer, fine wines, and mixers, or arrange for a private chef to craft a gourmet dinner and cocktails right in your chalet.
Start your Alta-Snowbird vacation today with Alta Chalets.
