For many people apres-ski is as important a part of the ski holiday as the skiing itself. It is about the mood after a day on the slopes, enjoying a cold beer in the sun, dancing on the tables in your ski boots or simply relaxing with a mulled wine on a mountain terrace. The Alps offer all of this and more, from intimate wine bars to mega clubs with international artists.
We have ranked the ten best apres-ski resorts in the Alps based on choice, atmosphere, the number of bars and clubs, and what other skiers say. The list covers resorts in four countries: Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy.
The ten best apres-ski resorts in the Alps
Click a resort for the guide, piste map and booking.
Ischgl
Austria · 239 km pistes
St. Anton
Austria · 305 km pistes
Val Thorens
France · 150 km pistes
Saalbach
Austria · 270 km pistes
Verbier
Switzerland · 215 km pistes
Mayrhofen
Austria · 142 km pistes
Sölden
Austria · 144 km pistes
Méribel
France · 150 km pistes
Obertauern
Austria · 100 km pistes
Chamonix
France · 155 km pistes
Bad Gastein
Austria · 200 km pistes
Zermatt
Switzerland · 200 km pistes
St. Moritz
Switzerland · 155 km pistes
Courmayeur
Italy · 100 km pistes
Madonna di Campiglio
Italy · 60 km pistes
Livigno
Italy · 115 km pistes
Top 10 apres-ski resorts in the Alps
1. Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl is the undisputed apres-ski capital of the Alps. The resort stages annual opening and closing concerts with international artists such as Elton John and Robbie Williams. Trofana Alm and Schatzi Bar are legendary. The apres-ski starts up on the mountain and carries on late into the night in the village's clubs and bars. Ischgl offers 239 km of pistes and a world-class lift system, but it is the mood after skiing that makes the resort unique.
2. St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg is the cradle of alpine skiing and one of the world's best-known apres-ski destinations. Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh are institutions where the party starts at three in the afternoon and the dancing on the tables happens in ski boots. The resort combines world-class skiing in Ski Arlberg (305 km of pistes) with a nightlife few other places can match. The atmosphere is raw, genuine and unforgettable.
3. Val Thorens, France
Europe's highest ski resort (2,300 m) also has some of the continent's best nightlife. La Folie Douce on the mountain is an institution with DJs and dancing crowds from lunchtime onwards. Down in the village the party continues at Malaysia, Underground and O'Neill's. Val Thorens attracts a young, international crowd and the energy is high. The fact that the resort is also part of Les 3 Vallees (600 km of pistes) makes it a complete destination.
4. Saalbach, Austria
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is sometimes called the "Skicircus" and lives up to the name. Hinterhag Alm and Bauer's Schi-Alm on the mountain get things going before the lifts have even closed. In the village, Bobby's Pub, Castello and Mango's draw the biggest crowds. Saalbach offers a perfect balance between serious skiing (270 km of pistes) and lively apres-ski, without being as intense as Ischgl.
5. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is Switzerland's answer to an apres-ski paradise. The resort attracts a sophisticated crowd with bars such as Pub Mont Fort, Le Farinet and Le Rouge. The mood is more elegant than in Austria, but no less festive. Verbier is also one of the world's best freeride destinations with access to the 4 Vallees (410 km). Here professional skiers mix with celebrities and international guests.
6. Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen in the Zillertal is a popular choice for those who want to combine good skiing with lively apres-ski. Ice Bar, Bruck'n Stadl and Scotland Yard Pub are well-known meeting places. The Snowbombing festival, an annual music festival in April, has made Mayrhofen famous far beyond the ski world. The Penken area offers Europe's steepest groomed run (Harakiri, 78 per cent gradient).
7. Solden, Austria
Solden in the Otztal is known for its glacier skiing and its intense nightlife. Fire & Ice, Bierhimml and Philipp Bar are the central meeting points. The resort became famous through the James Bond film Spectre and the alpine World Cup opener held here every October. With pistes up to 3,340 m and three peaks above 3,000 m, the skiing is as impressive as the party.
