Come for après ski—the pub sits a couple of ski-lengths away from the snow—and stay for the craic, Irish for a nonstop party. The live Celtic music and 20-ounce Irish pints help keep it going.

A ski-up type of place, at lunchtime it's a restaurant; in mid-afternoon, it's a sprawling patio for drinking locally brewed Kokanees or Caesars (Canada's answer to a Bloody Mary, only with vodka and clamato juice). After dark, it's a thumping lounge where vinyl-spinning DJs bridge the gap between après ski and late-night.

You've just finished an incredible day on the mountain, your endorphins are running high, and you're more than ready to down a beer (or three), eat some poutine or buffalo wings, and recount the glories of the day. Happily, the Longhorn Saloon stands at the ready directly across from the Whistler Village Gondola. The inside isn't noteworthy, but the massive deck and its glorious mountain views draw a crowd of young, free-spirited skiers and boarders—seats outside can be hard to come by on epic afternoons, but they're well worth the wait. Late night at the Longhorn is nothing special, except for Sunday nights, when the locals turn up in droves.

Open daily 9 am to 1 am.

Located near Blackcomb's Wizard lift, the bar inside this steak-and-seafood joint is a good place to play pool or watch satellite TV near the granite fireplace and just enjoy the vibe. For some reason, it's also disproportionately popular with Australians.

If you want to hear yourself talking, head upstairs to the martini lounge. Downstairs is for outright partying among the tourists, locals, and mountain workers. Tuesday is the Beagle's signature night, when DJs from Vancouver spin dance music and house, and drinks are sinfully cheap.