Dan Lever
Aug, 21 - 2024 - 12 mins
The 10 Best Après Ski Resorts in Europe (according to skier ratings!)
Oh, après, how we love thee. What started out as a relaxing post-piste bier in the fifties has evolved into a fully-fledged lifestyle, complete with boot-stomping camaraderie and sun-soaked terrace cabaret. The institution of après is such that you’ll regularly encounter individuals in the ski trip group chat writing ‘I can’t ski or board but I’ll just come along for the après…’ and with those panoramic views, warming vin chauds and endless live music - who can blame them? In a bid to give the people what they want (dancing, ski shots & back at the accom in time for dinner) we’ve scoured the Snomad community reviews and recommendations to compile the ultimate 10 Best Après Ski Resorts in Europe.
10. Verbier
Known as the resort of the rich, famous and royal, Verbier is part of the huge Four Valleys ski area in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Once you’ve shredded to your heart's content across 412km of perfectly-groomed piste (not to mention the backcountry delights,) you can become acquainted with the lively après scene both on and off the slopes.
Le Mouton Noir has the largest terrace area in Verbier and sits at the top of the Médran lift. It is a popular lunch option but soon transforms into party mode, with glasses of pale rosé in full-flow well into golden hour. This is the place to go for DJ sets with a backdrop of mountain views.
Bar 1936 is known as the last stop before you’re back in resort, which is why you’ll often find plenty of people enjoying an aperol here. From there, head straight to Pub Mont Fort opposite the gondola for a young and fun après scene that offers everything from live rock’n’roll bands to some chilled chess playing. Le Farinet also has a reputation as one of the best après spots in Europe, with a retractable roof that allows some of that collective body heat to escape.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.31 / 5
9. Morzine
An authentic alpine village that forms part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area (650km), Morzine is wedged in a scenic spot on the Franco-Swiss border. You’ll spend your time riding through the stunning forest scenery of the Morzine-Les Gets area, or the more snow-sure reaches of Avoriaz higher up. If you really want to get the miles in, you can even ski over the border into Switzerland. After all of that thirsty work, there’s more than 20 bars to choose from.
La Folie Douce is perhaps the most famous après ski venue throughout the French alps, with six venues spread across several ski areas. Established in 1969, the concept of fine-dining on the mountain quickly evolved into open-air entertainment that lives up to its namesake of sweet madness. When staying in Morzine, you’ll find the local branch of Folie Douce up in Avoriaz, which is conveniently accessible by foot. Keep in mind though, you’ll need to plan your journey back to Morzine ahead of time - Take the Prodains lift down before catching the A bus back to the village. Other slopeside options include Le Tremplin and Happy Hours Bar - the latter of which is at the bottom of the Ardent gondola, and offers a free shuttle back to the centre of Morzine, up until 9pm.
Live music lovers should head to Cavern before 5pm, which is when most bands start, while Le Colibri, Le Club and Le Névé Bar all offer carefully-crafted cocktails in more relaxed settings. If great wine in cosy settings is more your après vibe, Bar a Vins is an intimate affair complete with a sommelier and stone-walled cellar.
For festivities that go on long into the night (and early hours) both Tibetan Cafe and L’Opera promise a party atmosphere complete with fancy dress nights, live DJ sets and a healthy mix of music genres.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.4 / 5
8. Livigno
Tucked away near the Alta Valtellina valley, Italy’s Livigno is perfect for snowsport enthusiasts who like to party. Seemingly cut off from the rest of the world with duty-free status and cheap fuel, this all-rounder resort has over 115km of piste perfect for skiers and boarders of all levels. The wide slopes of this resort make it an ideal destination for a first-time trip, and the lively après scene promises to make it memorable.
Stalet is the epicentre of après ski in Livigno, with its huge circus-tent venue and open-air area. Here you’ll find a carefree party atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks. To enjoy a similar atmosphere but in a more relaxed setting, head next door to Alegra for tapas, fine wines and cocktails.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.5 / 5
7. Tignes
A proud party destination that is only bolstered by its snow-sure reputation (the main resort sits at 2100m,) Tignes is a great all-rounder for riders of all levels. The lower villages of Les Breiveres and Tignes 1800 have more of a laid-back, family vibe with tree runs and countless places to get your fix of chocolat chaud, while the higher areas of Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret are more lively, with 360 views that stretch out to Mont Blanc.
Like any great French ski resort, the après scene in Tignes begins with some sun-drenched fun on the terrace of Folie Douce, which sits on the Val D’isere side of the mountain but can still be accessed with a Tignes lift pass. From there, you can ski down to Cocorico in Val Claret, which regularly gets rowdy thanks to the roster of live music and impressive pyrotechnics. If it’s more of a chilled sunshine vibe you’re after, the terrace at Loop Bar is a wonderful sun trap where you can also get some great food. Alternatively, the Langley 2100 hotel terrace is the place to be for expert-crafted cocktails and fine wines.
If it’s a classic après pub scene you enjoy, choose between Le Moose, The Marmot Arms and Le Brasero. For some after-hours entertainment, nightclubs Strike, Blue Girl and Avant Garde have regular themed nights while Cave du Loop offers a more cosy, cellar-bar experience.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.53 / 5
6. Saalbach
Situated at the heart of Austria’s Skicircus area, the twin towns of Saalbach and Hinterglemm provide access to over 270km of well-groomed pistes, serviced by high-spec bubble chairlifts and gondolas. With the majority of the area catering to beginners and intermediates, it’s a perfect destination for those who are still gaining confidence in their ski legs. While the two towns remain quite spread out (their centres are 4km apart,) there’s still plenty of partying to be had.
