Après-ski at its best

Après ski and the Austrian Tirol belong together like snow to winter. Every resort has its own unique après-ski scene and whatever your  style, you can find it in the Tirol, from dancing in your ski boots to cozying up next to a roaring log fire sipping champagne cocktails.

And to make sure you don’t get thirsty there’s a whole series of drinks dedicated to help you relax after a hard day on the slopes.

First and foremost there is "Gluhwein" (mulled wine) or why not try "Jagertee", another warming drink made up of tea, schnapps, rum, sugar and sometimes a bit of lemon. A favourite with the ladies is "Heiße Witwe", a warm plum liqueur with cream and cinnamon or to give you wings opt for a classic Flugerl (Red Bull Vodka), which originated in Austria or for a quick hit enjoy a shot of Jagermeister.

St Anton

Located in the Arlberg region of Tirol, St Anton is considered to be one of Europe’s top resorts for skiing, snowboarding and après-ski. Afternoon parties at the ‘Mooserwirt’ and the ‘Krazy Kanguruh’, on the edge of the run down from the Gampen, are the epitome of Austrian après-ski and as legendary as the skiing itself. The ‘Sennhutte’ and ‘Heustadl’ are great for dancing Tirolean style with live music with a more original atmosphere. Later in to the night the action kicks off in ‘Hazienda’, ‘Funky Chicken’ and ‘Piccadilly’

Where to stay? Stay at the 4 Star Arlmont Hotel, which opened in summer 2009, and is situated directly opposite the cable cars in Nasserein. From the location and architecture to the design and cuisine everything is aimed at making the experience as relaxed and unique as possible.  With its own après-ski bar ‘Starling’ and sun terrace you don’t have to go far to enjoy après-ski.

How much? Accommodation at the Hotel Arlmont starts from 116€ per person per night, including half board. Innsbruck is served by easyjet (easyjet.com) from Gatwick, Liverpool and Bristol and by British Airways (ba.com) from Gatwick.

For more details, see arlmont.at.
 
Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is probably the best known resort in the Zillertal and one of the big party resorts of the Tirol. The ‘Ice Bar’ at the Hotel Strass and ‘Nikki’s Schirmbar’ are top spots for the afternoon, whilst ‘Scotland Yard’ and ‘Brucke’s Schlussel Alm’ are the best to take you late into the night. One of the hippest spots in the Alps, is the ‘White Lounge’, part of the Igloo Village, located in the middle of the Ahorn ski area at 2000m. Every Tuesday is party night with live DJ spinning the decks at the big Igloo Party.

After a night of stylish partying there is no need to hail a cab home, or a cable-car for that matter as by night the White Lounge turns into one of the most exclusive overnight accommodation venues. You can spend an unforgettable night in one of the Igloo Suite’s at 2000m, starting from €133 per person.

Where to stay? Stay 7 nights at the 4 Star Spa Hotel Strass in Mayrhofen on half board with prices starting from £669 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.

Visit thomsonski.co.uk or white-lounge.at/en for more details.

Obergurgl

Solden and Obergurgl are the most famous resorts in the Otztal, whilst Solden lives by the motto ski hard and party hard, Obergurgl provides the more traditional alternative with some lively après-ski that starts and finishes early. You can’t visit Obergurgl without experiencing a session in the ‘Nederhuette’ at Gaisberg, with live music and plenty of ‘dancing in your ski boots’ action. Back in town, the ‘Josl Keller’ and the ‘Edelweiss bar’ are popular options.

Package Price: Stay 7 nights at the 4 Star Hotel Wiesental in Obergurgl on half board with prices starting from £767 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.

For more information and bookings, visit inghams.co.uk/tirol.

Ischgl

High in the Paznaun valley in the heart of the stunning Silvretta mountains, Ischgl is as famous for its extensive high altitude skiing and snowboarding opportunities as it is for its legendary après-ski and nightlife scene. By the Pardatschgrat chair, après-ski kicks off at ‘Niki’s Stadl’, whilst scantily clad girls dance on the bar at the Hotel Elisabeth and the ‘Kuhstall’, in the centre of the village, keeps going until the early hours.  Ischgl is certainly a  contender for the après-ski capital of Europe the resort has mega venues such as the ‘Trofana Arena’, five bars on various levels, live shows and top DJ’s, and ‘Pacha’, the greatest club in the Alps, in the Designhotel Madlein.

Package Price: Stay 7 nights at the 3 Star Hotel Alpina in Ischgl on half board with prices starting from £935 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.

For more information and bookings, visit crystalski.co.uk.

Kitzbuhel

Highly regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan resort of the Alps, the resort of Kitzbuhel boasts incredible skiing, a wonderful old town, award-winning restaurants and top après-ski with a more sophisticated scene. Sip cocktails at the trendy ‘Cafe Bergsinn’ or ‘Jimmy’s’ and later in the night, the spot to be seen at is ‘Take Five’, a highly exclusive nightclub with three bars. If you prefer it loud and lively with plenty of beer, oompah and Europop then head to ‘Streifalm’, ‘Chizzo’ or the ‘Londoner’, whilst ‘Highways’ and the ‘Python Club’ are the best for later on.

Package Price: Stay 7 nights at the 4 Star Hotel Maria Theresia in Kitzbuhel on half board with prices starting from £609 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.

For more information and bookings, visit neilson.co.uk.