Winter is coming…and so is ski season! Whether you’re a snow boarder, a skier, or just love the snow (who doesn’t!?), the perfect ski destination is waiting out there for you. But winter sports are about more than just hitting the slopes, the Après-ski and nightlife are key to any ski resort! So here are 7 top ski spots for the best high altitude vibe!
Tinges/Val d’Isère
The resorts of Tinges and Val d’Isère are super popular amongst the Brits. Why you ask? Well, because we love a good party and these resorts do not disappoint! From the famous La Folie Douce, the coolest most extravagant Après-spot on the side of the slopes (complete with live shows, flying champagne bottles and some amazing costumes), to the laid back a vibe of La Queue de Cachon, these resorts have something for everyone! Be sure to check out the town of La Lac (2100m), which has a tonne of cool bars and clubs. The Loop Bar is a favourite with tourists and locals, offering live bands and a theme parties.
Take a visit to Bananas on the Val d’Isère side of the resort or Cocorico with its skilled DJs, live music, and late night parties.
Of course Tinges and Val d’Isère offer more than just some amazing nightlife options — the pistes are also top quality. With over 80 lifts and 300km of runs, the ski resort is great for beginners but offers enough challenge for all you winter sports experts out there!
Whistler
One of the biggest ski resorts in North America, Whistler, which is linked to Blackcomb with a new gondola, is world famous, offering great international vibes in the beautiful setting of British Colombia.
This Canadian ski destination is also a top spot for the Après-ski life as well as general nightlife. Whistler village provides a vast array of bars, restaurants, and party options: from Garfinkel’s, with its own mini ramp in the bar, to the Moe Joe’s Nightclub a popular spot where you can expect to find live bands and international DJs!
In April the Whistler World Ski and Snowboard festival (WSSF), takes place. A week of ski and snowboard competitions as well as art, music, and culture, the hype is not to be missed!
Verbier
Expect a great Après-life, excellent pistes, and high prices… well it is Switzerland after all. End your ski day at Bar 1936, located just on the side of the piste, this is a good place to chill in a deck chair and enjoy that alpine sun. Big Ben Pub (they like their British themed bars on the Alps) and Pub Mont Fort are also worth a visit.
If it’s clubbing you’re looking for Casbah, may be for you, but be prepared for some good old rock and pop. Another option is of course Farm Club, but be warned, prices here are through the roof. Take a rich relative, marry a prince, or put your car on sale, long drinks will cost around 20 CFH and if you happen to be rolling in it, you can purchase a lovely bottle of champagne for a meagre 220 CHF!
Livigno Italy
Looking for le Dolce Vita? Take a trip to Livigno in Italy. Alegra is one of the most popular Après-ski locations in the resort and is not to be missed, while Kosmo is a great low-key option — it’s most popular in the late afternoon.
In the evening look to Daphne’s pub for the perfect chill evening, or if you’re looking to really live it up stop by Micky’s Disco Club, popular throughout the week with a variety of different music on offer. If you are feeling particularly adventures why not explore the resort on an organised bar crawl. Well, we all love a bit of organised fun!
The resort itself is located in the Alta Valtellina region in Lombardy Italy. Its 115 km of slopes providing varying levels of difficulty. What more could you ask for?
Kitzbühel
Synonymous with downhill racing, Kitzbühel hosts the famous Hanenkamm race, one of the most famous ski races in the world. The route, known as the Streif, has gradients reaching 85% and jumps of up to 80 metres, and sees racers hit speeds of up 140 km/h. No wonder this is one of the most challenging and demanding courses on the racing circuit. If you find yourself in the area on a race day, lucky you! Not only is the atmosphere described as electric, watching the racers test their skills and the boundaries of speed is a true privilege. Post-race parties are of course always an added bonus, although many events will no doubt be VIP only, given the prestige associated with resort.
Never fear Kitzbühel caters to the every-man as well! There are three main clubs in the town – The Olympia, the Royal and Club Take 5 (you’ll have to overlook the name…). Other popular spots include the Mockingstube, the Londoner, or the Highway Bar.
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes has a total of 47 lifts and 222km of pistes, with guaranteed skiing during any winter thanks to the glacier and the top altitude of 3,568 m.
When it comes to the Après-ski life there are a number of bars and clubs on offer. From the token British pub, Pub Windsor, with an impressive choice of beer, to the mountain top Le Pano Bar, the perfect day drinking affair. L’Avalanche Club is a good clubbing option although the town itself has a number of different bars to explore, which means there is always a lively atmosphere!
Obertauern
Obertauern offers more than 100 km of pistes, as well as its very own Après-ski vibe. The setting for the Beatles Help! video, the area is very popular amongst Austrian and German tourist given its perfect location close to Salzburg and Munich.
If you ever find yourself in Obertauern, be sure to explore the Edelweissalm Chalet, an afternoon delight — get ready to dance on some tables and get down to some classic euro-pop. Then stop by Monkey’s Heaven or the Lürzer Alm Ski-Hut as the evening progresses!
Why not check out the Krampuslauf in early December? The event which is followed by evening parties, sees hundreds of people dressed as Krampusse (a devil like creatures who comes to punish naughty children) descend on the town. It’s a great way to experience traditional Austrian culture and will make for some great photos!
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