The World's Best Après Ski | Ski Bars

By Andrew Sachs
Like the nineteenth hole of a golf course, the après ski can be, for many, the best part of the ski experience.  "Après ski" is French for "after-ski" aka the after-ski party!  If you like to party as much as you like the slopes, choosing a resort with a good après ski scene will be high on your list of priorities. Whether you like to ski the advanced trails, snowboard the lower slopes or are an absolute novice to winter sports don’t miss out on the sheer abandon and fun of a world class après ski.

So, where are the best ones?

 Krazy Kanguruh

St. Anton, Austria

Located in this popular Austrian resort, right next to the slopes, the bar has just about the best après ski atmosphere you are likely to find. Things start to get lively from as early as mid-afternoon in the season and most people simply turn up fresh from the slopes in their ski clothing. Head toward the Galzig ski lift and be prepared to party. As of January 2013, Krazy Kangaruh has launched Jägermeister themed parties so you can expect shots to be delivered directly to your table. The food served is simple and hearty fare but reasonably priced. DJs take over in the evening and a good place to hang out is the sun terrace as the sun goes down. Providing a great après ski since 1965 this party palace looks set to continue for years to come.

Hotel Post 

Zermatt, Switzerland

This Swiss resort is situated in the German speaking part of the country in the canton of Valais. The whole area may seem a little stiff to newcomers as it is packed with high rollers attracted by the casino and restaurants. Nevertheless, the après ski scene is not formal at all. The Broken Bar club is probably the most legendary club in the Alps and it is frequented by younger skiers looking for a night-long party. If you like live music as well, there are a couple of venues that cater for different genres. Pink Live Music Bar often has a blend of soul, funk, jazz and R&B, so head there for good times that go on until at least 2am.

Smithy’s Tavern 

Les Deux Alpes, France 

This French bar has a pub-like atmosphere and is now firmly established as the trendy place to dine and party in the resort. It looks just like an authentic Alpine chalet from the exterior, but don’t be fooled. Inside, there is a huge bar and a restaurant that covers two floors. The restaurant and bar games, like foosball and pool, are the mainstay of the scene until mid evening when the party atmosphere really takes off. Expect rock music, pumping DJs and plenty of mulled wine to get the crowd going.

Trofana Alm 

Ischgl, Austria

Another Austrian après ski favorite, the Trofana Alm is a restaurant and bar which serves traditional alpine cuisine and great pizzas. The whole resort seems to take après ski even more seriously than the skiing itself. It will be hard to go wrong if you are seeking a place to party in Ischgl, but for the more intrepid Trofana Alm has it all. Expect a noisy, not to say boisterous, atmosphere of tightly packed bodies. Everyone seems to be drinking hard or singing loudly. Don’t stop in for a soda.

Dick’s Tea Bar 

Val d’Isère, France

This French resort is synonymous with après ski. Opened in 1979, Dick’s Tea Bar is one of the best venues for a party you could find in the whole country, let alone ski resorts. The bar opens at 4pm everyday so head straight there from the slopes. Dick’s offers an unrivalled combination of live music, DJs and a nightclub like atmosphere that takes over in the later evening, into the early hours.

Whether you are an advanced skier or a novice, don’t miss out on the after party!  Pick one of these resorts with an infamously lively après ski scene for your next ski trip and you won’t be disappointed.

This article is by VIP SKI, the leading experts in luxury ski holidays, with luxury accommodation options throughout the Alps including everything from hotels in St Anton to chalets in Val d'Isere.

   

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