If satisfying the appetites for food and social chatter were the only goals, the River Ranch, at the entrance to Alpine Meadows ski resort, would probably be just another roadside attraction. Instead, the roadhouse is a fun wilderness showplace offering affordable accommodations, creative food, and plenty of people to talk to. Late afternoon in the bar hosts a diverse clientele: ski bums, velocity cultists and world class athletes, some who've been ripping turns since the days of Northland Skis and Jet-Stix, and who know the local terrain better than anyone. This is a happy, busy place, so grab a table near the windows that overlook the roaring Truckee River or snuggle up around the cozy stone fireplace with a "River Run Heater," an in-house hot buttered rum.

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