When it comes to planning the next skiing holiday, many winter sports fans are not only concerned with the size of the ski area, the conditions of the pistes and the modernity of the lifts, but also with the après ski facilities as these are also of great importance to them. THE après ski country is still Austria, but Switzerland and France are also great places to celebrate a day on the slopes. SnowTrex has put together the top 20 après ski bars in the Alps.
1) Kuhstall – Ischgl, Austria
Skiing in Ischgl is a unique experience for winter sports fans of all levels and interests. The “Silvretta Arena” two-country ski circuit with connection to the Swiss Samnaun is one of the largest ski regions in Austria with a total of 239 kilometres of pistes and impresses with several snow parks, an 11-kilometre-long piste and numerous red and blue pistes on which children and beginners can test themselves. Ischgl is of course also known as THE après ski stronghold in Austria. There are numerous legendary huts and bars in the skiing area and in the village, such as the “Kuhstall” (German for “cowshed”). The bar is located in the centre of Ischgl and only a few minutes’ walk from the valley station of the Silvretta cable car. The Kuhstall is one of the best known locations in the Alps and is considered the hottest après ski bar in Ischgl. In a rustic atmosphere, the DJs heat things up with plenty to drink and laugh about. The guests sing along to hip après ski hits and dance at length on the tables. This is how you should imagine successful après ski in Austria.
2) Mooserwirt – St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
The ski area of St. Anton is part of the gigantic Arlberg ski area and is extremely popular among snow-lovers. Winter sports fans with a wide variety of interests will definitely find what they are looking for on the 306 kilometres of pistes, and après ski-lovers will certainly get their money’s worth. What is probably the most famous après ski bar in Austria is located in St. Anton: the “Mooserwirt”. The legendary cult bar has been in existence since 1989 and hip stars of the après ski scene regularly perform here, singing and dancing from morning till evening. For almost 30 years, DJ Gerhard has been creating an exuberant atmosphere and is now supported by his son, DJ Thomas. The owners of the bar describe the Mooserwirt as “probably the worst ski hut on the Arlberg”. Although, numerous awards and the lively rush of après ski fans, however, speak for themselves. Those who want to let the ski day fade away in an exuberant atmosphere should by no means leave without verifying for themselves whether it actually is the worst ski hut on the Arlberg.
3) Schnapshans Bar – Zell am See, Austria
The Schmittenhöhe ski area is part of the multi-faceted Zell am See-Kaprun ski area and is definitely worth a visit for winter sports fans as well as après ski-lovers. 77 kilometres of pistes with 5 downhill runs guarantee skiing and snowboarding fun, while the “Schnapshans Bar” offers the finest après ski. Surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the 30 three-thousand-metre mountains of the Hohe Tauern, the terrace of the Schnapshans Bar is the place to celebrate the hottest hits from the afternoon onwards. Dancing on the bar is not taboo here – quite the opposite: it’s welcome. When the Schnapshans is not beheading champagne bottles with a sabre, the namesake of the bar himself behind the turntables creates a unique après ski atmosphere. The Schnapshans Bar is known for its first-class sound and, in addition to hip DJs, live bands regularly perform here. Rock, soul, blues, dance, sometimes even classical music: bands with different styles are welcome in the Schnapshans Bar.
4) Hohenhaus Tenne – Schladming, Austria
Winter holidays in Schladming really offer everything that gets the hearts of skiers and snowboarders pumping. In the Schladming ski area, races of the Ski World Cup are held regularly and it is part of the 4-valley circuit, which captivates with a total of 123 km of piste. The après ski offer in Schladming is also legendary and an absolute must for winter sports fans. Experts only refer to the pedestrian zone of Schladming as the “Bermuda Triangle”. The “Hohenhaus Tenne” is the largest après ski hut in Europe and is located directly at the foot of the famous Planai run and in the centre of Schladming. Celebrations are held on four floors and live acts regularly appear alongside the current hip DJs. The Hohenhaus Tenne is also ideally located for the major events that take place in Schladming. Every year, the ski opening with international stars such as Kid Rock, Pink or David Guetta takes place here. The concerts can be enjoyed from the roof. From here, you can also marvel at the professional skiers who take part in the biggest skiing event in the world: the Nightrace.
