Skiing, sure, is a sport. But it’s also a culture—which is where après-ski comes into play. After hours of doing parallel turns on the trails, it’s high time to trade in the bitter chill for alpine decks, music, and Aperol spritzes. (Just make sure you can ski down safely afterwards.)
Where should go you go to have the ultimate post-powder experience? Here are the mountains with the best après-ski scene—as well as the history of the winter tradition.
What Is Après-Ski?
Après-ski literally translates from French to “after ski,” essentially encompassing all the activities people tend to do after a ski run. There’s no set time to determine when it begins, but après-ski enters full swing after the lifts make their final spin (although any time after lunch is fair game). Some say the activities wrap up by dinner, but the après-ski scene is flexible, and can sometimes go on through the night. These post-ski customs vary by location, some might look for burgers and beer at the pub and seek to make new companions, while others might prefer Champagne and caviar amongst a small group of good friends.
Depending on where you re staying, your après-ski could have a night of dancing and live music, or just a really great meal at a cozy slopeside restaurant. In the end, it’s all about bonding from the satisfied exhaustion of a day on the slopes, whatever that may look like. Just be sure to dress in a warm après-ski outfit and put those sporty accessories to good use.
Top Après-Ski Destinations
Verbier has one of the most famous aprés-ski scenes in the Swiss Alps—and with good reason: if one wants, you can celebrate straight from lunch until the early hours of the morning. Ski to Chez Dany for a midday fondue, before heading to Pub Mont-Fort or Le Rouge right as the lifts begin to close. (Where you drink their famous mulled wine is up to you, whether outdoors on the terrace with mountain views, or inside by the fire.) Later on, don your most glamorous alpine look at Farm Club, the iconic Verbier nightclub that s been around since 1971.
For an elevated aprés ski scene, look no further than Courchevel: the glamorous French ski town that attracts famous faces like Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. (Not that you’d recognize them with all their ski clothes on.) Here, it’s all about the art of snowy leisure. Take a long, long piste-side at Cap Horn, Bagatelle, or La Soucoupe—and then perhaps ski over to La Folie Douce, located right beneath the Saulire Express between Courchevel and Meribel, for some dancing on tables to a DJ. (The interlinked mountains are all part of the legendary ski area of Les Trois Vallées.)
Considered one of the top locations for the après-ski scene, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France is the place to be for skiers up for the challenge of guided backcountry hikes in the Alps. Usually known just as Chamonix, the French-Alps resort area borders Switzerland and Italy. Ski season happens around November through April, but the panoramic views are year-round with this area sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps. Stay at La Folie Douce Hotel, where the resort boasts six restaurants, unique bedrooms, and spa services.
Here, après-ski has a livelier atmosphere. Skiers should prepare for hearty meals, a mighty selection of drinks, and socializing all through the night. Pop into Chambre Neuf, a popular restaurant and bar found in Langley Hotel Gustavia, for live music and delicious drinks until late in the evening. Also known for its cocktails and social atmosphere, L’Alibi offers picturesque drinks perfect for any photo. The metropolitan spirit of Chamonix keeps the party going for visitors: For those who don’t get tired easily, L’Amnesia is a nightclub in town open only on Fridays and Saturdays, from midnight to seven in the morning.
Located in the Tyrolean Alps, Tyrol includes St. Anton am Arlberg, a popular village and resort for those with greater skiing and boarding experience on the slopes. From December to the end of April, visitors can seamlessly transition from barreling down snowy mountaintops to exciting après-ski gatherings at places like MooserWirt and The Krazy Kanguruh.
MooserWirt creates a relaxing atmosphere in the morning before the après-ski crowd shows up, and when the clock strikes 3:30 p.m., the DJ comes out, the beer starts flowing, and the partying commences. Similar to MooserWirt, The Krazy Kanguruh creates a bubbly atmosphere with bottles of champagne and a fun-loving crowd to dance with until night.
Aspen—the only entry on this list from North America—is arguably just as famous for its après-ski scene as its skiing. Start the day hitting the new Heroes terrain at Aspen mountain, or even attempting the Highlands Bowl at Aspen Highlands. Then, it s time to party.
The most famous après-ski haunt in Aspen is Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, located mid-mountain at Aspen Highlands. Book a table at 12:30 if you want a relaxed fondue-style lunch with some wine. Looking to get a little more rowdy? The 2:30 p.m. slot turns into pure revelry, as a DJ starts and guests begin spraying bottles of Veuve Clicquot both inside the restaurant the restaurant and out. Then there’s The Snow Lodge: located in the St. Regis Hotel, it boasts an impressive concert series every winter (performers have included The Chainsmokers, Bob Moses, and Diplo).
Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the patio at Ajax Tavern at the bottom of Aspen Mountain. Order the truffle fries and wagyu bolognese at Ajax Tavern and then go over to The Wine Bar (both located in The Little Nell) for its impressive selection of rare wines.
