What started as a few drinks after a day on the slopes has turned into a phenomenon known as après ski that has transcended its French namesake and embedded itself into skiing culture. Skiers hop off their skis, ski gear still on, and dance the day away, stomping on tables in slope-side venues, enjoying mountain DJs, live performers and spectacular views!
Après ski has become an integral part of a ski trip. The combination of action both on and off the slopes makes for a holiday like no other. Whether you’re looking to dance high up in the mountains or sip on a glass of wine by the fire at a cosy resort pub, there are ski resorts for every type of après-skier.
Discover the best après ski in Europe with our guide to the top 5 resorts for après ski in the Alps!
1. St. Anton, Austria
Located in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria, St. Anton is a world-famous party resort. St. Anton is the place to go if you want to ski hard and party harder. It is said to be the place where the après ski ritual of dancing on tables first began! The iconic MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh are must-visit spots for Austrian après ski. The legendary venues have been hosting après ski parties since 1989 and 1965, respectively. The party starts early and it gets very busy so make sure to get there before the bar queues get too long! A seemingly endless supply of Jägermeister and beer keeps the party alive until it’s time to (safely) ski back to the resort where the popular après ski spots of Bar Cuba and Bobo’s are ready and waiting to keep the party going!
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2. Val D’Isère, France
Located high up in the expansive Espace Killy ski area and linked to the neighbouring resort of Tignes, which has a vibrant après scene itself, the ever-glamorous, though slightly more expensive, Val D’Isère takes the top spot from us for après ski. Home to the original Folie Douce, this alone gives it status as an iconic après ski destination. Located at the top of La Daille gondola, the Folie Douce in Val D’Isère is where the party starts and it can get pretty wild! Thankfully, you can get the gondola back down to the resort so you don’t have to worry about skiing back into the village. But the fun doesn’t stop at the bottom of the gondola. Head to Cocorico for live music and even more dancing before venturing to Dick’s Tea Bar. Opened in 1979, Dick’s Tea Bar is one of the biggest bars in the French Alps and is not to be missed!
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3. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens, sitting at an altitude of 2,300m, is the highest ski resort in Europe. The incredibly snow-sure resort offers guaranteed powder as well as guaranteed après ski fun! Val Thorens is a young, buzzy resort with a party atmosphere that starts on the slopes. The hugely popular slope-side Folie Douce has daily live performers that ensure a raucous atmosphere, but be warned, you have to ski back down to the resort! Bar 360 is another popular slope-side après ski venue which has a reputation for its incredible DJ sets and panoramic mountain views and it benefits from a more gentle ski home. Back in the resort, France meets England at The Frog Pub, which is a popular spot for a beer or two before moving on to Cafe Snesko, an animated Dutch bar with live music. Make sure to end your night at Le Malaysia, the largest nightclub in the Alps. Built beneath the slopes you’ll be skiing on during the day, it boasts world-class DJs who will keep you glued to the dance floor all night long.
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4. Verbier, Switzerland
Located in the 4 Valleys ski area in Switzerland, Verbier is renowned for its glitzy après ski scene. You may burn a hole in your pocket going out in Verbier, but you’ll certainly have fun doing it. Le Mouton Noir is Verbier’s answer to the Folie Douce. The mountain bar offers a piste-side party after a day on the slopes. For a more sophisticated approach to après ski, you can go celebrity spotting at Verbier’s classy, up-market bars and exclusive clubs like Farm Club and Le Rouge. Or for the more budget-conscious, chase the happy hours across the village. Pub Mont Fort is a popular spot at the bottom of the Mèdran gondola and Farinet Bar has a retractable roof that opens on fair-weather days so that you can dance under the sun, or the stars as the night progresses! A playground for back-country skiers, Verbier has stellar skiing and an après ski scene to match.
5. Livigno, Italy
Sitting in a high valley in Lombardy, Livigno is our top pick for the best après ski in Italy. The tax-free après ski haven, claims to be the birthplace of the fiery Bombardino drink which will be sure to keep you warm as the sun begins to set. Just a stone’s throw from Switzerland, Livigno is much cheaper than its neighbouring resorts across the border, and cheaper drinks mean that more can go around! Livigno has a fun and lively atmosphere, but it isn’t too rowdy if you are looking for a more laid-back vibe. Popular après ski spots in Livigno include Alegra for a slope-side Aperol Spritz, circus-themed Statlet and dancing hotspots Bivio Club and Miky’s Disco. With a whopping 150 bars to choose from in Livigno (the most bars in a ski resort in the world), there is no shortage of entertainment!
You might also like: The Best Mountain Restaurants and Cafés in the 3 Valleys
For more ski resort inspiration, check out the skier review-based rankings of the Best Resorts for Après Ski in Europe from our friends at Snomad.