8 Top Ski Resorts with the Best Après

Merlins Apres at the base of Blackcomb

Apres at the base of Blackcomb – ©Mike Crane

For many people, après is just as important as the skiing. The perfect end to a long day skiing is to sit with a pint and enjoy the sunshine or hit the dance floor with some of the best tunes around. We have put a list together of the top resorts for après and the most popular spots within each resort. Take note and make sure you get the best out of your ski holiday. Here are some of the top ski resorts that provide the best après ski.

1. Tignes

The Underground Bar in Tignes is a must for après, known for the cheap beverages and fun drinking games. Whilst having a much-needed drink, you can also catch live sports and enjoy the French alpine vibe.

The next great spot is Loop Bar, situated at the bottom of the Rosset and Trolles pistes. Here, you can catch the last of the sun before it hides behind the mountains and immerse yourself in the live entertainment. Popular amongst holidaymakers and seasonaires; you know the atmosphere will be on point.

Grizzly’s Bar isn’t the cheapest, however the North American log cabin theme makes up for it! It is based at the bottom of the slopes in Val Claret, with a sun terrace and fire pits to warm up the feet after a day of skiing.

If you like a mix of electronic, hip-hop and drum and bass, then you should head to Melting Pot. Based underground, the venue is jumping most nights up until close at 5pm with great drinks promotions and cool lighting to get you in the mood.

2. Alpe d’Huez

One of the most well-known après spots in Alpe d’Huez is La Folie Douce, which can be accessed by skiers and snowboarders via the Marmotte 1 chairlift. Whilst skiing down to Folie, you can feel the buzz from the live music and most famously, the saxophone. Join in on tabletop dancing from early to late afternoon.

Based in the centre of town with reasonably priced drinks, live sports and music is the Underground Bar. This is run by Brits with a London Underground theme and snowboards decorating the roof.

You can dance all night long at L’Igloo, which is located under Smithy’s Tavern and is open until 5:30 am. Drinks are expensive so your best to leave this spot until last.

3. Avoriaz

In Avoriaz check out Le Shooters which is all about the shots, shots and more shots. From 50 different flavours to choose from and happy hour in the early afternoon, you can expect there will be a party atmosphere.

Another great option is La Place, with live music every afternoon and evening. There are often local events such as the Jazz Festival.
Situated in the centre of Avoriaz on the main street is La Tavaillon. This is a British style pub, with an outside heated terrace and well-priced drinks – perfect for a chilled après vibe.

Apres ski bar in Avoriaz ©Virginie Dupé Avoriaz Tourisme

Apres ski bar in Avoriaz ©Virginie Dupé Avoriaz Tourisme

4. Val Thorens

Top of the list yet again is La Folie Douce – the hottest and highest après bar in Val Thorens. Make sure you don’t miss out on the toffee vodka and funky house music.

Bar 360 attracts many young people, with its ideal location and large terrace. Kicking off around 3pm, you can soak up the last of the sun and enjoy the live music up until the early hours of the morning.

Difficult to ski past due to location and the crowd is La Saloon Bar. Stay there from pm to am and enjoy happy hour and the banging tunes.
One nightclub you can’t miss out on is Malaysia. This club is the largest nightclub in the Alps and has hosted many famous DJs such as Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Chase & Status and many more.

5. Val d’Isère

Wind down after a long day skiing in Val d’Isère by heading to the Cocorico, situated above the Olympic gondola. The live music begins most afternoons around 3pm, where they often play a range of well-known covers. There is an outdoor terrace with heaters to warm up, and later on a DJ will take over and ramp up the music until 8pm.

One of the best and biggest clubs in the French Alps and a name you will hear on repeat is Dick’s Tea Bar. 11pm is when the place transforms from a popular bar and restaurant into the place to go once all the bars are closed.

La Petit Danois is a popular spot amongst seasonaires, younger Brits and Scandinavian holidaymakers. The pub-style venue is great for pub grub and also features live music six days a week. Happy hour is between 4-7pm, where you will get a free shot with every drink purchased.

6. St Anton

If you are looking for the most famous après bar in St Anton, then you should check out Mooserwirt. Just imagine dancing on the tables to cheesy music from 3pm, whilst beer and Jägermeister flow freely. It is no wonder this is a main attraction.

Krazy Kanguruh is one of the best après bars, where the staff and guests party hard from 10am to 8pm. Just make sure you’re prepared for the ski down to your accommodation.

A seasonaire favourite is Scotty’s. There is happy hour every day with a wide selection of cocktails as well as table football to keep you entertained. This is a great place to relax after a long day skiing.

Apres-Ski at the Mooserwirt, St Anton am Arlberg

Apres-Ski at the Mooserwirt, St Anton am Arlberg

7. Mayrhofen

High up in the mountains at Mayrhofen and at the top of the Penken cable cars (runs until 5pm) is Pilzbar. With an umbrella bar and terrace, this is an excellent place to start the celebrations.

If you want to let your hair down, then Bruck n Stadl is the perfect après bar for you. This is where the Snowbombing festival kicks off, showcasing some of the world’s best DJs.

There’s always something going on at Mo’s, which is both a café and music bar. People from all over the world visit, coming together to listen to the cheesy music. If you are looking for a quiet beer, then this is not the place – energy levels are very high.

8. Whistler

A little bit further afield, but 100% worth it is Whistler, Canada. As one of the top ski resorts in the world, there are many après spots, catered to suit every mood and vibe.

Visit the most historic après bar in Whistler, which opened in 1965 called Dusty’s Bar and BBQ. Here, you can enjoy live music and a delicious menu centred around BBQ.

If you are a fan of beer, you should go to BrewHouse. With a large selection of craft beers, bitters and lagers brewed onsite, you will never go thirsty. If you really want to get involved and learn more about the selection of beer, they do brewery tours.

Longhorn Saloon & Grill has been the most popular après bar for 25 years. There are daily deals such as Tequila Tuesday and Friday Weekend Wine’d Up, so you will certainly save some pennies. Situated at the bottom of Whistler mountain, skiers and snowboarders don’t need to go far to get their first drink.


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 Ryan Chitty

  Ski Specialist

0208 600 1678

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8 Top Ski Resorts with the Best Après