5) Paznauer Taja – Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl – the epitome of après ski. Celebrations are not only held in the legendary village – there are also numerous après ski bars and huts with traditional charm on the slopes. The “Paznauer Taja” ski hut, which was awarded the “Best Après Ski Hut” at the Top of the Mountains Awards, is located directly on the ski slope at an altitude of around 2,000 metres. At noon, the hut opens and welcomes the party-happy crowd. It doesn’t take long until the dance floor and the terrace are well-filled and current hits are sung together. As a rule, the Paznauer Taja closes in the afternoon and the visitors continue the exuberant celebration in the valley.
6) Hofstadl – Flachau, Austria
The Salzburger Skiwelt lift network and the accompanying “Ski amadé” lift pass offer an impressive 760 km of pistes and are popular with winter sports fans all over the world. The Flachau ski area is also part of the lift network and offers wide, well-prepared pistes and legendary après ski. The “Hofstadl”, an après ski hut with a legendary status, was opened in 1984. The “kloane Hüttei”, as the owners Gitti and Sepp called it in the beginning, has enjoyed steadily increasing popularity over the years and is now known as the most rustic après ski temple. The 6-seater chairlift “Star Jet” in Flachau is located directly at the bottom station of the temple, where you can sway and laugh in the afternoon. Various DJs, live bands and après ski artists create a sensational atmosphere and make celebrating in the Hofstadl an unforgettable experience.
7) La Folie Douce – Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère-Tignes is one of the most popular ski areas in the French Alps. The varied ski area is situated at an altitude of 1,550 m to 3,456 m and snow-lovers with different skill levels and preferences will find what they are looking for along the 300 kilometres of pistes. Even the party-enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders will find a unique après ski offer. Winter sports fans who still feel like dancing and celebrating at the end of the ski day are in good hands at the “La Folie Douce” ski hut, which is located directly at the valley station of the La Daille cable car. Après ski in this bar differs somewhat from the typical après ski strongholds. On the terrace of the La Folie Douce hut, DJs play club sounds and make the crowd dance with driving beats and deep bass. Up to 1,000 people enjoy the view, the first-class music and excellent drinks on the terrace of the bar. As far as the exuberant atmosphere is concerned, the bar is definitely in no way inferior to the huts in classic après ski strongholds.
8) Lürzer Alm – Obertauern, Austria
The Obertauern ski area is considered one of the most snow-sure areas in the Alps and boasts 100 kilometres of pistes suitable for winter sports fans with all sorts of varying interests and good après ski is also definitely to be found in the ski area. The “Lürzer Alm” lies in the middle of the ski area and snow-lovers who don’t want to miss out on a decent celebration during their ski holiday should definitely plan a visit to the legendary ski hut. It is known as THE après ski hut in Obertauern and not without reason. Here, party-enthusiastic winter sports fans will find an interesting combination of traditional hut charm and an exuberant après ski atmosphere. Singing and dancing continues daily until the early hours of the morning. In the afternoon, hip DJs play the hottest hits and the friendly staff round off your visit to the Lürzer Alm. By the way: skiers and snowboarders who want to create a good basis before celebrating can also enjoy traditional Austrian dishes in the hut.
9) Le Rond Point Bar – Méribel, France
Après ski fans will also not be disappointed in the French ski area of Méribel, which is part of the massive Les 3 Vallées ski region. After a versatile day of skiing on the 150 kilometres of pistes in the ski area, music and dance-lovers can head to the “Le Rond Point Bar” ski hut in Méribel. This après ski location is called “Ronnie” by the locals, is located directly on the piste and enjoys great popularity among tourists and locals alike. The bar is open daily during the season. Dancing in ski and snowboard boots is an absolute must. Bands and DJs regularly spin beats on the sun terrace until late in the evening. The mountain panorama, which can be enjoyed from the terrace, makes a visit to Le Rond Point Bar a unique experience.
