Apres Ski Holidays
What’s a ski holiday without a bit of après ski? After a full day of shredding the slopes, there’s hardly a better way to end the day than with some après ski fun. From table-top dancing in your ski boots at slope parties to jamming nightclubs that stay open all night, the stage is set and has it all. Whether you’re there for the music, the social vibe, or just to unwind with other thrill-seekers, après-ski is where unforgettable ski memories are made. So, strap in (or unstrap those skis), grab a drink, and let’s explore some of the best après-ski scenes right now!
The term "après ski" first appeared in the 1950s, and while it literally means "after ski," it’s used as a term to encapsulate the fun and merry-making in the resort once the lifts close and the day’s skiing is done. These days, the party kicks off way earlier—usually around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. It starts in the bars, then cranks up with live music and DJ sets blasting from balconies or terraces. But don’t get the wrong idea—après ski isn’t just about wild parties. It’s about those feel-good moments: swapping stories about your best runs (or epic wipeouts), sharing laughs with your mates, and soaking up the jaw-dropping mountain views as the sun sets.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your dancing shoes (or ski boots), and let’s explore the best après ski scene that make Alps the ultimate destination for post-ski celebrations!
Après Ski Holiday Deals
Val Thorens
Officially recognised as the highest resort in Europe, party goers in Val Thorens can claim to have partied at the top of the world! (not really... but you sort of get the idea). Certainly the highest point of the Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens offers one of the après ski experiences and there is absolutely no question about it. It has rightfully earned its reputation as the heart and soul of the party in the Three Valleys let alone the French alps and is host to some of the best ski parties in the region.
Located on Plein Sud in Val Thorens, is La Foile Douce, a leading provider in ski holiday entertainment services from haute cuisine to events and entertainment. With a credible reputation that precedes them, Foile Douce brings the party to Val Thorens; with live DJ sets featuring internationally reputed DJ’s, live parties, costume parades amongst many. Other après ski attractions include Bar 360 which hosts “Europe's Highest Party” at 2368m altitude all ski season long. Bar 360’s parties get increasingly livelier, glamorous and daring with each passing year. Still on a high note, The Frog and Roast beef also lays claim to be the highest located pub in Europe. You can always expect a vibrant holiday atmosphere here with a taste of traditional English hospitality albeit all the way up in the French Alps.
Down at the resort center, there is a great deal of more après ski to sink your teeth into. Dicks Tea Bar and the Danish Saloon Bar are other very notable attractions that are open into the early hours however, Le Malaysia is the nightclub to be at for an all night party. Located at the center of the resort and accessible via an unsuspecting tiny hut that serves as a gateway to a huge underground club and dance floor below. It is an infamous club and has been host to renowned DJ’s and music artists such as Rudimental, Calvin Harris and Chase & Status. Val Thorens is without a doubt one of the best party ski resorts in Europe.
Val d'Isère
A very highly rated ski resort for its après ski events and atmosphere,Val d'Isère is particularly favoured amongst British visitors. Known for its gorgeous surroundings, Val d’Isere holds the reputation of being one the regions most beautiful resorts; its also holds the reputation of being the party central of the Rhone Alp region. The original home of the famed La Folie Douce, Val d'Isère is also home to dozens of bars, restaurants and other night spots all bursting with a lively après ski vibe. La Foile Douce usually gets the “Folie fun” party starting in the late afternoon which carries on into early evening. By the time everyone is down from the slopes, they have a very good selection of bars and clubs to carry on partying at Val d'Isère’s center. There is always a party atmosphere at Cocorico, a popular bar which features live music and Dj sets. Additional popular well known bars for an awesome après ski evening include Bananas, Le Petit Danois, Brillon de la Rosee Blanche, Pacific Bar and Blue Note. Families with young children are not left out of the fun though. There is a bowling alley located at the Hotel Les Barmes de L’Ours which is a favorite among young children and families. There is also the Centre Aquasportif; an aqua leisure centre located at the resort center featuring indoor swimming pools for adults and children as well as other water sports and games. In addition to the family-friendly après ski, Val d'Isère also has an ice skating rink and a cinema.
Meribel
Méribel is your typical party ski resort with a great selection of infamous bars, restaurants and nightclubs for a memorable après ski night. If you are after loud music, dancing, and a continuous party atmosphere, Méribel is your forte. The après ski in Méribel centers mainly around British themed bars and live music sets and as such, this is what makes it one of the favoured après ski destinations in the region.
