Apres Ski In Austria: Are The Bars Open?

Après-ski is a French term coined in the Alps during the 1950s to describe socialising after a day of skiing. In Europe, the tradition involves full-blown parties on the slopes by mid-afternoon, with skiers hitting the dance floor straight from the slopes, often still wearing their ski boots and salopettes. In Austria, St. Anton am Arlberg is known for its high-altitude party scene, complete with piste-side oompah bars and late-night clubs. The MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh are two standout après-ski bars located on the slopes, with MooserWirt being the largest bar on the mountain. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Hospiz Alm in St Christoph offers a more refined experience with award-winning Tyrolean food and a unique slide that replaces the bathroom stairs.

St. Anton am Arlberg: Mooserwirt and Krazy Kangaruh are two of the most popular après-ski bars in Austria

St. Anton am Arlberg is a popular après-ski destination in Austria, with two bars in particular that stand out: Mooserwirt and Krazy Kangaruh. Both bars are located on the slopes of St. Anton, and by 4 pm every afternoon, you can gauge their popularity by the hundreds of pairs of skis sticking out of the snow.

Mooserwirt, perhaps St. Anton's most popular piste-side après-ski bar, is known for its live music and generous portions of food. The party starts at 3:30 pm when the shutters come down and the lights go up. Skiers dance on tables to an array of music, mostly German party hits, with a stein of beer in hand. The bar is huge, with a schnapps hut, a large terrace, and a restaurant. It is said to sell more beer than any other bar in Austria.

Krazy Kangaruh, St. Anton's oldest après-ski bar, is owned by double world and Olympic slalom skiing champion, Mario Matt. The bar has been a staple of the Arlberg since 1965. It features a spacious terrace with stunning views of St. Anton, where drinks flow freely and new friendships are made. The resident DJ plays a mix of rock and house music, creating a 'krazy' party atmosphere that continues until 8 pm.

While these two bars are highlights, St. Anton has après-ski options to suit all tastes, and visitors are encouraged to explore and find their favourite.

Val d’Isère: La Folie Douce is a world-renowned après-ski bar/restaurant chain

Val d'Isère: La Folie Douce is a world-renowned après-ski bar/restaurant chain. It was first opened in 1980 by Luc Reversade, who started the venture with a team of just five people. The Val d'Isère location is in a prime position up the mountain, sitting at the top of the La Daille gondola. This makes it easily accessible for non-skiers, and there is also a safe route down for those who have had one too many drinks!

La Folie Douce is now a chain with eight destinations across France, including Val Thorens, Meribel, Alpe d'Huez, Les Arcs, and Megeve. Over 700 people work together to make La Folie Douce a reality. The chain is known for its unique combination of live music, DJs, dancers, and performers. The cabaret lunch starts at 12:30 and ends at 14:00, with DJs, singers, dancers, and musicians putting on a show for the crowd. At 14:00, the party intensifies, with singers, big-screen projections, and top-class light shows.

La Folie Douce is more than just an après-ski bar, offering delicious gourmet food in its three restaurants. Their main eatery is La Fruitière, which serves contemporary cuisine. Just next door, La Petite Cuisine serves local favourites in a canteen-style space. At The Butcher Shop, on the sun terrace, you can enjoy burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, paninis, crepes, waffles, and more. For a mid-afternoon break, Les 3 Caves, their wine bar, offers local cheeses and cigars.

La Folie Douce is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, so you can pop in for a coffee before hitting the slopes and then return for après-ski at the end of the day. It is a must-visit spot in Val d'Isère, with something for all generations to enjoy.

Kirchberg: a modest Tirolean village with over 30 bars, including the popular Eis Bar

Kirchberg is a modest Tirolean village located 837m above sea level in the Kitzbüheler Alps. The town, whose name translates to "Church Mountain", is just 6km west of Kitzbühel. While Kirchberg may not share the exclusive feel and pricing of its neighbour, it is still considered a worthy ski destination.

Kirchberg has a lot to offer in terms of après-ski, with a variety of bars and pubs to choose from. The town is particularly popular with Dutch visitors, who know how to party! While it may be relatively tame compared to bigger Austrian resorts such as St. Anton and Ischgl, Kirchberg has over 30 bars located right on the slopes, providing an enjoyable way to end the day.

One of the most popular spots is the Eis Bar, a perennial favourite for lively après-ski. Open until midnight, it often has a queue of keen partygoers stretching down the street. The bar is especially well-liked by Dutch visitors. With its central location and lively atmosphere, the Eis Bar is the perfect place to warm up and let loose after a day on the slopes.

In addition to the Eis Bar, Kirchberg offers a range of other après-ski options to suit different tastes. For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, there are quiet hotel bars and cosy pubs. And for those who want to keep the party going, there are late-night clubs and discos as well. With such a diverse selection of bars and restaurants, Kirchberg has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a wild night out or a more low-key evening.

So, if you're planning a trip to the Tirolean Alps, be sure to add Kirchberg to your itinerary. With its abundance of après-ski options, you'll find plenty of places to unwind, socialise, and keep the fun going long after the slopes have closed for the day.

Zermatt: Elsie's is a favourite après-ski bar among the resort's more affluent clientele

Zermatt is one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, with its famous Matterhorn skyline and ultra-luxurious chalets. The resort attracts a well-heeled international clientele, and its busy main street is lined with quirky bars and luxury boutiques.

Elsie's Wine and Champagne Bar is a favourite among the resort's more affluent clientele. Tucked into a tiny, two-story wooden chalet, Elsie's brings back the spirit of the golden twenties. The bar exudes sophistication, with chalet-style interiors and a small, refined selection of international and Swiss delicacies. It offers a carefully curated list of fine wines and Champagnes from the region, many of which are available by the glass or the bottle.

The outdoor seating, with heated lamps and quality woollen throws, is perfect for enjoying the hustle and bustle of the church square as skiers descend from the mountain. Elsie's also offers an elegant selection of gourmet accompaniments and Swiss delicacies to satisfy hungry patrons. During the winter, oysters, caviar, snails, and other delicacies are served in a stylish and cosy atmosphere.

Elsie's is open until 2 am, providing a more mature and sophisticated alternative to the rowdier après-ski scene in Zermatt. The bar is located in the centre of the resort, making it a convenient stop for those seeking a refined and relaxing evening after a day on the slopes.

Meribel: Rond Point, also known as Ronnie's, is one of the best après-ski bars in the Alps

Meribel: Rond Point, also known as Ronnies, is one of the best après-ski bars in the Alps. Located in the lively resort of Méribel, Rond Point is a popular mountain bar situated on the main piste into Meribel. It is also conveniently positioned on the bus route, making it easily accessible.

The bar is known for its raucous dancing and partying, as well as its spectacular views. The sunny terrace, sitting at 1,600 metres, is a highlight and not to be missed. Live music plays every afternoon, and the delicious toffee vodka and top-notch snacks are a must-try.

The bar holds regular events, including freestyle events on the piste outside, and there is a snack bar downstairs and a large bar inside and out. With a large capacity, Rond Point attracts hundreds of skiers and snowboarders, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

A stay in Meribel would be incomplete without at least one après-ski session at Rond Point, dancing on the tables as the sun sets. Be sure to time your visit to coincide with the Little World Festival in March, a five-day music festival featuring 40 concerts, from large open-air performances on the slopes to small bar gigs.

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