Après Ski Holidays
Fun filled après ski is crucial for the full skiing experience and this is even more important when travelling with a large group. There’s no better way to amuse friends than with stories of your skiing with a cool beer after a great day. We believe what’s off the slopes is just as important as on. Whether you and your group are partial to table dancing in your ski boots, or sampling fine wines in a cosy mountain bar, our ski experts have some fabulous tips for après ski destinations.
St Anton
The world-famous ski resort of St. Anton is one of our favourite après ski spots with its choice of legendary bars and clubs. St. Anton has some superb slopes and is consistently hailed as one of the top resorts for après ski. The kitsch cool of Austrian euro pop has taken a firm hold here, and the nightspots have a great selection of events. Head to the Krazy Kanguruh for outlandish balcony parties with sweeping views, and specially selected resort party sounds.
You won’t want to miss an evening in the MooserWirt either. Two slogans dominate this bar’s philosophy: ‘The mother of all ski bars’ and ‘Damn good, but damn expensive’. It lives up to both. Come 4pm the rhythm of ‘The Final Countdown’ can be heard echoing across the mountains, as a call for steins. St. Anton in Austria really is one of our favourite party ski resorts in Europe.
Kitzbühel
The Londoner has been hosting live music and DJ's in the ski resort for more than 30 years. The Lichtl Pub hosts karaoke evenings, so you can happily belt out your favourite tunes while you hit the dance floor. Celebrity visitors spend their evenings swigging Dom Pérignon in the two VIP lounges of Club Take Five.
Mayrhofen
The town in Austria is famous for offering fantastic après ski in Europe, thanks to its high-altitude clubbing scene, sun terraces by day and dance parties by night. Pilzbar, at the top of the Penkenbahn gondola, thumps out Eurobeat long before the runs close. Afterwards, revellers head to The Ice Bar at the base of the gondola to continue the fun. For more relaxed après skiing, try the White Lounge; an igloo village where you can enjoy a cocktail (or two).
Home to the Snowbombing music festival, Mayrhofen knows how to do après ski. Even outside of the festival, skiers can expect plenty of lively parties to fill an evening. Relax in the sun-drenched deckchairs at Igloo Bar, before carrying on your night with a party at the Arena Club, or a drink in the Harakiri Bar.
Ischgl
The self-proclaimed Ibiza of the Alps, Ischgl in Austria has an après ski scene that could easily compete. Despite the party vibe, Ischgl's après ski bars draw upon the Austrian culture. In Trofana Alm, the crowd sing along to an Austrian band while knocking back chilled glasses of Schnapps. Schatzi Bar has dancers in dirndls entertain revellers, while the Kuhstall starts swinging long before the cows come home (or the slopes close).
Ischgl is a place that really knows how to celebrate, and it has seen huge names performing at the ski resort including Elton John, Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue. Their opening concert Top of the Mountain is truly spectacular and is not to be missed. Another highlight in the events calendar is the Sterne-Cup der Köche, a cooking challenge where chefs from around the world compete for gourmet glory.
Sölden
Small but busy, Sölden in Austria is a great après ski spot in Europe. The town’s main street is full of buzzing nightspots, making bar-hopping a fun way to spend the evening in this party ski resort. Step straight off the Tiefenbach gondola into Restaurant Tiefenbachgletscher’s lively Glacier Bar, with an open roof and superb views. You can sip on mulled wine or sample a draft beer from their extensive selection. Another lively option is Almrausch, a classic timbered bar in the centre of town, playing house and pop music.
With its well-earned reputation as the wildest party spot in Austria, Sölden has something for everyone. Whether you prefer a pub atmosphere at The Grizzly Bear, or the rock and roll Black and Orange Bar. If the slopes have exhausted you by mid-afternoon, kick the party off then and there by visiting Mogul Bar, which opens its doors at 4pm.
Lech
Partygoers looking for a more refined and luxurious Austrian après ski will enjoy the opulent choice of bars and restaurants in Lech. Foodies and oenophiles will be well-catered for, with world-class cuisine served up at the Michelin-starred Gasthof Post. Incredible dishes are on offer from the award-winning chef Thorsten Probost at Griggeler Stuba. Another spot not to be missed is the Frozen Ice Bar, which serves Veuve Cliquot from a picturesque location at the top of the Schlegelkopf lift.
