Typically, downhill skiing and après-ski go hand in hand, and the trendiest ski resorts in Europe excel in both.
Après Ski is more than just an after-ski, time-to-unwind activity. It's a
Joie de vivre of a different kind that you should seriously check out if you love skiing and reveling.
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What is Après Ski and What to Expect?
In Europe, where this term first emerged, Après Ski means to party at a ski resort. It's French and literally means “After Ski”.
Après Ski can frequently take place on the slopes, but it mostly means hitting a bar after the last lifts have closed down in the late afternoon.
When you head down the slopes, you have the option to stop at one of the huts (also called Alms in German-speaking areas) and bars along the piste.
Bars with loud music, a DJ, an international crowd wearing skiing boots, and plenty of alcohol flowing, yep that's a thing in the European Alps. The rule of thumb is, as long as you can ski down safely!
But the wildest parties take place in the valleys in some of the most notorious bars. Some ski resorts have several popular venues, where you can experience Après ski bar hopping.
Après Ski can mean live music, DJs, crazy owners with international barkeepers, or the total opposite, an upscale bar with champagne and caviar.
Après Ski venues can resemble a Mallorca party setting or a private VIP island party.
They can start in the afternoon or evening and end before dinner, or go on late into the night. It depends on the ski resort and bar setting.
For example, Après ski bars in the Tyrolean Alps enjoy playing Schlager songs (catchy German pop songs), and that usually entertains the international crowd (see Kitzloch in Ischgl). As the Germans would say, it's Halligalli (party time)!
In the elitist ski resorts in France and Italy, the experience can somewhat be different, with glitz and glamour chalet vibes being the norm here.
Who are the people that Après Ski?
The Après Ski type and mood in the European ski resorts are highly dependent on the crowd that frequents the area. Keep in mind that a skiing trip isn't budget-friendly.
Some resorts are abuzz with groups of middle-aged women and men from the UK, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Others are known for a younger, upscale crowd of 20- to 30-year-olds, but most resorts are mixed, and you will encounter skiing enthusiasts from all over the world.
Famous ski resorts offer a good mix of age groups and nationalities.
And yes, the handsome Australian or South African skiing instructors mostly join in the Après Ski celebrations.
If the Après Ski bar is strategically located at the base of the skiing slopes and easily accessible, you will see people heading there directly after coming downhill with their skiing boots still on their feet.
The point of an Après Ski is to socialize, sit, and party with other nationalities, and even locals partake in the lively atmosphere.
It's fun, and yes, there is alcohol, but you are not obliged to drink, you can always go for a mocktail or alcohol-free mocktail.
Famous Après Ski Resorts and Bars in Europe
The most well-known Après Ski bars in Europe are located in the Austrian, French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
Austria leads the pack with some of the most spectacular Après Ski resorts in the alpine Tyrol region.
Austria
St.Anton am Arlberg — A super lively and fun Après ski culture with the Krazy Kanguruh, MooserWirt and Das Basecamp leading the pack. Fun Fact: St. Anton is the cradle of Alpine skiing.
Ischgl — The notorious party town that spread a certain illness across Europe in 2020. Ischgl is the place where party bunnies go. The Kuhstall and Kitzloch are just two of the many Après ski bars in Ischgl.
Sölden — Another top ski resort in Austria known for glacier skiing and busy Après ski vibes. The Schirmbar and Fire & Ice should be on your list.
Saalbach Hinterglemm — A world-famous ski resort and Après ski culture at its best. The Goaßstall is where you should head to in Hinterglemm, it's a legendary Après Ski bar, not just in Austria, but in Europe.
Switzerland
Zermatt — One of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, where Après Ski is redefined the Swiss way. Stop by at Hennu Stall, Love Cervinia, Papperla Pub, Harry's Ski Bar, for an unforgettable Après Ski vibe.
Verbier — Hip and popular, Verbier is the place to be for all 20 to 40-year-olds. Head to the magnificent Le Rouge, the cool Pub Mont Fort, and the Bar 1936 which comes with a view.
France
Courchevel — The place where the elite hang out in France, and La Folie Douce is probably the most famous Après Ski spot in France. It's an outdoor experience of a different kind, with daily special acts and live DJs.
Val Thorens — A fun nightlife in a prime skiing resort, located in the Trois Vallées, Val Thorens will keep you happy and busy. Once again, La Folie Douce is a highlight here, but you will find plenty of other great Après ski spots as well.
Italy
Courmayeur — The Italian Mont Blanc town has one famous Après Ski spot that you can't skip, and that's the Super G.
Cortina d’Ampezzo — A prestigious ski resort in Italy and a true Après ski party can be experienced at the Chalet Tofane.
Madonna Di Campiglio — While you are on the slopes, stop by at the Chalet Spinale and once you are back in the valley, go to the LAB for the Italian Après Ski experience.
Tips
- You might encounter Après Ski bars in the valleys with an entry fee. That's usually about $10. Moreover, remember, some of these areas in Europe have a tendency to be cash only.
- Think of reserving a table if you are traveling with a larger group of friends, and you want to visit some of the most notorious Après Ski bars.
- Popular Après ski bars near the slopes fill up by 3-4 pm already.
- The most common drinks are Schnapps, herb liqueur (Jägermeister), local beer, wine, mulled wine, Jagertee, cocktails such as Aperol Spritz and long drinks. The drink specialty highly depends on the region!
- Most Après Ski places have snacks and finger foods on the menu, a few are connected to full-fledged restaurants and offer more elaborate choices. The same goes for upscale Après Ski locations.
- Look out for special outdoor concerts to add to your ski resort party bucket list. For example, in Ischgl they organize a concert to start the winter skiing season and one in spring to kick off the spring skiing season. In 2024, they had Ellie Goulding perform for the crowds.
- There is no dressing etiquette at a ski resort, but if you are hanging out in glamorous St. Moritz (Switzerland), Courchevel (France), or Verbier (Switzerland), you will automatically pick attire fit for an upscale ski resort.
- If you are aiming specifically for a ski vacation with Après ski experience, plan a trip to any of the mentioned locations in January or December.
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