If time off the slopes is as high on your ski holiday must-have list as hurling yourself down snowy mountains, then check out our fave locations for the best après ski in Europe. From dancing on tables and raising your skis to Euro-pop classics to relaxing beers on a sunny terrace with mint mountain views, Europe boasts some of the best apres ski resorts in the world. So, drink in these all-time top ski spots, and decide from Heidi'sapres ski guide, where you want to party this season!
Apres ski resorts for beginner skiers
Les Deux Alpes
Not only is Les Deux Alpes in France renowned for its epic skiing, but the apres vibe is on point too. With no less than thirty bars to choose from, you’ll never get bored in this lively party town. Santé! Begin a big night out with ice-cold beers and dancing on the tables at the wild slope-side Pano Bar. Then head back to the resort and grab a tasty burger in Le Saloon before hitting more bars on the high street. Top tip - take the gondola back down into town - the home run via Valentin can be a bit sketchy after a few bevvies!
Val Thorens
Even if you haven’t been skiing before, you’ll probably have heard about the legendary parties at Folie Douce! Set high above Val Thorens ski resort and with jaw-dropping views of the French Alps, rave with fellow revellers to euphoric tunes in the mountains. Feel the beat! Back in town, the party continues in Europe’s highest open-air club - Klub Summit. Or you can shimmy the night away on the largest dancefloor in the Alps at Malaysia. Fancy a night off? Clear the hangover and rejuvenate in the tranquil swimming pool and spa.
Apres ski resorts for intermediate skiers
Mayrhofen
Skiing with a group of mates? Mayrhofen has your back. On the slopes, the vast Austrian Zillertal ski area caters for all abilities, and if you want to start the apres shenanigans early, you can meet the gang in one of over thirty mountain huts to raise a glass of beer and share tales of your day’s adventures. And that’s only the start of it. Countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs keep the party going from dusk til dawn. Or, if you need a break, a warming Glühwein and a game of pool in a cosy bar will keep everyone happy.
Verbier
Go hard or go home; that’s the Verbier way! Get up early, make first tracks at dawn, indulge in a long boozy lunch on the slopes, sip champagne in alfresco bars and restaurants, bop in your ski boots to live music and dance on the tables. This apres ski scene is not for the faint-hearted! Celebrity spottings aren’t uncommon in the famously lavish Farm Club. And Le Rouge has something for everyone, with a chic bar on the inside and lively parties on the outside. Need some new designer sunnies? The shopping here is top-notch too.
Apres ski resorts for advanced skiers
Chamonix
Burn the candle at both ends with big freeride skiing during the day and hardcore apres ski at night in Chamonix. Well known as one of the best après ski resorts in Europe, this popular French ski town is bursting with bustling bars and pumping nightclubs. The mountain restaurants are legendary, too; replenish your energy levels after a big day exploring backcountry terrain with feasts of hearty fondu and raclette and wash it all down with ice-cold beers or delicious vin rouge. What’s not to love?
Ischgl
For bucket loads of apres ski fun laced with traditional Austrian charm, head to Ischgl. Clink giant steins of ice-cold beer and dance to upbeat tunes in the lively mountain bars. Pacha nightclub is a must-do night out. Or, for extra bling, head to the Schlosslounge to sip champagne. Prost! The dance music scene is strong here, with mini-festivals and ‘Top of the Mountain’ concerts throughout the season. And there’s loads on offer for families, too; make a splash at the waterpark or whizz down the floodlit toboggan run.
Apres ski resorts for all abilities
Pas de la Casa
For a lively apres ski scene that’s easy on the wallet, Andorra’sPas de la Casa delivers value by the mountain load. By mid-afternoon, DJs will be in full swing, getting everyone revved up in the sun-drenched on-piste bars. Let’s party! And in the resort, you can grab some pizza or share fondu before living it large in the sports bars and Irish pubs. If a few days on the razz have left you frazzled, chill out in the hotel spa before another big day tomorrow.
Selva
After a big day on the slopes in Selva, Italy, make sure you stop by Piz Seteur on your way down the mountain to sip on Aperol Spritz and watch the sunset over epic snowy vistas. Bombardino cocktails are the drink of choice at Pra Valentini. And if Euro-pop beats are your thing, dance in your ski boots all night at St Christina. Last but not least, one of our all-time faves is Luiskeller, also known as the Best Apres Ski Bar in the Alps. Soak up the traditional Tyrolean atmosphere and line up for grappa shotskis with your mates.
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