The Best European Resorts For Après Ski
So where are the best après ski resorts in Europe? Après ski has been a major part of the allure of a great ski break for some time now. A legendary part of your trip. Normally easing yourself in at around 4 pm with a few jugs of beer before the Jägermeister or schnapps take over and have you dancing wildly out of time, in the most precarious boots possible, to music you'll never again listen to until you make your next pilgrimage to the mountains. But what defines the best après ski?
For us, it's the 'straight off the mountain' après ski we love. Where you can head back to the chalet or hotel to eat and sleep off the afternoon's shenanigans in time to get first lifts again the next day. Yes, we may shred the rule book every now and again and stay out till the sun comes up, but it's the post-ski partying we love. Here are our top 5 picks for the best après ski resorts in Europe.
The best party ski resorts in Europe:
ST ANTON - Austria
Starting halfway up the mountain, bars line Run 1 merging into Run 21. The more infamous being the Krazy Kangaroo and the Mooserwirt - the latter's table service will never leave you without a drink, no need to queue at the bar. Taps bar is also worth a visit. The ski down from these can be treacherous so take it easy. Grab a bite to eat before heading into the later wave of partying in town.
Stay at the Chalet Amalien Haus to be close to all the action.
ISCHGL - Austria
If, like us, you like your après served up in traditional lederhosen and whilst you're on a table then you'll love it here. The bars on the slopes aren't worth shouting about, but at the base, it's a different story. Check out the Schatzi Bar which is pumping from 3 pm with Pacha girls dancing on the tables. The village is compact and you'll soon get the feel of where you want to be, this is often the Trofana Alm with some of the liveliest schnapps-fuelled après in town.
Stay at the Trofana Royal and quite possibly the best bar in town.
MAYRHOFEN - Austria
The first bar at the bottom of the Penkenbahn is the Ice bar, reportedly selling the most Grolsch in Europe (in just a couple of hours each day). The bar is rammed by 4 pm fuelled on beer, Jägermeister, Euro-pop and the prospect of scaling tables in ski boots. The party carries on till you do with a good choice of bars from rowdy live music to a quiet drink, the younger crowd carry on all night.
Stay at the Hotel Elisabeth for a little spot of luxury during your après downtime.
SAUZE D'OULX - Italy
Sauze's heydey may have been in the 70s and 80s but now its après scene is much classier than we thought. There's plenty of live music in bars such as Mira - one of the busiest spots. Caffe Della Seggiovia is a great wine bar with even better prices serving nibbles with your drinks during aperitivo hour. Sauze is lively and much cheaper than its European counterparts, making the après even better in our books.
Stay at the Hotel K2 for chic mountain style and a central location.
CHAMONIX - France
Leading the way for France, Chamonix can be an all-around party town, with a formidable number of happy hours - cheap jugs of beer all over. The year-round town is a far cry from the purpose-built French resorts with the town centre having a bar for everyone and late-night clubs such as Le Tof are open until your energy gives in. Unlike other resorts where bars blast out cheesy music, there are a few real gems in Chamonix, take a peek in Soul Food for a fun and funky atmosphere.
Stay at the Loft at 272 for a penthouse catered chalet in the midst of the action.