A
good day’s skiing should begin by risking
life and limb on the slopes and end doing
the exact same while dancing on tables with
a cold drink in hand. Wild nights out are, after
all, half the fun of going on the piste.
Après ski is a great leveller. Even
the complete novice can party like a
professional. But as with winter sport
enthusiasts, not all bars are created equal –
ranging from the simply pedestrian to world
class watering holes.
A quick barometer of the buzz around a
particular bar in a resort is the number of skis
piled up in racks on the snow-covered streets
outside. But that assumes you like standing
shoulder-to-shoulder with the Danish
drinking team and negotiating five-deep
queues at the bar.
For some it’s all about recreating the buzz of
Ibiza on a mountain-top, others are looking
for a sophisticated cocktail or three,
while more still might prefer quietly nibbling
snacks by a roaring log fire.
Our definitive guide has hand-picked the
very best après ski bars in the world today
to make allowance for this and cater for all
tastes. Whether it is a purpose-built igloo
hotel erected each year or a funky pop-up
champagne bar that keeps its exact location
secret, there is something for every taste.
Just follow our simple tips to a great night out
and get maximum enjoyment from your trip.
Rather than stopping off at the hotel for a
quick change, it is best to get stuck straight
into après ski and do all your dancing in ski
boots. It catches the party mood and leads
to an earlier finish, keeping you fresh for the
next day on the slopes.
As a rule, starting an evening session at
around 3/4pm allows you to be tucked up
in bed for 10pm to get a good eight hours.
That should prevent the worst hangovers and
wobbly runs the next day.
Smart skiers also start their sessions with
a glass of shandy. A long day negotiating
moguls and black runs works up such a thirst
that the first drink will hardly touch the sides.
Now, with the drink sensibly messages
out of the way, it’s time to line up the
Jägermeisters, crank up the Euro pop to 11
on the sound system and get stuck into our
list of the best après ski venues in the world...
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