Finest Place to Drink Al Fresco

Where: Le Chamois, Squaw Valley, California

What'll Snow You: The California sunshine

Cool Conditions: It's that magical, mid-afternoon time below the six mountain peaks of Squaw Valley, when the sun heats up "the Chammy" and everyone who's survived the steeps, bowls, and 177 trails slides in for the perfect patio party. Skiing glitterati and Olympians Daron Rahlves, Jonny Moseley, and Julia Mancuso are regulars at this bar, which dates from 1969 and is almost always thumping with music, ski boots, and the ideal après-ski fare of 16-inch pepperoni pizzas, gooey jalapeño poppers, and wings by the dozen. For a guaranteed good time, go in March or April and order Fat Tire, the only microbrew on tap outside. But then again, the Chammy is always celebrating something: Halloween with a costume party, their customers with roast pig (thanks!) and a DJ, New Year's Eve with disco. Or just afternoon on a powder day with a few pints of Fat Tire ale.

The Cold Cash: Pizza from $8.95; pints of Fat Tire Amber Ale, $4

Le Chamois
Tel: 530 583 4505