The Hills Are Alive

Ah, Park City. Home of powdery ski slopes and amiable townspeople. But not during the two weeks when cell-phone-brandishing festivalgoers descend, hauling an avalanche of bicoastal attitude with them. So where to entertain without incurring the wrath of the Park City fire chief? These Utah châteaus (one of which was unofficially dubbed the Drug House, due to its residents' favored activity) were Sundance's houses of mirth.

— Clarissa Cruz, with additional reporting by Anna Holmes

Synergy Spa House
Decor Ostentatious party manse meets pampering spa getaway. The six-bedroom, five-story home (at an elevation of 11,000 feet) boasted an elevator, screening room, DJ-ing by Paul Sevigny (Chloë's bro), and ski-in, ski-out privileges. Oddest Accessory The Incanta techies who looked a little ill at ease around the house's cuddly stuffed wildlife collection. Parties Super Troopers and Perfume premieres Who Stopped By Carmen Electra, Spike Lee, Norman Reedus, Jeff Goldblum, James King Grade A

Hugo House
Decor Bathed in red light, this 8,000-square-foot Hugo Boss pad was the most hopping locale (the windows were sealed because of noise complaints from neighbors). Dripping with downtown attitude, complete with celeb DJ Samantha Ronson spinning. Also featured nicest security guards. Oddest Accessory Vintage children's books and grade-school texts in the bedrooms. Parties Wet Hot American Summer bash, Last Party 2000 soiree Who Stopped By Molly Shannon, Courtney Love, Tommy Lee, Paris Hilton Grade B

Motorola House
Decor Casual chic with rustic accents. The six-bedroom mansion also boasted a gym, several fireplaces, Jacuzzis in every bathroom, and two in-house chefs. Oddest Accessory The Ben & Jerry's freezer, which contained a bottomless supply of the brand-new Concession Obsession, a blend of nonpareils, fudge-dipped peanuts, caramel swirls, and vanilla ice cream. Parties Golden Globes viewing party Who Stopped By Billy Zane, Julianne Moore, Patrick Swayze, Guy Pearce, Amy Smart Grade B+

GAP House
Decor Cozy and comfortable. While not as spacious as other party sites, this homey duplex featured animal-skin rugs, oversize leather couches — and a refreshing lack of pretense. Gap slippers, pajamas, robes, and fragrances available to guests. Oddest Accessory Georgia O'Keeffe-esque animal skull in the living room. Parties Golden Globes viewing party, après-ski happy hour Who Stopped By Billy Wirth, Daphne Zuniga, Rachel Hunter, Stephen Baldwin Grade A-