Out of the two, it’s Saalbach that has the busiest après and nightlife scene. Get things started at Bauer’s Schi-Alm, before continuing the night at either Zum Turm, Castello or The London Pub - or all three if you’re feeling particularly lively.
In Hinterglemm, Goaßstall is a 300-year-old-barn that now offers prompt service and a party atmosphere that continues into the wee hours. Find it at the bottom of the Reiterkogel gondola.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.59 / 5
5. Val Thorens
Part of the world’s largest interconnected ski area and Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens guarantees a good time. The majority of runs is almost an even split between blues and reds, making it a decent all-rounder for a group of mixed abilities. The resort is a long-time winner of the World Ski Awards, and is known for being a leading destination for both partying and skiing.
Val Thorens is another resort that has its own Folie Douce venue, which sits at the top of the Plein Sud and Pionniers chairlifts, and will require you to stay sober enough to ride down a blue piste once you’ve had enough of dancing on tables. Once you’re back in resort, the Frog and Roastbeef is hailed for its cold beer, live music and great food, while Le Monde is known for bringing the quintessential après ski experience late into the night.
In terms of nightclubs, there’s Le Malaysia and Klub Summit, both of which are open until the early hours. A more sophisticated après spot is the lounge bar and terrace of Hotel Koh-I Nor, which serves gourmet lunches and delicious cocktails.
**SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.62 / 5 **
4. Ischgl
You probably already guessed that the top spots were going to be held by Austrian resorts, so let’s get into it. Ischgl takes fourth place for the best après ski, but it also offers over 239km of pistes and easy connections to the neighbouring resort of Samnaun, which takes you over into Switzerland.
From lunchtime onwards, there is a huge après ski scene in ‘the Ibiza of the Alps,’ ranging from rustic huts to modern, purpose-built après establishments. Trofana Alm has a great reputation for good times and great pizzas, and recently underwent a complete refurbishment.
The Kuhstall is a die-hard après bar entrenched in ski resort lore with a DJ that plays mostly German music, while the dancing dirndl girls of Schatzi Bar regularly draw in large - mostly male - crowds (we can’t imagine why….)
If you’re after a more upmarket affair, Champangerhütte is as classy as the name suggests, but still gets incredibly crowded during peak season.
**SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.67 / 5 **
3. Mayrhofen
One of the most beloved ski resorts in Europe, Mayrhofen is a pretty village set within the Tirolean Valley and is again home to mostly intermediate slopes on the local mountain. Some serious investments in the lift infrastructure has seen the installation of 26 new lifts since 2000, making getting around an easy feat.
Mayrhofen is also host to the annual Snowbombing festival, which gives you some idea as to how seriously this resort takes its party scene. The Pilzbar, which sits at the top of the Pekenbahn gondola is where things usually begin, where pulsating Europop makes for an electric atmosphere. You can take the last lift down from here to avoid skiing intoxicated, and choose to continue the party at Ice Bar, which is just at the bottom of the same lift.
Table dancing is a staple at Bruck n Stadl, where live accordion music brings some authentic Austrian spirit. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Nachtcafe Apropos is more of a cosy and quaint destination where you can enjoy games of pool, cocktails and traditional Austrian hospitality.
**SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.71 / 5 **
2. Sölden
A major destination in the Austrian Tyrol, Sölden is Austria’s largest standalone ski area with over 147km of pistes, two glaciers and a season that stretches from mid-September to early May. Most of the terrain is above the 2000m mark, making it a snow-sure resort great for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. In a resort that is somewhat famed for its ‘ski-in, ski-out lap dancing club’ it should come as no surprise that the party scene here is alive and well.
Kuckuck is a popular first stop, sitting at the bottom of the Giggijoch lift and offering a huge terrace, which is perfect for sunny days along with its neighbour, Giggi Tenne. Phillip is a central option with a legendary reputation, while Schrimbar Sonne has a resident DJ that knows how to get the party started.
In terms of nightclubs, Katapult is an impressive club-bar-lounge hybrid with two dancefloors, girls on podiums and pyrotechnics. What more could you want?
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.73 / 5
1. St. Anton
Not only is St. Anton visually picture-perfect with a huge network of marked ski routes, it’s a mecca for après ski and is home to two of the world’s most famous post-ski bars. A large resort town, this bustling destination forms part of a large ski area with relatively new links to Lech and Zürs thanks to the installation of four new gondolas. That being said, it’s not the friendliest resort for beginners, as the lower, more friendly slopes of Nasserein are prone to bottlenecks.
However, the après scene more than makes up for it. Heustadl is the first stop on the home run, with beautiful views, great food and a lively live-music scene. The sun-soaked terrace is great here, but be sure to venture inside and marvel over the giant disco ball.
The two most famous après bars, however, are the enjoyably named Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh. Both of these venues are NOT the place to go if you’re looking for a relaxed drink, as they are often crowded and known for their party atmosphere. At Mooserwirt, the party stops at around 8pm, when you can make the call as to whether you’re in a fit enough state to ride the short distance back down to town - fear not though, there’s a paved pathway that leads down from the back.
If you’d rather get comfortable and cosy, and be able to sip on your drink without fear of it being sent flying by a rogue arm, Eisbar Base Camp has an exclusive feel that will satisfy the goldilocks of the group - it’s not too busy, the music isn’t too loud and the clientele aren’t too rowdy.
SNOMAD Après Rating: 4.82 / 5
Be sure to check out the full Après-Ski league table with over 100 ski resorts around the world, rated and ranked based on how good they are for Après-Ski!