10) Hennu Stall – Zermatt, Switzerland
The ski area Zermatt is the ski area to be at in Switzerland for many winter sports fans: open almost all year round, breathtaking views of numerous 4,000 m peaks, a total of 360 km of pistes and, of course, the Matterhorn! The Zermatt ski area leaves nothing to be desired and the wide range of winter sports on offer also includes exuberant après ski. This can be found in the “Hennu Stall” – the place to be for snow-lovers who love to celebrate in their ski clothes. The hut can be found on the lower part of the Zuri-Zermatt valley run and can also be reached on foot from Zermatt in just 30 minutes. DJs, live bands, always good-humoured staff and drinks in abundance create a unique atmosphere. Everyone is welcome in the Hennu Stall and winter sports fans whose legs are too tired to dance can enjoy a drink and the fantastic view as well as the hustle and bustle on the terrace.
11) Pano Bar – Les 2 Alpes, France
The legendary Les 2 Alpes ski area also offers a wide range of après ski bars, in addition to an impressive 200 kilometres of pistes at altitudes between 1,280 m and 3,523 m. Snow-lovers, who during or after a successful day on the slopes are in the mood for a drink with a good music, should plan a visit to the “Pano Bar”. The bar is located at an altitude of 2,600 m directly on the piste and winter sports fans need only to take a lift to reach the glacier of Les 2 Alpes. DJs here provide for an exuberant atmosphere with the latest hits. Enthusiastic snow-lovers can expect the finest electronic music here and the base of the relaxed house music makes skiers and snowboarders of all ages dance.
12) Schirmbar – Sölden, Austria
The Sölden ski area is probably one of the most famous ski areas in Austria, if not in the Alps. A total of almost 150 km of pistes, several fun parks and the impressive mountain panorama make Sölden one of the most popular holiday destinations for winter sports fans. The Tyrolean World Cup venue also enjoys legendary status in terms of après ski. The “Schirmbar” is not far from the valley station of the “Giggljoch” cable car and is usually open at noon from October to early May. Freshly tapped beer, one or two schnapps and the finest après ski music. DJ Bomba regularly plays the latest hits in the Schirmbar and creates an exuberant atmosphere. He has been named “Best DJ in the Mountains” several times at the annual “Top of the Mountains” event. He has been on stage with legends such as Mickie Krause, Jürgen Drews and “Antonia aus Tirol” and knows how to make the crowd dance.
13) Hinterhag Alm – Saalbach, Austria
On the 270 kilometres of pistes of the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, you will find everything a winter sports fan could hope for. Wide carving routes, mogul slopes, steep slopes, a snow park that can also be used at night, and a large number of easy to medium-difficulty pistes on which children and beginners can try out their skills. Après ski is also a top priority in the numerous rustic huts in the ski area. Those who love to sway to the music should definitely spend a few hours in the “Hinterhag Alm” during their ski holiday in Saalbach. The rustic ski hut right on the Kohlmais valley run was opened in 1976 and enjoys cult status among connoisseurs. Behind the wooden façade, the guests dance and sway for a few hours every day. The greats of the après ski scene perform here daily on two floors and really heat up the crowd.
14) Cin Cin – Gerlos, Austria
The Zillertal Arena is the largest ski area in Zillertal and is not only popular among winter sports fans because of its 143 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, several snow parks and a wide range of freeride activities, but also because after a multi-faceted day of skiing, this is also a great place to party. In the centre of Gerlos, and within walking distance of the slopes of the Zillertal Arena, you will find the popular après ski bar “Cin Cin”. The good-humoured staff serves the freshly tapped beer and the occasional schnapps over the bar. Top DJs and a wide variety of live acts create a festive atmosphere. If you happen speak some Dutch, you have a clear advantage in Cin Cin because the DJs also play Dutch hits along with après ski hits. However, even winter sports fans who don’t understand every word that is sung are guaranteed to have a lot of fun here because to enjoy the exuberant atmosphere in the Cin Cin Bar, you don’t have to speak much anyways.
