The best après-ski resorts in Europe
Which bars have been the most popular during the 2010/2011 ski season? The season isn’t quite over yet but SkiHorizon experts have decided to take a look at the best après-ski nights organised this season.
SkiHorizon’s client comments, as well as the number of DJ nights and live concerts, plus general atmosphere of the bars have been taken into account to determinate the best places to go partying in the European mountains.
SkiHorizon has qualified staff in most resorts in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe. They are not only huge skiing fans, but also love being in the heart of resort life, day and night! Here is a list of their favourite resorts:
France certainly doesn’t have the same reputation as Austria in terms of après-ski because the term generally means everything that happens off the slopes: dinner in a restaurant, sauna session, even a tennis match! For most other countries, après-ski means partying in a pub, a nightclub or a bar with DJs and live concerts. But don’t worry, even in France you can find some good après-ski with great music and plenty of events you won’t forget.
La Grotte du Yeti bars in the French Alps, have been especially popular with young skiers and snowboarders thanks to all the events that took place there during the season. There are 10 La Grotte du Yeti bars in the Alps but 2 of them in particular attracted a lot of party-goers with their fantastic line up of events this season. These were La Grotte du Yeti Risoul and Avoriaz and they hosted famous DJs from the French number 1 radio station, NRJ and its Dutch equivalent Radio 358. The Snow Energy Festival and Wild Outdoor Music Festival were held on the slopes in Avoriaz, while the French music channel, M6 Music Club, sent its best DJ, DJ Kaio to the Risoul bar, resulting in wild, unforgettable night. La Grotte du Yeti was also partner of the Winter X-Games Europe in Tignes. Even though it’s nearly all over for this year, the good news is that next season’s program looks just as promising!
Italy has grown more and more popular with the worldwide riders’ community and Italian après-ski is an experience not to be missed. SkiHorizon’s favourite Italian resort for a great night out is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Of course tastes vary, but evenings starting out on sunny terraces with live music with all the Italian charm of this friendly ski resort, really are excellent. The Hacker-Pschorr Haus bar in the Royal Hotel brought together a lot of party fans this season, for great nights spent in its striking Bavarian décor.
Each year, SkiHorizon sees more and more customers choose Switzerland as their favourite destination. Après-ski is definitely quieter here and essentially means a hot drink or 2 on the slopes or in a town café at the end of the day followed by an excellent fondue in a traditional Swiss restaurant – not to be missed! However, the resort of Verbier is well-known for its great après-ski. Start out at the Pub Mont Fort before heading on to other bars with live concerts. Generally, these venues are packed with people from around the world; a great excuse to practice a new language!
And then there is Austria, the home of après-ski! It’s really hard to choose from so many great resorts with incredible nightlife. But, as in previous years, Mayrhofen has once again proved its leadership status! There’s a pub to suit all tastes. Whether you want a quiet night chatting with friends or a wild one dancing until the early hours, you will find everything you want in Mayrhofen. Every year the season ends with the famous Snowbombing Festival where some of the biggest bands from around the world perform to an international audience. In Mayrhofen children can also take part in après-ski activities on the slopes.
This was just a short review of the ski season 2010/2011 but one important question remains: where will the best après-ski be for next season? What will be the next après-ski program in the Alps? SkiHorizon, specialist in European ski holidays, will keep its clients informed throughout the year, thanks to its Ski Holiday Guide and its Facebook and Twitter pages.
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