Autumn is here and you’ve probably already thought about turning the heating on. For some, however, the colder weather brings a smile – ski season is nearly upon us. With only a couple of months until The Alps start to turn white, it’s time to turn your attention towards booking the annual ski-trip.
Even the most dedicated, hard-core skier wants a decent après ski beer. So we’ve compiled our favourite après ski destinations for the 2016/17 ski season. Have we missed any? Comment below and let us know.
1. St. Anton, Austria
The Austrian party resort of St. Anton is an après-ski classic. Easy to reach from Innsbruck, Friedrichshafen or Zurich, and with a railway station in the centre of the resort, transport is certainly no problem.
The skiing is first class thanks to St. Anton being positioned in one of the snowiest parts of the alps. Party on the piste is a must, and Mooserwirt is famous for providing the party with a view. And you can’t miss the Krazy Kanguruh (it’s got to be said in a Australian accent, right?) which is the party capital of St. Anton.
2. Val d’Isare, France
Probably Europe’s most famous ski resort, Val d’Isare is part of Espace Killy which connects the resort with Tignes providing over 300km of beautiful pistes. But enough on the excellent skiing…
Almost as famous as Val d’Isare is La Folie Douce. You can hear the pumping party before you see the packed terraces, as La Folie Douce pulls in the punters for an après ski party up the mountain. Expect to see dancers and performers really getting the crowd going. Watch out for the champagne spraying though! And if you happen to enjoy yourself a little too much, don’t worry as there is a gondola to take you down the mountain directly from La Folie.
There are plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. From top quality cocktails and excellent restaurants to dingy nightclubs and packed bars, Val has it all.
3. Obergurgl, Austria
You’ve probably never heard of Obergurgl, but we simply couldn’t miss it out. One of the highest skiing villages in Europe, where après ski isn’t so much an addition, it’s a tradition! Although there are a few nightclubs in town open until the early hours, the main afternoon party can be found up at the legendary Nederhütte where standing on benches and singing along with the live music is practically mandatory. Skidoos down the mountain are available if you get a bit merry.
Obergurgl is a small but quant and lively resort. It’s not 24/7 party – but it will certainly be a trip to remember.
4. Verbier, Switzerland
So, let’s not beat around the bush – Verbier is posh and it’s expensive. So, if you like popping on your best pressed shirt and your dancing shoes and heading out for some fizz, you’re in business. That said, you don’t have to go all out and you’ll definitely find some reasonable bars such as Farinet and Le Pub Mont Fort.
5. Les Deux Alpes, France
No après ski list is complete without this ‘Ibiza in the snow’ resort. A skiing holiday is cheap, but Les Deux Alpes is on the cheaper side and boasts some awesome night life. The glacier provides year-round skiing, and a nice new blue run back to the village has turned this resort into a firm favourite.
Pano Bar starts the party in the afternoon up the mountain. When you make it down (somehow) you’ll find loads of fun, lively and reasonably priced bars, full of fellow après ski goers. Perfect!
Insurance
Three key points to remember about travel insurance and skiing:
- Check your policy covers you for winter sports.
- Although we all love après ski – if you injure yourself skiing whilst under the influence of alcohol, you run the risk of invalidating your insurance through ‘reckless behaviour’.
- The time to buy travel insurance is when you book your holiday – not 24 hours before travelling. That way you’ll insure yourself against any medical conditions which occur before your departure which may result in you being unable to travel.
