It’s not just about the slopes! The nightlife activities are just as important on a ski holiday when you’re out in the mountains. Our ski experts have made a list of where the best après ski is in Austria. Take a look at the best ski resorts in Austria to have a party.
1. St. Anton
St. Anton is not only superb for its skiing, but it has to be one of the best for après ski in Austria. Ski hard and party hard is the atmosphere in the area. It is home to two legendary bars called The MooserWirt and The Krazy Kanguruh, both of which were made famous in the 60s. Other bars to visit are the Piccadilly Bar and the Post Keller, both of which have a lively atmosphere. Expect to dance on tables and stay out to the early hours of the morning.
Stay At:
The Hotel Arlberg in St. Anton is an excellent four-star hotel with a pool located close to the centre of town.
2. Ischgl
Over the years Ischgl has been home to massive opening and closing music festivals. Acts such as Muse, Elton John and the Beach Boys have all played in the ski resort. Throughout the ski season, there’s a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars to visit. Head to the ice-bar Elizabeth and have a dance in the Kitzloch bar. If you want to carry on the night into the early hours of the morning, head to the main nightclub called Pacha.
Stay At:
Hotel Jagerhof in Ischgl is run by the Jager family who provide a warm welcome to their traditional Tyrolian hotel.
3. Mayrhofen
Home to one of the biggest winter music festivals, Snowbombing, Mayrhofen has a fantastic après ski scene. The festival has had big acts such as Liam Gallagher, Stormzy and the Prodigy take the stage. There are many bars to enjoy yourself in the village and the mountain. Pilzbar umbrella bar is a popular spot to start the party. The Ice Bar in the Hotel Strass is a great spot after lifts close. Also in Hotel Strass is the Arena Club, the area’s main nightclub. If you’re looking for a more relaxed drink Harakiri Bar is a lovely spot.
Stay At:
The homely Hotel Kramerwirt is situated in Mayrhofen in Austria and offers extensive spa facilities.
4. Sölden
The party starts early in the season for Sölden when the opening World Cup Alpine race of the season comes to town. There is a great choice of bars and clubs in the area. From 3 pm, Eugen’s Obstlerhütte starts the après in style with live music on its large terrace. After a day on the slopes, Giggi Tenne is a great place to share a drink at the bottom of the Giggijoch gondola. If you want to dance the night away, the Fire and Ice club is open until the early hours of the morning.
Stay At:
Hotel Das Central in Sölden has a fantastic location and offers a free shuttle bus to the ski lifts.
5. Lech
Another ski resort in the Arlberg ski area that makes our best après ski in Austria list is Lech. Lech’s nightlife is very different from neighbouring St Anton. Expect modern top-class bars rather than a party on table après ski. If you love champagne the Frozen Ice Bar at the top of the Schlegelkopf chairlift is a must-visit. The Tannbergerhof serves excellent mulled wine and has an open-air bar with stunning views. Each luxury hotel in the area has excellent bars to enjoy too.
Stay At:
With its first-class service and top cuisine, the Hotel Arlberg in Lech has excellent reputation.
6. Söll
Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Söll has a reputation for being a great family ski destination. However, there is a lively après ski scene in the ski resort too. The Moonlight Bar at the bottom of the valley is a popular spot after a day on the mountain. Gasthöf Stöckalm is another favourite at the mid-station. For live music and late opening hours head to Salvenstadl (Cow Shed) on the edge of the village. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere Rossini Cafe and Bella Vita are the places to be.
Stay At:
The beautiful family-run Hotel Tyrol is a charming property with excellent facilities in Söll.
7. Zell am See
It’s one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, but Zell am See also has some of the best après ski in Austria. It has a mixture of party and sophisticated nightlife, that will keep many visitors entertained. The Crazy Daisy Bar is the main hub of lively apres ski in the ski resort. It’s busy throughout the season with a lively atmosphere. The Irish bar called Flannigan’s and Greens serves fantastic cocktails, perfect after a day on the slopes.
Stay At:
The Hotel Tirolerhof is a great four-star ski hotel in the Austrian resort of Zell am See.
8. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is home to the most famous ski race on the Alpine World Cup circuit, the Hahnenkamm downhill. Every year the town atmosphere is electric when the ski racing comes to visit. There are a few great ice bars at the foot of the slopes to start your après. In town, the legendary Londoner bar is a popular spot for a drink. The Stamperl is also a lively bar you can enjoy an after-ski beverage. A great location for fun and welcoming nightlife.
Stay At:
Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel is a great ski-in ski-out hotel, situated right on the slopes and close to the lifts.
9. Saalbach – Hinterglemm
Saalbach-Hinterglemm has the perfect blend of lively and relaxed nightlife spots. If you’re in Saalbach, the party usually starts at the Hinethag Alm and then continues down into the Bauer’s Schi-Alm in town. Another favourite is an old converted medieval jail turned bar called the Zum Turm. A unique spot for a drink after a day on the slopes. The nightlife in Hinterglemm is very chilled. The Hintehag is a fun relaxed spot that is a goat themed bar.
Stay At:
Alpin Resort and Spa has excellent modern and stylish facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, a sauna and a steam room.
10. Flachau
There is a great selection of bars in Flachau to enjoy. Whether you want a relaxing drink on a sun terrace or lively bar, the ski resort has something for everyone. At the foot of the legendary Hermann Maier World Cup run, is the popular Hofstadl bar. Enjoy loud après ski music and a wide selection of beers on tap. In the middle of the village, the Downtown Disco & Bar is a great way to have a boogie and a drink.
To find out more about the best après ski in Austria, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
