Must 'go's for Après ski in Europe
For some people’s ski holiday the après-ski is the same if not more important than the skiing itself. We have hand-picked our favourite resorts for a lively après-ski that is sure to get your ski boots tingling! So if you prefer to stumble rather than ski back to your catered ski chalet check out one of these resorts.
Zermatt, Switzerland
If you opt for a ski holiday in Zermatt you will not be disappointed. Zermatt is renowned for being one of the liveliest resorts in the Alps and for the quality of its après-ski. There are a wide range of bars; Papperla Pub, the Brown Cow Pub and Nelly’s bar or you could head to Hotel Pollux or The Hotel Poste for late-night drinking and dancing. The younger crowd tend to head to the Schneewittchen while Vernissage boasts a cinema/lounge with a twist, they have an interval in which a meal in served, and a bar/nightclub. Another great thing about Zermatt is their non-electric festival, Zermatt Unplugged, which takes place in at the end of April each year. The 2012 festival will run from 17th to 21st April.
St Anton, Austria
Austria leads the way when it comes to fantastic après-ski, St Anton is renowned for its wild après-ski , most people will find themselves in a piste-side bar by 3:30pm. The Moosewirt, which has a big deck for sunny days and Krazy Kangaruh are too of the most popular bars, both on the home run back to the resort. There is also the Anton bar situated at the bottom of the slopes for those after a quieter drink. Early evening everyone tends to head to a number of bars in the pedestrian are and for those who want to party the night away can do so in Kandahar, which is open until 6am.
Val d’Isere, France
Ski holidays in Val d’Isere, which is one of the best ski resorts in the world, also boasts one of the best nightlife’s in the Alps. A great place to start is at La Folie Douce bar which is self-styled the “highest club in Europe”, it was very popular with the younger skier where you can jump around on tables in your ski boots to live funk, soul and dance from early afternoon, it’s probably best to ride the gondola down after an afternoon of drinking. The extensive menu of cocktails at Victors make it one of the more popular venues with the party starting early and for those who want to boogie until the sun comes up Dick’s Tea Bar is the place to go.
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Ski holidays in Andorra may not be the first to spring to mind when the word après-ski is mentioned but in recent years Pas de la Casa has become famous for its après-ski it is not a resort for those who want a quiet or early night. It is a popular resort with young people due to its excellent value for money, free shots and loud music. With a huge array of six nightclubs and 30 bars to choose from there is something for everyone and most of them are open until the sun comes up. Milwaukee’s three hour ‘happy hour’ is a favourite with many.