Apres is one of the best parts of skiing holidays, offering a chance to relax after a day on the slopes. There’s no set way to enjoy this time, with different countries and resorts offering unique takes on tradition.
Whether your idea of a good time is drinking in a lively bar or warming up over a pot of fondue, our guide spells out the top destinations for apres ski.
The Alpine Classics: Val d’Isère and St. Anton
Val d’Isère, in the French Alps near the Italian border, is home to Dick’s Tea Bar, one of the biggest nightclubs in the region. Apres runs from 4 to 10 pm, featuring board games, hot chocolate, and bear pong, followed by performances from the After Dinner Club’s live violin and saxophone musicians.
The nightclub then opens with its celebrated resident DJ from 1 pm until close. St. Anton in the Tyrolean Alps is famed for its role in developing alpine skiing and its lively apres-scene.
By 4 pm, hundreds of skiers pack into Mooserwirt and Krazy Kangaruh, standing on tables and stamping their boots to the booming speakers. Mooserwirt is popular for live German cover bands, while Kangargu’s in-house DJ Party Hard plays a wide range of music on the open-air dance floor.
High-Altitude Hotspots: Verbier and Val Thorens
Verbier in Switzerland’s Valais Canton caters to nightlife lovers and those seeking a more civilised evening. It boasts high-end luxury hotels like the Experimental Chalet Verbier, which is home to a swanky cocktail bar. Al Capone Wine Bar, next to the Savoleyres gondola, offers panoramic views from the terrace and an impressive wine list to sample.
Val Thorens Skir Resort is uniquely positioned as Europe’s highest ski resort. It has over 40 bars and three nightclubs, giving it the reputation as ‘the dancefloor on top of the world.’ La Folie Deuce’s mix of electro, house, rock, soul, and funk makes for intense partying at 2600m.
Budget-Friendly Options: Sauze d’Oulx and Livigno
These Italian resorts offer excellent value for money without compromising on the quality of their skiing or nightlife. Bar Sacco Matto in Sauze d’Oulx serves English breakfasts, a rarity in Italy, to help you recover from the night before. It also offers a very reasonably priced menu after you get off the slopes.
Livigno’s Stale is a large, vibrant area located near the Carosello 3000 San Rocco gondola, renowned for its lively atmosphere and themed events. This dynamic locale is a hub for both skiing enthusiasts and those seeking entertainment and culture.
Te de Vidal is an excellent spot to experience the famous Italian Bombardino, a warm, comforting drink that’s perfect for the chilly winter days and adds a touch of festive cheer. Milky’s Aperitivo Bar is another gem in the area, celebrated for its cozy ambiance and delightful aperitivo bites.
It’s the ideal place to unwind with friends, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy a drink and savor delicious snacks. Whether you’re enjoying a hot drink or just soaking in the atmosphere, Stale is a must-visit hotspot in Livigno.
