The Best Apres Ski Resorts
Find the perfect ski resort for apres ski
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ski Resorts for Apres Ski & Partying
Après ski: that magical time between finishing your last run and heading back to your hotel or guest house for dinner. Those few hours of pure, unadulterated mountain revelry can make or break a ski holiday for many.We're constantly asked by our Topflight customers about the après scene at different resorts - "Is it lively?", "Where's the best place for a drink?", "Can I dance on tables in my ski boots?".
For some, the perfect après involves shots, steins of beer, Jägerbombs, and dancing on tables to live music. For others, it might be a civilised glass of wine with stunning mountain views, or perhaps a few games of pool in a cosy bar. Whatever your après style, certain resorts simply do it better than others. At Topflight, we've tapped into our expert knowledge to bring you the ultimate guide to Europe's top après ski destinations.
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Kitzbühel, Austria | Mayrhofen, Austria | Saalbach, Austria | Söll, Austria | Méribel, France | Val Thorens, France | Book Your Ski Holiday
The Best Ski Resorts for Apres Ski
Austria remains the spiritual home of après ski, with its unique brand of mountain mayhem featuring steins, Jägerbombs, oompah bands, Europop, table dancing, and raucous singing as standard.
Meanwhile, France has been making serious inroads with the expansion of the Folie Douce chain and similar establishments offering their own special blend of mountain madness.
Let's dive into our top picks for the best après ski resorts for your next Topflight winter holiday!
1. Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel combines old-world Tyrolean charm with a seriously vibrant party scene. Home to the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race, this resort knows how to celebrate in style.
The Londoner Bar is the beating heart of Kitzbühel's après scene, known for its live music and party atmosphere that kicks off in the afternoon and continues late into the night. Meanwhile, The Stamperl bar offers a more authentic Austrian experience with traditional music and dancing.
For those who want to keep the party going, Club Take Five is the place to be, with international DJs spinning tracks until the early hours.
What makes Kitzbühel special is its perfect blend of sophisticated alpine tradition and unbridled party spirit - you can sip champagne in an upmarket bar one night and dance on tables in your ski boots the next!
2. Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen is legendary in the après ski world, offering some of the best slope-side and in-town parties in the Alps. It's also home to Snowbombing Festival - one of Europe's biggest winter music festivals.
The Bruck'n Stadl is absolutely unmissable - this converted barn at the bottom of the Ahorn lift pumps out Europop classics while skiers and snowboarders dance on tables still wearing their boots. The reasonably priced drinks and electric atmosphere make it the perfect spot to kick off your evening.
Ice Bar, located at the bottom of the Penken gondola, is another must-visit venue with its outdoor terrace perfect for catching the last rays of sunshine while enjoying a beer or two.
For those looking for a more casual vibe, Scotland Yard Pub offers familiar tunes you can actually sing along to, while still maintaining that special Austrian charm.
3. Saalbach, Austria
Saalbach's reputation as an après ski paradise is well-earned. The resort houses over 60 bars and clubs, creating one of the liveliest atmospheres in the Alps.
The party kicks off early afternoon at Hinterhag Alm, where skiers gather on the sun terrace to enjoy live music before skiing back down to town. For those who prefer to stay on the mountain a little longer, Bergstadl offers a similar vibe with stunning panoramic views.
Once in town, the legendary Goaßstall should be your first stop. This barn-themed bar features waiters carrying trays loaded with dozens of drinks, oompah bands, and inevitable table dancing. The atmosphere is electric, with revellers from across Europe joining together in song and celebration.
For late-night entertainment, Bobby's Pub and Castello Nightclub keep the party going until the early hours, ensuring Saalbach lives up to its nickname of "The Home of Lässig" (The Home of Cool).
4. Söll, Austria
Don't let Söll's traditional Tyrolean village appearance fool you - this charming resort transforms into a party hotspot when the lifts close.
The Moonlight Bar at the bottom of the slopes is perfect for that first après drink, with its large sun terrace ideal for people-watching as skiers make their way back to town.
In the village, Söll offers an impressive concentration of lively bars along its main street. The Red Horse and Whisky-Mühle are local favourites, while Moonlight Bar (not to be confused with the slope-side venue of the same name) offers fantastic drinks deals and themed parties throughout the season.
For a true Söll experience, head to the Hexenalm, where the party atmosphere ramps up considerably as the evening progresses. Live bands, DJs, and drink specials ensure a memorable night in this quintessentially Austrian party town.
