The Rond Point, Méribel, France
Ski-in / ski-out, the ‘Ronnie’ features on the trail home of all self-respecting après skiers in Les 3 Vallées. The outdoor terrace hosts live music throughout the winter and the place can be packed with revellers after the lifts close. Simple furnishings and a basic concept – alfresco boozing with views across the Méribel valley, the formula is clean and successful. Located directly on the route between La Folie Douce, Méribel and the resort centre, the Ronnie emits a tractor beam that few can evade. After the glitz and glamour of the shows at La Folie Douce, the jugs of beer and live bands of the Ronnie makes for a great contrast.
Goaßstall, Hinterglemm, Austria
Après ski is etched into the Austrian psyche. When the lifts stop running, there is nothing more logical than to put your elbows on a table and hoist a schnapps. Austrians also have a quirky, eccentric edge and rather than glamorous A-listers, guests to the Goaßstall share their space with a herd of alpine goats, busily munching away on hay, as the après ski mayhem ensues. As well as quirky, the Austrians are also massively proud of their technical achievements. To this end, the Goaßstall offers a card activated, automated re-fill service that boasts an impressive 4 second beer fill.
La Folie Douce, Val Thorens, France
The highest ski resort in the Alps, also offers one of the best après ski scenes, with an international audience flocking to the terraces of La Folie Douce, above Val Thorens. With pomp and glitz, La Folie Douce is about celebrating the beautiful things in life, with live music, DJ sets and elaborate dance performances. Après ski is all about rounding off an epic day in the mountains and La Folie Douce, Val Thorens offers sumptuous surroundings and a high-end après ski experience. Runs back to Val Thorens can resemble a battle-field, but most return to Val Thorens unscathed and satisfied.
Mooserwirt, St Anton, Austria
Reputed to have the highest beer consumption of any bar in Austria, the Mooserwirt is an après ski experience like few others. Located directly on the ski piste back to St Anton, the trail narrows, with exiting skiers creating a bottle-neck that is impossible to avoid. Very few, pass by without stopping and once in, it is only the curfew at closing time that brings the après ski action to a close. An outside terrace as well as a cavernous interior hall delivers drink and music to the masses. The resort run is short but Armageddon-like after closing time.
Kuhstall, Ischgl, Austria
No frills, wall to wall boozing, the Kuhstall, Ischgl is at capacity from December to May. There is a wall of atmosphere on entry, with trays of beer passing overheads, ear-busting euro-pop and waltzing skiers pin-balling around the dance floor. Ischgl après ski has yet to be matched anywhere, and for cheesy music and tasered-like dance moves, the Kuhstall is one of the best places to witness this alpine subculture.
It goes without saying, the best après ski bar is often the one you are stood in. Sölden, Val d’Isère, Mayrhofen, Morzine, Kitzbühel – none get a coveted nomination from us, such is the competition for après ski awards in the Alps. Make your own après ski with friends and colleagues in the mountains, it is a pretty simple formula (Ski Dubai excepted) – location, stories and beverages.
