Not that we like encouraging any time off the slopes, we must admit there is nothing nicer than ending the day with a vin chaud or taking down the toffee vodka (whatever floats your boat). So here’s our Pure Powder take on the best après ski bars in the Alps all worth a visit this Winter. We, of course, accept absolutely no responsibility for your state at the end of it:
St Anton – The Mooserwirt
Effortlessly outshining its rival après haunt, the Krazy Kanguruh, the huge sundeck at the Mooserwirt lures the punters in by the hundreds. Believe what you hear about après ski in Austria– these guys can do it as good if not better than anyone. It may be 4pm when you arrive, but step inside and it’s like you’ve walked into a nightclub at 2am with music pumping and beer flowing. Dancing on the tables is the order of the day and even though it closes at 8pm (when you can go home, have dinner and then sleep), it is said to sell more beer than any other bar in Austria. Just follow the sounds of booming Euro music to find it…
Val D’Isere – La Folie Douce
Rightly coined the most infamous après-ski bar in the Espace, La Folie Douce boasts a vast terrace, overflowing with skiers and boarders dancing and drinking in the afternoon sun. The live music and drumming descending from the roof tops ensures a truly atmospheric and enjoyable end to the day.
Verbier – Farinet
It is not hard to see why the Farinet is second to none in the après-stakes. With its prominent position overlooking the main square and of course the infamous roof which slides open, it’s no wonder its competitors don’t get a look in. And that’s even without mentioning the live band performances every single day of the season… Be warned, there’s no such thing as ‘just one quick drink’ when you step into the Farinet…
Meribel – Rond Point
Known for its fantastic sun deck and live music, Rond Point is always popular with the seasonaire crowd and definitely the only on-piste après-ski bar in Meribel worth mentioning. Just beware of the legendary toffee vodka which is only sold by the bottle and ensures even the more advanced skiers a wobbly last run home.
Chamonix – Chambre Neuf
One of Chamonix’s liveliest partying and après ski spots. Despite its inherently French name, the bar has an undeniable Scandinavian feel to it. Local cover band the Bilboas always gets the crowd going. Get there early for a table, grab a pitcher (or two) and absorb the unique fusion of punters and locals.
Zermatt – the Hennustall (Chicken hut)
This piste-side bar is a must when you are skiing down into Zermatt (from the Glacier side). It’s temptingly close to the side of the piste and is the liveliest après venue in Zermatt. Be sure to go on a sunny afternoon, when the live band entertain the throngs of skiers on the terrace and the Schneider Weisse and Jaeger bombs start flowing! Just don’t forget, you still have to put your skis back on when you’re done.
Have we missed out your favourite après venue? Comment on the blog below and let us know where to head to this Winter! Or if après ski bars aren’t your cup of tea, contact us for off piste skiing and resort skiing information!