5. Méribel, France
Situated in the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel combines world-class skiing with an equally impressive après scene, catering to both the champagne-sipping crowd and those looking for more raucous entertainment.
La Folie Douce is the undisputed king of French mountain parties, with its unique blend of cabaret performances, DJs, and live musicians creating an electric atmosphere on the slopes. Dancing on tables in ski boots is practically mandatory here!
For those who prefer to party at the bottom of the slopes, the Rond Point (known locally as "The Ronnie") offers a similar vibe with live bands playing daily from 5pm. The sun terrace fills quickly, so arrive early to secure your spot.
In town, O'Sullivan's Irish pub is a popular choice for a more familiar atmosphere, while Le Poste de Secours offers a sophisticated cocktail menu for those looking to class up their après experience.
For night owls, Les Saints Pères and Le Loft Club keep the party going until dawn, making Méribel a true 24-hour party destination.
6. Val Thorens, France
As Europe's highest ski resort, Val Thorens guarantees great snow conditions throughout the season - and its après ski scene is equally reliable for delivering unforgettable experiences.
The Folie Douce here might be smaller than its counterparts in other resorts, but it packs just as much of a punch. Its position just above the town means everyone gets to enjoy a short ski back down on wobbly legs when the party ends.
Bar 360, located on the opposite side of the valley, more than holds its own against the Folie Douce empire. It offers its own flavour of mountain mayhem with stunning panoramic views and a similarly short ski back to resort once the doors close.
Down in town, the options are endless. The Frog and Roast Beef, Europe's highest pub, draws a predominantly British crowd, while the Dutch-owned Cafe Snesko is renowned as the rowdiest bar on the strip. Their ceiling and bar literally catch fire later in the evening, but the best time to visit is between 6-8pm when the staff lead everyone in sing-alongs to classics like Robbie Williams' "Angels" and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.
For those with energy to spare, Malaysia nightclub - the largest in the Alps - keeps the party going underground until the early hours.
Experience the Best Après-Ski with Topflight
Ready to hit the slopes and soak up the legendary après-ski atmosphere? Topflight makes it effortless to plan your perfect alpine escape. Our expertly crafted ski packages include everything you need for an unforgettable getaway—convenient flights, smooth transfers, quality accommodation, and essential lift passes.
Whether you’re here for the world-class skiing or the buzzing après-ski scene filled with mountain bars, live music, and unforgettable evenings, Topflight ensures every detail of your trip is taken care of.
Take a look at some of our popular ski holidays below:
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Les Chalets Edelweiss
Plagne 1800, La Plagne, France
location_on Located in the Resort Centre
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
180 Reviews -
Hotel Der Waldhof
Zell am See, Austria
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
519 Reviews Price Includes
Return Flights Shared Return Airport Transfers 20kg Baggage Allowance 7 Nights Accommodation Half Board Resort Manager Service Holiday Bonded & Protected
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Hotel Post
Westendorf, Austria
location_on Located in the Resort Centre
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
187 Reviews Price Includes
Return Flights Shared Return Airport Transfers 20kg Baggage Allowance 7 Nights Accommodation Half Board Resort Manager Service Holiday Bonded & Protected
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Knunbauer Apartments
Mayrhofen, Austria
location_on Located in the Resort Centre
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
12 Reviews Price Includes
Return Flights Shared Return Airport Transfers 20kg Baggage Allowance 7 Nights Accommodation Self-Catering Resort Manager Service Holiday Bonded & Protected
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Prestige Residence Front de Neige
Plagne Villages, La Plagne, France
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
627 Reviews Price Includes
Return Flights Shared Return Airport Transfers 20kg Baggage Allowance 7 Nights Accommodation Self-Catering Resort Manager Service Holiday Bonded & Protected
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Hotel Schneeberger
Niederau, Austria
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
106 Reviews Price Includes
Return Flights Shared Return Airport Transfers 20kg Baggage Allowance 7 Nights Accommodation Half Board Resort Manager Service Holiday Bonded & Protected
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Hotel Cubil
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
location_on Located in the Resort Centre
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
115 Reviews -
Hotel Park Piolets & Spa
Soldeu & El Tarter, Andorra
location_on Located in Soldeu
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
1285 Reviews -
Résidence Le Belmont 1800
Arc 1800, Les Arcs, France
location_on Located in the Pedestrianised Area
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
532 Reviews
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