The Best Resorts for Apres Ski in Europe

Although a day of skiing or snowboarding is hard to beat, there is no denying that apres-ski is a huge part of any ski holiday. Who doesn't love dancing in ski boots to live bands or DJs at the top of the mountain? However, for apres ski lovers, it’s important to pick a lively resort so we've done the work for you and chosen some of the best resorts across the Alps for partying on the piste.

Best Apres Ski in Austria

St Anton

Located in the Tyrolean Alps, St Anton is a serious contender for the best apres ski in Europe. Infamous for its lively parties, St. Anton has been the apres-ski capital of Austria since the 1960s. Its iconic venues, including the legendary Mooserwirt and the Krazy Kanguruh located on the blue Galzig piste, make it a must-visit for those planning unforgettable apres ski holidays.

The Mooserwirt, one of Europe’s most famous bars, has been the home of high-energy parties since it first opened its doors in 1989. From 3:30 pm to 8 pm, father & son duo, DJ Gerhard and DJ Tom keep the crowds entertained with great music and an exhilarating atmosphere every day. Meanwhile, the Krazy Kanguruh - established in 1965 - offers vibrant terrace parties with the DJ transforming the piste into the largest open-air dance floor in the Arlberg.

Further piste-side entertainment can be found at the neighbouring bar of Taps which also has a great sun terrace and happy hour while the Anton Bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere with an open fire and chilled music. If you wish to carry the partying on into the later hours of the evening, Bar Cuba - a popular sports bar - stays open until 3 am, cementing St. Anton as one of the best places for apres ski.

Whether you’re after wild parties or a relaxed alpine vibe, St. Anton guarantees an unforgettable apres-ski adventure.

Kitzbuhel

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbuhel is a charming medieval town that transforms into one of the best ski resorts in Europe for nightlife during the winter season. Renowned for its sophisticated yet vibrant apres-ski scene, Kitzbuhel offers the perfect blend of traditional alpine ambience and modern party vibes, making it a must-visit destination for apres ski holidays.

Visitors love the iconic Londoner Pub, which delivers an English twist to the Austrian après-ski experience. This smoky British beer den delivers every time on great service, live music and a welcoming atmosphere that ensures an unforgettable night.

Another super popular spot is the Hahnenkamm Pavillion. If you want a noisy and lively atmosphere where you can dance the day away to thumping live music, this is the place. But the fun doesn’t stop there; Kitzbuhel’s nightlife continues into the early hours at clubs like Club Take Five, where international DJs keep the party going late into the night. Think VIP areas and bubbles on tap.

With its diverse mix of bars, lounges, and clubs, Kitzbuhel truly earns its reputation as a destination for the best apres ski in Austria.

Best Apres Ski in France

Val Thorens

The highest ski resort in the Les 3 Vallées, Val Thorens is among the best party ski resorts in Europe offering a young and energetic vibe during the day and night. The iconic Plein Sud Piste hosts legendary on-the-mountain parties, while upmarket hotel bars cater to those seeking a quieter scene during their apres ski holidays.

Located just above the Moraine and Portte chairlifts, Bar 360 is Europe’s highest party location at 2,368m with the world’s best DJs and MCs including Afrojack to Nicky Romero. Enjoy the music and relax as Bar 360 transports you to a beach on a tropical island with sun loungers and a beach bar.

For a pub with loud music and table dancing look no further than The Frog & Roast Beef, the highest pub in Europe while Favela will give you a taste of Latin America in the Alps. For those looking to extend the evening, Malaysia nightclub has live music every night from 10 pm with DJ sets until 4 am, securing its spot as one of the best ski resorts in Europe for nightlife.

Val d'Isere

Located in the Tarentaise Valley at 1,850m, the French ski resort of Val d’Isere is a top choice for those seeking the best ski resorts in France for nightlife. Its 300km of linked slopes with Tignes make it a ski lover’s paradise, complemented by a vibrant apres ski scene led by Cocorico and the iconic La Folie Douce.

Since 1980, La Folie Douce has brought generations together with one of the best clubbing scenes the Alps have to offer. Located at the top of La Daille cable car, La Folie Douce is the place to party on the piste for both skiers in Tignes and Val D’Isere with a cabaret lunch from 13:00 seeing DJs and singers as well as dancers and musicians put on a show for its crowd of skiers.

Following the cabaret lunch, at 14:30 it's clubbing time, with singers, big-screen projections as well as light shows! When the partying at La Folie Douce has come to an end, it's time to head to Cocorico to party at the foot of the slopes. With happy hour, live music and DJ sets, this popular bar is the perfect place to dance the night away.

