The après scene at Squaw Valley USA is as legendary as the mountain itself and with a bevy of new hotspots, it just keeps getting better.
Ski town nightlife is nothing like the scene in the big city, but at Squaw that’s kind of the point. When you go out in Squaw you really feel like you’re going out in a ski town, which in many ways surpasses nightlife in a big city. You go away to get away, right? To blend with the locals, throw on a hoodie and leave your designer digs at home. Squaw Valley nightlife provides visitors with an escape from their normal evening outings, but is sure to deliver the same hangover in the morning.
ZENBU
On Valentines Day, 2005 Zenbu Tapas Lounge opened in the Olympic House, giving Squaw a full-on night club with live musical acts every night during the ski season. Big name DJs like Rick Preston and Lorin Base Nectar have made Zenbu a reputable venue on the Northern California circuit. Hit it on the right night and Zenbu goes off. The downside: making it to the lifts the next morning.
BAR ONE
Also located in Olympic House, Bar One offers live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights, along with pool tables. After a one year hiatus, Jello wrestling and mud wrestling are returning to Bar One this winter. If you like to get down and dirty, Bar One gets down and very dirty.
THE AULD DUBLINER
In the spring of 2005 the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub opened in the Village at Squaw. Soon after its arrival, “the Dubliner” quickly became Squaw Valley’s very own “Cheers.” However, the pub appeals to more than just the local crowd, weekend warriors and vacationers fill the barstools too. The Dubliner has live music a few times a week and serves up huge portions of delicious Irish fare. With more Guinness than Dublin, the words liquid-dinner, may cross your mind.
MAMASKE
The renowned “$5 beer and hand-roll special” (offered from 3-5 pm) draws locals and tourists to Squaw Valley’s spectacular sushi spot. The party doesn’t stop with the afternoon rush. If you love Japanese food and an upbeat scene, don’t come too hungry. At Mamasake, a wait for a table or a seat at the bar is a testament to just how good the sushi tastes and two, three saki bombs later, just how hard it is to leave.
THE LOFT BAR
The disco ball spins at a moment’s notice for spontaneous parties at Le Chamois’s Loft Bar. This “world famous” dive is the locals' favorite and dubbed Squaw Valley’s very own fraternity. Le Chamois hosts a few HUGE parties each season including Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and the Customer Appreciation Party and Pig Roast at the end of the season. The charm of the Loft Bar is that it is authentic Squaw and if you’re doing the Squaw Pub Crawl or want to brush shoulders with a pro skier, this bar can’t be missed.
BALBOA
PlumpJack’s Balboa Café is located in the middle of everything. The PlumpJack name attracts a Bay Area clientele and its central location makes it a must-stop-and-drink for everyone else. Balboa hosts live music and DJs at least twice a week. The expansive wrap-around bar and popular outdoor seating area (equipped with heat lamps) make Balboa the first choice for people watching.
PLUMPJACK’S
Those looking for a more intimate and tranquil après ski experience should make their way to the cozy bar at PlumpJack's Squaw Valley Inn. For the more mature crowd, gourmet food and impeccably mixed drinks, served at this Shakespearian themed bar, are all the right makings for “a night on the town.”