Skiing and snowboarding are superb fun – apart from the pulsating physical thrill you get from carving up the slopes, the scenery in areas like the Alps is awe-inspiring.
But for many snow sports enthusiasts, the best part of their holiday starts when they kick off their skis each evening and head off for fun and frolics in the local après-ski spots, where drinks are poured liberally, there are loads of like-minded revellers and you can bust moves on tabletops and dance floors ‘til the wee small hours.
If you like your winter holidays to be active day and night, you’ll love these four awesome Alpine après-ski resorts.
1. Val Thorens
For many powder hounds, Val Thorens is the ultimate high-altitude ski resort – but as well as its world-beating snow conditions, it also boasts brilliant après-ski.
La Folie Douce is probably the most famous venue here – it claims to have the highest dance floor in Europe (at 2600m) and dancing to live DJs while you down a few drinks and admire the views is certainly memorable.
Tip: other highlights include beer and burger joint Crewser and salubrious nightclub Le Malaysia.
2. Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère is a chic Alpine resort that’s as famous for its fabulous après-ski culture as its perfect pistes.
If you appreciate live music, Cocorico might float your boat – a brilliant band plays in the early evening and DJs take over from around 6pm, which is cue for crowd surfing and outrageous dance moves.
Tip: don’t miss Dicks Tea Bar – it’s open ‘til 4am and serves amazing cocktails!
3. Morzine
Nestled in the Chablais mountain range on the French-Swiss border and bang in the middle of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is blessed by cruisy blue and red runs, plenty of challenging blacks and ample off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers.
And this superb ski ability is complemented by amazing après-ski. Robinsons (known as ‘Robbos’) might be the best-known bar and because it only serves super-strong Mutzig beer on tap, it closes at 8pm to keep things civilised. However, the party continues at late-night venues like the Tibetan Café and nightclub L’Opera, so you’ll never struggle for somewhere to slake your thirst.
Tip: ski gurus NUCO Travel can arrange the perfect Morzine package trip for you.
4. Méribel
Méribel’s traditional chalet-style architecture and sublime slopes make it popular with skiers from around the world, and it also offers plenty of après-ski action when the sun goes down.
Rond-Point is known to regulars as ‘The Ronnie’ and its expansive terrace is a popular spot for watching the sun set in the early evening, but Jack’s Bar offer live music and stand-up comedy, while late night club O’ Sullivan’s keeps the party going until 5am.
Tip: a steam and swim at the Deep Nature Spa is an excellent hangover cure after a wild night.
Voila – four awesome Alpine après-ski resorts where pleasure seekers can hit the pistes during the day and party by night – you’re welcome!
What’s your favourite Alpine après-ski resort? Let us know in the comments section.