Val d'Isère
Val d'Isere is well known in Europe for its après ski. Many of the bars, cafés and clubs are close together. La Folie Douce has everything from DJs to dancers (and food) and offers mountain-side clubbing in the resort. With a pumping sound system, electronic DJs and dancers, it has a prime location on the mountain. Don’t get too carried away, as you still need to get down the mountain!
Cocoricco’s is the logical place to stop after a day on the slopes. Join the live bands, happy hours and dancing in your ski boots in the centre of the Espace Killy. Other popular haunts include Le Petit Danois, Dick’s Tea Bar and The Fall Line.
Méribel
If you want to party, your first stop should be Méribel's arm of La Folie Douce. This outdoor club sees DJ and live music sets projected onto a big screen, so you'll feel like you're in Ibiza – just a little snowier. Or, swing into Jack's bar, one for those who come back every season. Their events include music, stand-up comedy and themed parties. With its easy location at the bottom of La Chaudanne, you can ski right in.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is one of the top après ski resorts combining a lively resort atmosphere with incredible skiing. The Frog and Roast Beef claims to be the highest pub in the Alps and the loud music and extensive drinks menu will take you back to your younger years. Le Malaysia will satisfy your clubbing bug, it's home to the largest dance floor in the Alps and stays open until 5am.
Cortina
Cortina provides both Olympian skiing and an elegant, relaxed après ski. If you’ve ever wanted to dine at over 7,000ft, Rifugio Averau obliges. Enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal with sweeping views across the magnificent peaks of the Dolomites. For an energised evening, head to the Belvedere. This chic club has been on the silver screen more than once, and a favourite with fashionable Italians.
Livigno
Livigno in Italy is a great spot for newbies who'll find plenty of cosy bars to relax in throughout the town centre. The most popular is Stalet at the foot of the Carosello 3000 gondola, famous for hosting wild parties on its heated terrace and serving up delicious mountain cuisine. For a night out, Bivio Club is the place to be. Live entertainment including karaoke starts at 6pm, and, after midnight, a resident DJ takes over.
Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb has some superb on-piste and off-piste après ski. If you’re staying in Whistler, Longhorns is the place to be. You can ski or board up to the doorstep and get stuck straight into the fun, ranging from bands to DJs. Merlin’s is a must too. At the base of Blackcomb, its cosy and comfortable vibe makes you feel right at home.
Verbier
One of our favourite après ski resorts, this gorgeous Swiss resort sees its fair share of the rich and famous and has some glamorous venues to enjoy too. There’s excellent off-piste skiing at Mont Gelé, and Verbier has some great après ski spots where you can unwind after a day slicing through the powder.
If it’s good enough for Prince William, you know you’re in for a good time at Pub Mont Fort. The covered terrace keeps you warm well into the early hours when drinks are flowing. If you’re feeling particularly flush, then head to The Farm Club – the most prestigious après ski spot in town.
Zermatt
It’s five stars all the way in Zermatt ski resort, with luxury hotels and a superb range of mountain restaurants. This high-end Swiss ski resort has a party après ski vibe, with many of its bars and nightclubs open until 3am. There’s a great variety here too, with jazz and piano bars, such as the Pink Elephant, to supplement the usual discos and DJs. There are also two cinemas to choose from, and live music and folklore concerts take place regularly.
Blue Lounge is one of our favourite on-mountain bars; the sun terrace has brilliant views of the Matterhorn and there’s often live bands and DJs taking to the stage. If you’re looking for something a bit different, the igloo village on Rotenboden at 2,727m is a great experience. Pay a visit to the high-altitude igloo bar for a warming mulled wine and Swiss fondue.
All of these small details make up a large part of your holiday experience so we know it’s important that we help you plan these well in advance. When you’re booking your trip, our experts will help you with any questions, and before you travel our dedicated Client Services team will help you to book any lessons or organise lift passes.
