After a long day skiing, some resorts stay awake until the early morning. Taking the example of Austria, in this small country the Après Ski is even part of the culture. It is more than just restaurants or bars, skiers leave the slopes and the chimneys to go for crazy dancefloors at the mountain.
As for the Alps, some resorts are very famous for their bars and nightclubs.
What is the Après Ski?
It is what happens after skiing, it can start at 2pm with a hot chocolate at a bar or with a promenade in the city center, but it ends late at night when most of the families are already sleeping. During winter it is a tradition and no need to dress up, go out with your gear, party with your layers, your ski suit and your pants, nothing is forbidden!
The best Après Ski bars on the slopes:
Ischgl, the resort is located in the valley of Paznaun and known to never sleep. Take a look at the slogan “Relax if you can”, no need to explain…
But sixty years ago, Ischgl was a small resort at the mountain, it had few facilities and traditional chalets.
It started to grow after the cable car of the resort was built in 1963. Since then, the resort has been expanding, it is even compared to Ibiza when speaking about partying! Quite the opposite, the Tyrolian tourism is famous to be perfect for families and very relaxing.
With a ski area wider than 240 kilometers called Silvretta Arena and the biggest Snowpark of the Alps, the skiing conditions are excellent. What is more important in Ischgl is the Après ski and the crazy partying. After the skiing comes the dancing.
The team I LOVE SKI recommends the iconic bars (Trofana Alm and Kuhstall) but also the “Top of the Mountain Festival”. It started in 1995 with Elton John’s gig, and from then on, celebrities get on stage on the high plains of the Idalp twice a year.
If you go to St Anton am Arlberg, the Mooserwitt is inescapable. Did you know that the bar opens from 4pm to 8pm and can sell up to 5000 liters of beer a day! Which means more than 5000 liters of beer per day.
And France is not left behind when speaking about partying.
La Folie Douce is the French reference, in English it can be translated as The Soft Madness, it combines partying and altitude.
Created in 1980 by Luc Reversade in Val d’Isère and Tignes Resort, the concept combining high gastronomy and shows, clubbing and lounge, has conquered several French ski Resorts. It is extremely successful among youngsters.
The Folie Douce is now implemented in Val Thorens, Méribel/Courchevel, the Alpes d’Huez and more recently Saint Gervais/Megève. In 10 years, the Folie Douce welcomed 1.4 million visitors, and 800 000 people only for Val d’Isère Resort. La Folie Douce is open every day during winter season from 9 am to 5 pm. Try to go there once, I am sure you’ll like it.
Spain, country famous for its ‘fiestas’ also features great après ski bar, perhaps as good as the Austrian ones. One of the most famous bars of the Pyrénées, mountain chain known for the French and Spanish resorts, is located in Formigal-Panticosa, belonging to Aramon group.Best Après-ski outside Europe
When speaking about North America, ski resorts and dancefloor, the first resort coming to our mind is Aspen Snowmass. Every year, Aspen hosts the Winter X Games, a competition of extreme sports but it is also about concerts and parties.
And Canada follows the same path, take a look at Le Petit Caribou in Mont Tremblant, it is a reference when speaking about nightlife in the resort.
Altitude and alcohol consumption.
When going to the mountain, it feels harder to breath, in fact because of reduced atmospheric pressure the hemoglobin does not absorb as much oxygen. The effects of alcohol are increased while your body consumes more because of the low temperatures and the sport. It is the same with drugs.
So be careful if you want to party as après ski activity!