For a more sophisticated apres scene, try La Cave sur le Comptoir, an inviting wine bar where you can enjoy your tipples alongside platters of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. There is so much variety here, it is undoubtedly the place to be for a taste of the best apres ski in Europe.

Meribel

Part of Les 3 Vallées ski area, Meribel unsurprisingly is another one of the best ski resorts for partying in France, with a lively apres ski scene and plenty of British-run bars packed with holidaymakers. With drinks promotions, live music and stand-up comedy, Meribel also has a selection of more upmarket and civilised sports bars in which to enjoy the apres ski scene.

When it comes to apres ski in Meribel, the most popular venues are, of course, La Folie Douce which we’ve already mentioned and Le Rond Pont with live music, DJs every day, and a slide leading down to the toilets! Another spot is Jack’s, where visitors can enjoy a happy hour cocktail on the sunny terrace with soulful tunes, or try the infamous homemade toffee vodka.

Those looking for a more civilised spot will enjoy Barometer - it offers a pub-style vibe serving also the best pizzas in town. With big DJ names, O’Sullivans (known as Sullys) is the place to be for late-night dancing and themed nights. With so many resorts on offer, it’s no secret that France has possibly the best apres ski in Europe on offer.

Best Apres Ski in Switzerland

Zermatt

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a jewel of the Swiss Alps and one of the best places for apres ski. Combining world-class skiing with an eclectic nightlife scene, Zermatt is a top choice for apres ski holidays, rivalling the best party ski resorts in Europe.

Cervo, perched conveniently at the bottom of the slopes on the Sunnegga side of the ski area, is a must-visit for a chic apres experience. Its terrace, blending Alpine charm with a modern twist, offers gourmet snacks, 40 different types of gin, and stunning views, making it a popular first stop after skiing.

For those seeking party vibes, Adler Hitta is a chalet with a huge sun-soaked terrace, DJ and outdoor bar located on the blue 6 ski slope between Sunnegga and Findeln. At 2,220 m, it has a fantastic atmosphere with hearty food, local wines, and live music.

The lively Papperla Pub draws crowds with its energetic vibe, flowing beer, and regular live bands, making it one of the best places for apres ski hangouts in Zermatt. Harry’s Bar is another popular spot which, despite its small and cosy space, entices plenty of skiers with its large and lively atmosphere. Its terrace is always brimming with people dancing and drinking around the patio heaters.

For those wanting to keep the party alive, Club Mamacita is the place to be. Known for its exotic cocktails, spicy food, Latin-inspired music and late-night dancing, it’s the ultimate spot in one of the best ski resorts for partying. With its variety of venues, Zermatt promises a memorable apres ski experience.

Verbier

Renowned as one of the best party ski resorts in Europe, Verbier effortlessly combines world-class skiing with an electric nightlife scene, making it a prime destination for apres ski holidays. With slopes to suit all levels, Verbier is a popular resort with the British, as well as the Dutch and Scandinavians.

Found at the top of the Ruinettes gondola, Icecube is the perfect place to soak up the sun on the terrace with a drink in hand. For a more lively scene, both the Big Ben Pub and Pub Mont Fort are popular venues serving beer, wine, and cocktails with the occasional quiz nights and bar games.

For a more sophisticated apres scene, La Rouge has the feel of a cosy chalet with an interior of old wood, modern furnishings and sheepskin throws. With music from resident DJs and international guest artists, Le Rouge also has terraces with breathtaking panoramic views. A favourite amongst seasonaires, Farinet sees live bands performing every night of the season with happy hour and DJs playing until 4 am. Fans of La Folie Douce will also enjoy a visit to Le Mouton Noir, the resort’s equivalent with a mix of cabaret and live music at 2,200m, solidifying Verbier as one of the best resorts for apres ski.

Summary

From the legendary slopes of St. Anton and Verbier to the charming villages of Zermatt and Meribel, the Alps are home to some of the best party ski resorts in Europe. Whether you’re after vibrant terrace parties, sophisticated lounges, or all-night dancing, these destinations promise unforgettable apres ski holidays.

Each resort brings a unique experience to the apres-ski scene. From the high-energy DJ sets at La Folie Douce to the tropical beats at Bar 360, there’s something for everyone. The mix of slope-side parties, world-class dining, and late-night clubs makes France, Austria, and Switzerland the ultimate destinations for winter revellers, cementing their reputation as the best resorts for apres ski.