8. Meribel, France
Meribel is the most British-influenced part of Les 3 Vallees, and the apres-ski shows it. La Folie Douce Meribel at Rond-Point is a party in itself. Down in the village you will find Barometer, Jack's Bar and O'Sullivans. The mood is relaxed but lively. Meribel is also an excellent base for exploring the whole Les 3 Vallees system with its 600 km of pistes.
9. Obertauern, Austria
Obertauern is Austria's most snow-sure resort (1,740 m) and has a lively apres-ski scene that is often underrated. Lurzer Alm and Hochalm on the mountain start the party, and in the village Grublalm and Monkey's Heaven take over. The Beatles stayed in Obertauern in 1965 to film Help!, and the musical tradition lives on with live bands and DJs.
10. Chamonix, France
Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc offers a unique apres-ski experience. The town has a more urban feel than other ski resorts, with a wide choice of bars, restaurants and shops. Chambre Neuf, Jekyll & Hyde and MBC (Micro Brasserie de Chamonix) are popular meeting places. Chamonix attracts a mix of extreme skiers, mountaineers and tourists, which gives it an exciting, international atmosphere.
Apres-ski by country
Austria: world-class apres-ski
Austria is the obvious choice for apres-ski enthusiasts. Apres-ski is deeply rooted in the country's ski culture, from simple Jagertee served at mountain huts to full-scale nightclub experiences. The best-known party resorts are Ischgl, St. Anton and Saalbach. Less famous resorts such as Bad Gastein and Solden also offer really good nightlife. Prices for beer and drinks are generally reasonable compared with Switzerland and France.
France: La Folie Douce and much more
France has grown as an apres-ski destination in recent years, largely thanks to the La Folie Douce concept found in several resorts. Val Thorens leads the league with a young, international crowd. Meribel and Chamonix offer a more sophisticated apres-ski. French resorts combine the party with excellent food and wine, a different experience from the Austrian version.
Switzerland: elegant apres-ski
Verbier is the clear winner in Switzerland, with an international and festive atmosphere. Zermatt offers cosy wine bars with views of the Matterhorn. St. Moritz has a more exclusive apres-ski scene. Prices in Switzerland are the highest in the Alps, but the quality of food and drink is consistently high.
Italy: aperitivo on the piste
Italian apres-ski is more about good food and wine than wild partying. Courmayeur and Madonna di Campiglio offer an elegant aperitivo culture. Livigno has the liveliest nightlife thanks to its duty-free status. The Dolomites offer charming rifugios (mountain huts) with fantastic food and regional wine.
Tips for the best apres-ski experience
- Book close to the centre. The apres-ski bars are central. A hotel near the main street saves taxis and makes getting home easy.
- Start early. The best moments are often between 3 and 6 pm when everyone comes off the slopes at the same time. The mountain bars close around 5 pm.
- Carry cash. Many bars in Austria prefer cash, especially the smaller places.
- Travel as a group. Apres-ski is most fun with company. Many resorts offer group deals on hotels and lift passes.
- Avoid the half-term weeks (the weeks vary by council) if you want lower prices. January and March offer the same party at a lower cost.
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Ready to book a ski holiday with really good apres-ski? See accommodation with lift pass included in the best party resorts in the Alps.
See all ski holidaysFrequently asked questions about apres-ski
Ischgl in Austria is widely regarded as having the best apres-ski in the Alps. The resort is known for its big open-air bars, international DJs and concerts. St. Anton and Val Thorens are also in the very top tier.
Yes, many resorts offer family-friendly apres-ski with live music, hot chocolate and cosy restaurants. Saalbach and Meribel have a good mix of family atmosphere and party.
Prices vary. In Austria a beer costs 4 to 7 euros, in France 6 to 9 euros and in Switzerland 7 to 12 CHF. Ischgl and St. Anton are at the upper end for Austria.
Apres-ski usually starts around 3 to 4 pm when the lifts close. In popular resorts such as Ischgl and St. Anton the party can begin as early as lunchtime at the mountain bars along the pistes.
Yes, Val Thorens, Meribel and Chamonix have a lively apres-ski scene. Val Thorens is known as France's most party-friendly ski resort with bars such as La Folie Douce and Malaysia.