15) 360 Bar – Val Thorens, France
The village of Val Thorens in France lies at an altitude of 2,300 m and is therefore the highest winter sports resort in Europe. The Val Thorens-Orelle ski area, which belongs to the Les 3 Vallées region, is also a top-class ski area. A total of 150 km of pistes and 30 lifts, a variety of downhill runs for all levels, a snow park and a wide selection of bars and restaurants make a skiing holiday in Val Thorens a unique experience. The “360 Bar” in Val Thorens is one of the most famous après ski huts in the ski region Les 3 Vallées and is located in the middle of the ski area at Moraine lift. Both tourists and locals visit the bar and enjoy cocktails and music on the terrace, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Usually DJs hang out on the terrace and make the crowd dance with electronic music. Pop songs and après ski hits in the classical sense are not played here, but you can also dance to the intense bass of the relaxed house music. Skiers and snowboarders who have already spent their time on the slopes can also enjoy the music in a deck chair in the sun. Regular events take place in the 360 Bar and bands also perform their music here.
16) Heidi & Peter – Kirchberg, Austria
Snow-lovers who spend their holidays in Kirchberg can enjoy the wide range of winter sports on offer in the region. The wide ski area around Kirchberg and Kitzbühel can be skied with the “Kitzbühel” lift pass and captivates with a total of almost 200 kilometres of pistes. Snow-lovers who are still looking for wheat beer, mulled wine or “Jagatee” after a varied day on the slopes can count themselves lucky in Kirchberg because here you will find one of the few all-inclusive après ski bars in Austria. Once you pay admission, nothing stands in the way of a wild party. The “Heidi & Peter” in Kirchberg is the place to be, especially for après ski-lovers.
17) Black Bull Snowbar – Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is definitely one of the most popular ski areas in Switzerland among skiers and snowboarders. A total of 22 modern lifts transport winter sports fans up to an altitude of 3,573 m. On the 100 kilometres of pistes, every snow-lover will find what they are looking for, whether beginner or experienced, a family or single. Skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy a drink or two after an exciting day on the slopes will also find something to their taste. The “Black Bull Snowbar” in Saas-Fee is a recommendable bar in a rustic ambience and popular among tourists as well as locals. On the terrace, visitors to the bar have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Here and at the bar, après ski music is sung and danced to until late into the night.
18) Ice Bar – Mayrhofen, Austria
The village of Mayrhofen is located in the rear part of the Zillertal. There is a reason why Zillertal is so popular among winter sports fans: with the “Zillertaler Superskipass”, skiers and snowboarders can choose between 530 kilometres of pistes in numerous ski areas in the region. In the Mayrhofen-Hippach ski area, winter sports fans can expect versatile pistes, and the all-year ski area on the Hintertux glacier is not far from Mayrhofen. In Mayrhofen, fans of exuberant après ski should definitely stop by at the legendary “Ice Bar”. The bar is not far from the Penken lift and cannot be missed because of the large polar bear on the canopy. Numerous fans finish their day of skiing in the Ice Bar and enjoy the exuberant atmosphere. They sway, sing and dance on the tables. Après ski as one imagines it!
19) Hexenalm – Fiss, Austria
The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski area is considered one of the top ski areas in the Alps. The downhill runs with a total length of 214 km, including 16 km of ski routes, as well as a total of 68 lifts are located at an altitude of 1,200 m to 2,820 m and offer winter sports fun of superlatives for every snow-lover. The ski area is not known as the stronghold of après ski, but there are some bars and huts where you can sway and sing. The “Hexenalm” in Fiss is the place to be for après ski-lovers. When carving down the slope from the Schönjoch, you can already see from far above the crowd of people gathering on the wooden terrace of the Hexenalm to sing après ski hits together and to dance in their ski gear. What is special about the Hexenalm is the playground, where the little snow-lovers can play, while the older winter sports fans can have one or two drinks. Top DJs and hip live acts create an après ski atmosphere that’s for the books.
20) Goaßstall – Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
The “Goaßstall” is situated in the middle of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area and is considered to be the most rustic hut in the ski area. The après ski hut, where the stars of the après ski scene regularly perform, attracts crowds of fans every day. The Goaßstall was built in 1994. Until 1993, the 300-year-old Blaikenstall stood here, where cows, pigs and goats – “Goaß” as they are called in Pinzgau – were kept. The “Goaßstall Goaß’n” are to be found in the surrounding meadows in summer, while in winter they can feel at home in the warm stable. The stable, of course, is soundproof – après ski and “schlager” hits throughout the season are not acceptable for the Goaßstall goats.