Just like Val Thornes and Val d'Isère, Méribel is also home to La Foile Douce so visitors at the resort do not have to feel left out of all the fun just yet; it is still possible yet to enjoy and be part of some Foile fun in Méribel. Méribel is also home to Le Rond Point, a very welcoming après ski bar and restaurant which is open from 9am everyday with coffees and breakfast until later in the evening when it ends with jamming DJ sets and live music. A favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, Le Rond Point promises a fantastic food menu during the day and a ‘crazy’ après ski night on the slopes. Jacks Bar offers a similar proposition as La Foile Douce and Le Rond Point with terrace partying beginning in the late afternoon with live music sets featuring house music acts. There are themed nights such as Beat the Boss and Stock Market featuring great deals and offers on drinks for the evening. Jacks Bar also occasionally features stand up comics mostly from the UK and almost always leaving guests rolling over with laughter. Jacks Bar also has satellite television so you can be rest assured that you would not miss any major sporting events happening.
Away from the raucous parties and loud music, L'Abreuvoir, a rustic French lounge offers a more mellow atmosphere and thus a different après ski experience for people looking for a bit of a change. It has built a reputation for being the most sophisticated lounge in Méribel. Whilst it has a chilled out atmosphere, it does get respectfully louder as the night progresses. Other well known popular après ski attractions in Méribel include Scotts Bar, La Taverne; both bars are frequented for post après ski drinks before either calling it a night or proceeding to a nightclub.
Avoriaz and Morzine
This Portes du Soliel duo are most certainly upping their après ski game and are fast building an après ski reputation in their own right. The infamous La Foile Douce lay their stamp of approval on Avoriaz and have opened there recently. Add this to the Rock The Piste event in March( which has so far featured live music appearances from The Klaxons and BabyShambles) and you have a bubbling atmosphere. Morzine also has a steadily growing après ski atmosphere. Well known for its live DJ sets in the Tremplin which is a certified crowd puller located on the Taille de Mas du Pléney, otherwise known simply as “Bar Street '' for its stretch of bars and restaurants. At the bottom of the Prodians lift, you can find the Bar Robbinsons ( locally referred to as Robbos) for more live music and great beer. Still in Morzine, The Tibetan cafe offers a more chilled atmosphere and is more focused on drinks. A few miles away over in Avoriaz, kick things off on the slopes partying with La Foile Douce until about 6pm or après o clock. Head down to the village and join up with Le Cabanes bar and outdoor music spot featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere. In addition to the numerous spots in Avoriaz you can find some fantastic spots for a drink at La Place or grab some exotic cocktails at Globe Trotter and enjoy the amazing view from the terrace. For a little bit of glam look no further than the posh L’Amara to spruce up your après ski evening with a vin chaud or some more exotic shots if you are in a celebratory mood. However, if you cannot be bothered about glam or being posh, check out the really cool Mexican themed WildHorse Saloon for a lovely evening of nachos, burgers and a good selection of drinks. Le Yak is the only night club on Avoriaz so expect the party crowd to converge at Le Yak at the end of the night.
Alpe d’Huez
Famously recognised as a family friendly resort, Alpe d’Huez has only recently begun to establish its position as one of the French Alps après ski destinations. Since the arrival and launch of the Tomorrowland festival in 2018 in Alpe d’Huez, the resort's après ski has grown from strength to strength. Tomorrow land takes place every March, transforming Alpe d’Huez to a fantasy winter wonderland with some of the best house DJs performing incredible live sets. If you've never heard of it before, imagine involving a lot of pyrotechnics, fireworks, large sparklers, elaborate stage designs and a host of performers like acrobats all surrounding the Dj sets and across from thousands of party people dancing away. This has since also included the arrival of France's leading après ski promoter La Foile Douce in Alpe d’Huez. Its arrival only further served to confirm Alpe d’Huez as a well known resort for après ski experiences. The arrival of the Tomorrow Festival and Folie Douce have no doubt boosted Alpe d’Huez but nonetheless the resort has other après ski attractions that it could be particularly proud of with lots of bubbling bars, lounges and restaurants across the resort. Located at the top of the main street is Sphere Bar, a popular chilled out bar with a cool vibe and always a good deal on drinks as the night wears on. Smithys Tavern, is another après ski establishment that has a relaxed atmosphere. It is set in a cosy chalet style interior, it is the perfect place for a post après ski drink in a less raucous but relatively lively environment; open until 2am.
Booking your après ski holidays
We have taken you through some of the best and most notable après ski resorts anywhere in Europe. We offer some of the very best deals on your après ski holiday. If you require any further information or wish to chat with us, we are always delighted to be of service. Call us now! Your amazing après ski holiday is only a call away. Call 0203 011 1222 To Book Your après Ski Holiday Today!
FAQs
What are the best ski resorts for aprés-ski partying?
Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Chamonix are all legendary, with slope parties, lively bars and clubs! Chamonix, St Anton and Méribel deserve honourable mentions as well! where the party keeps going long after the lifts close. For something a bit different, Les Deux Alpes has a fantastic selection of bars that cater to every mood, from chill to wild. There are so many great options! Dont hesitate to give us a call if you cant make up your mind!