No European ski holiday would be complete without après-ski. After all, there’s no better way to wind down from a long day on the mountain than with a frosty beer on a sun-soaked terrace. But what does après-ski actually mean? And where is the best place to indulge in this end-of-the-day tradition?
Here’s our pick of the best après-ski resorts in Europe that are easily accessible by train.
What does après-ski mean?
The term après-ski literally means ‘after ski’ in French. The phrase was coined in the Alps during the 1950s to describe socializing after a day skiing. Today, it’s synonymous with the raucous party scene that kicks off every afternoon in many European ski resorts. France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria boast an array of mountainside bars, attracting skiers fresh off the hill, looking for an ice-cold beer and boot-stomping tunes from 4pm.
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How does après-ski differ in Europe versus America?
Sinking a cold one after skiing is popular across the globe. However, European skiers have earned a reputation for ramping things up with full-blown parties on the slopes by mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, in the US, there’s less afternoon drinking and more of a late-night bar scene. It’s also worth noting that in Europe, there’s no need to go back to your hotel or apartment to change; you’ll find plenty of folk heading straight from the slopes to the dance floor in ski boots and salopettes.
The best après-ski destination in France
Val d’Isère, France
Closest station: Bourg-St-Maurice
Val d’Isère is renowned for its legendary après-ski scene. Crowds gather at the infamous La Folie Douce from 3pm. Expect revelers dancing on the tables to live music long before sundown. Clip back into your skis and schuss down to town for happy hour at La Bananas from 6:30pm. Order a lethal “Freestyle” cocktail, if you can handle it, or head to lively Cocorico for a beer on the enormous deck. Finish your night at Dick’s Tea Bar. Doors open at 10:30pm with the resident DJ pumping out tunes daily until 5am.
Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Val D'Isère, France
The best après-ski destination in Switzerland
Verbier, Switzerland
Closest station: Le Châble
Verbier is known as a snowy playground for the rich and famous, but it’s also one of the best après-ski resorts in Europe. Head to Le Rouge, a snow-capped mountain bar where seasonaires rub shoulders with fur-clad celebrities. At lunchtime, it has a refined feel, perfect for sipping rosé in the alpine sunshine. By 3:30pm, the terrace is usually filled with hordes of skiers, sporting dodgy goggle tans, ready to dance to Ibiza-style beats. Back in town, head to Farinet Après. This legendary watering hole was named the best après-ski bar in the world by British consumers' association Which?. It’s a must-visit for live music fans with bands taking to the stage every night.
The best après-ski destination in Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Closest station: St. Anton am Arlberg
There’s nowhere quite like St. Anton when it comes to après-ski. The Austrian ski resort has a worldwide reputation for its high-altitude party scene, complete with piste-side oompah bars and late-night clubs. Start at the MooserWirt, the largest bar on the mountain. You can’t miss its sun-drenched terrace, packed with rowdy revelers singing along to “Mr. Brightside”. Alternatively, head to the Krazy Kanguruh. Since 1965, it’s been at the heart of St. Anton’s iconic après scene with its open-air dancefloor and sweeping mountain views. If you’re lucky, you might spot the owner, two-time world champion skier Mario Matt.
Image Credit: Getty Images
The best après-ski destination in Italy
Sauze d'Oulx, Italy
Closest station: Oulx
Back in the 1980s, Sauze d'Oulx earned the nickname ‘Boozy Sauze’, thanks to beer-fueled Brits dominating the après-ski scene. Nowadays, it’s more civilized but still boasts a lively array of mountainside bars, aperitivo spots and clubs. Soak up the last rays of sunshine with an Aperol spritz outside Assietta, just 100 yards from the Via Lattea ski lift. Or pull up a bar stool at Caffè della Seggiovia, where wine lovers can sip on Italian vino, including local favorite Barolo. Don’t leave without a visit to Ghost Bar, where crowd-pleasing tunes and cocktails keep flowing until 4am every night.
Get there by train
If we have you inspired to drink in the mountain air and a couple of drinks, download the Trainline App today to find the fastest trains to these Alpine destinations. And for more inspiration check out our article on Europe's best snowboarding and our pick of the best European ski resorts.
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