Vail's greatest concentration of late-night haunts can be found in a 1 1/2-block stretch of Bridge Street from Hanson Ranch Road north to the covered bridge over Gore Creek. From mountainside to creek, they include The Club (tel. 970/479-0556), the Red Lion (tel. 970/476-7676), and Vendetta's (tel. 970/476-5070), reportedly the hangout for Vail's ski patrollers. The Tap Room, 333 Bridge St. (tel. 970/479-0500), not surprisingly, has an extensive selection of beers on tap, plus good pub grub and martinis. Samana Lounge, 228 Bridge St. (tel. 970/476-3433; www.samanalounge.com), is a small, sophisticated dance club with a candlelit ambience and world-class DJs. The George Restaurant & Pub, 292 E. Meadow Dr. (tel. 970/476-2656), has a laid-back vibe and is a great pick for an après-ski cocktail. Garfinkel's, 536 E. Lionshead Circle (tel. 970/476-3789), keeps sports fans busy with tons of TVs and everybody else happy with a great deck at the foot of the Eagle Bahn gondola.

In nearby Minturn, the happy hour at the historic Minturn Saloon, 146 N. Main St. (tel. 970/827-5954), attracts a party-hearty horde for Vail Valley's best margaritas. In summer, the place to be Friday night is the Wolcott Yacht Club, 15 miles west of Vail at 27190 U.S. 6, Wolcott (tel. 970/926-3444; www.wolcottyachtclub.com), and its unbeatable back patio, complete with band shell and live band, not to mention pretty good grub.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.