The best places to ski in Europe are perfect combinations of world-class skiing and decadent après ski. Europe is home to some of the most glamorous and sophisticated après ski resorts in the world - be it in France, Austria, or Switzerland. These destinations pair adrenaline-fueled days on the slopes with nights of champagne, live music, and top-notch dining.
We have curated this list of the best après ski resorts in Europe that will perfectly cater to even the most discerning traveller. From chic ski resorts in the Swiss Alps to glitzy ski villages in France, these destinations are sure to exceed your expectations.
What is après ski like in Europe?
Après ski is a french term that translates to ‘after ski’, but don’t let that fool you. In Europe, après ski is anything but an afterthought. Europeans know how to balance a day on the slopes with a night of revelry - and they do it with style. The best ski resorts in Europe for nightlife hold unique après ski scenes that offer something for everyone.
Europe is home to some of the most picturesque and charming ski destinations in the world, and its après ski scene is no exception. Across The Alps, you will find a diverse array of luxury ski resorts that each provide their own après ski vibe.
Best après ski resorts in France
As après ski is a french term, it only makes sense that France is one of the top après ski locations in the world. Here, après ski can be either upscale or laid-back, from elegant wine bars to chic ski bistros - a perfect pairing of cosy mountain atmosphere with lively après ski bars. Here are some of our favourites with the best après ski Europe has to offer.
Image Source: La Folie Douce
Val d'Isère, France
Starting off strong, Val d’Isere is well known as one of the best ski resorts in Europe for nightlife and some serious partying. From legendary bars, such as Le Signal and the original La Folie Douce to the luxury gourmet cuisine, you will find a more upscale après ski experience in Val d'Isère. There is a glamorous, buzzing atmosphere, with daily entertainment and live music with professional DJs, cabaret dancers, heated terraces, and tabletop dancing. This dazzling après ski is not one to miss.
Best known for: Original après ski glamour and luxurious partying.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Dick’s Tea Bar - a staple of the Val d'Isère nightlife for 30 years and a legendary location for dancing the night away.
Val Thorens, France
At an impressive 2,300 m, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe with an après ski scene that is just as impressive as its skiing. This modern and sophisticated ski village is known for its vibrant and upbeat après ski atmosphere, with a host of luxury chalets and hotels that bring the party up a notch. At the end of a long day on the slopes, Val Thorens sparks to life with some of the best après ski scenes in Europe - from quirky and buzzing bars to late-night clubs.
Start the party early at the highest pub in Europe (the Frog and Roast Beef) or race down one of the two zip lines available with stunning views of Val Thorens. Val Thorens has something for everyone and is the perfect destination for party-loving skiers.
Best known for: Legendary nightlife and being the highest party town in Europe.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Subterranean clubbing at Malaysia - the largest nightclub in the Alps and located completely underground.
Méribel, France
After a long day on the mountain, there's nothing better than kicking back with a hot toddy and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Méribel's après ski scene. This iconic Three Valley resort is one of the best ski resorts for partying, with a stunning mountain backdrop, sun-drenched terraces, and an alluring Alpine nightlife. Cosy up on a plush armchair at La Chaudanne and enjoy the open fire with a glass of wine. If you’re in a more energetic mood, party it up with resident DJs at Sully’s Bar and Nightclub.
Best known for: Live music and sunny afternoons.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Folie Deuce - a lively bar with tabletop dancing, stunning mountain views, and the ultimate party mood.
Morzine, France
With true-to-type French charm and a vibrant aprés ski atmosphere, Morzine is the ultimate winter getaway. This luxury ski resort is located within the vast expanse of the Portes du Soleil ski region, one of the largest ski areas in the world. Here, aprés starts early and in one of the many mountain bars with a mug of Mutzig, a strong local beer that is sure to get the party started.
Best known for: Quintessential French town with an authentic party-mountain vibe.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: The Cavern - the place to be if you’re looking for a bustling late-night bar, live music, shots, and even fancy dress!
Explore our luxury ski accommodation in France for more.
Best après ski resorts in Austria
In Austria, après ski is more traditional, with rustic mountain huts serving up delicious local dishes such as schnitzel, dumplings, and sausages. These are served along with beer, schnapps, and the ever-delicious glühwein (mulled wine). The atmosphere is festive and energetic, with locals joining in the fun just as much as the tourists.
Image Source: Mooserwirt
St. Anton, Austria
The most popular spot by far for aprés ski in Austria is St. Anton. This ski resort is lively, diverse, and unforgettable. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or an all-night party, you're sure to find it in this legendary ski town. The slopeside parties are raucous, with open-air bars where you can enjoy a cool beer and dance to live music, such as Krazy Kanguruh. The luxury chalets and hotels in St. Anton elevate the après and take it up a notch with state-of-the-art swimming pools and luxurious spa facilities.
Best known for: Outstanding skiing and even better partying.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Mooserwirt - another open-air bar with pumping music and classic German servers carrying double-stacked trays of giant beer steins.
Ischgl, Austria
Located on the Austrian-Swiss border, Ischgl is renowned for its lively après-ski scene that comes alive at night with an array of bars and clubs that don’t stop the party till the sun comes up. You can expect dancing on tables and giant beers at the Kuhstall, a hopping bar found at the bottom of the ski slopes. For those looking for a more snug atmosphere, the Trofana Alm is a must-visit. This luxurious mountain hut boasts a classic Austrian interior complete with plush seating, cosy fireplaces, and cliched German singing and dancing.
Best known for: Being a 24/7 party town with a classic German/Austrian atmosphere.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Ice Bar at the Hotel Madlein - made entirely out of ice and snow, and even the glasses!
Explore luxury chalets and hotels in Austria for more.
Best après ski in Switzerland
In the Swiss Alps, après ski is a sophisticated affair, with glitzy cocktails bars and stunning restaurants serving up gourmet cuisine. Switzerland is home to some of the world's most iconic ski resorts and their après-ski scene is just as legendary. With a reputation for wild and luxurious high-end experiences, our favourite luxury ski resort for the best après ski is Verbier.
Image source: Farinet Hotel (Après Ski)
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is famous for some of the best après ski in the Swiss Alps, and guests travel in from all over the world to experience the vibrant nightlife, incredible skiing, and some of the best mountain views. The après ski in Verbier truly has something for everyone, be it enjoying a sun-soaked terrace or a champagne-soaked dance party at Farinet’s The Lounge. For a more sophisticated bar to wind down the Farm Club offers an elegant yet quirky ambience, taking you dancing into the small hours of the morning.
Best known for: Stunning mountain views and après indulgence.
Oxford Ski Company recommends: Checking out the run of après bars located off the Meridan lift and down to the Place Centrale.
With plenty of apres ski resorts across Europe, our luxe collection won’t disappoint. Oxford Ski Company have experience and expertise in finding the best après ski resorts the Alps has to offer. Explore our collection of luxury ski chalets and hotels for more inspiration, read our guide: The most luxurious ski resorts in the world.
