There’s nothing quite like the feeling after a day of skiing. The satisfying ache in your legs, the buzz of fellow skiers sharing their stories, the welcoming warmth of your resort. The perfect follow-up to this feeling is an evening of long-awaited après-ski, but what does ‘après-ski’ mean?

Join The Snow Centre as we explore the joys of après-ski, covering what it is and where some of the best après-ski opportunities can be found in Europe!

In this guide to après-ski skiing, you will learn:

  • What après-ski is.
  • Where to find the best après-ski in Europe.
  • What classic après-ski drinks include.
  • Which European resorts offer the most affordable après-ski.

What Is Après-Ski?

The term ‘après-ski’ literally translates as ‘after ski’ and encompasses the activities and food & drink offerings that skiers can enjoy after their day of skiing. Dating back to the 1950s, the idea of après-ski is all about relaxing, unwinding, and having fun with friends and family once the thrills of the slopes are over for the day.

As old as skiing itself, après-ski as we know it today got going in the French Alps and has become a staple of the skiing experience over the last 70 years. It encompasses casual drinks, parties, spa treatments, games by the fireplace, and even more wintery activities like ice skating and snowmobiling.

Where to Find the Best Après-Ski in Europe

Today, the food, drink, and activities on offer at a ski resort are equally as important as the skiing itself, so here are some of our top picks for après-ski holidays across Europe.

Chamonix

As one of the best ski resorts near Geneva, Chamonix offers a varied range of après-ski opportunities. Home to France’s oldest ski town at the base of four magnificent peaks, Chamonix features a bounty of traditional restaurants serving delicious Savoyard cuisine, bustling pubs pouring craft beers, and cocktail bars offering tasty cocktails and unforgettable Mont Blanc views.

Between the meals and drinks, skiers can wander through the cosy villages of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley, enjoying museums, massage sessions, and outdoor activities between Servoz and Vallorcine. On select dates, skiers can also settle in for an exhilarating hockey game, played with pace and passion at the Centre Sportif de la Patinoire.

  • Pubs and restaurants serving Savoyard cuisine and drinks.
  • Traditional villages that are perfect for exploring.
  • Fun for everyone, from hockey games to massage treatments.

Morzine

Granting easy access to the Portes du Soleil and one of the best French ski resorts for families, Morzine completes its ski offering with one of Europe’s most diverse and delightful après-ski. Skiers can discover a variety of restaurants and bars, from the energy and slope views of Le Tremplin to the spectacular sunset drinks of L'Passage overlooking Nyon, the Pleney, and Mont Chéry.

What makes Morzine après-ski so brilliant is the additional activities available. Catch a glimpse of eagles soaring at 1,500 metres, step into the void at the top of the Pointe de Nyon chairlift, and discover the secrets of how the resort works.

  • Lively eateries with spectacular views.
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Learn the secrets of how Morzine works.

St Anton

Steeped in history and featuring some of the Alps’ most challenging runs, St Anton is a staple of skiing in Austria. With exhilarating bars like the Mooserwirt offering drinks and live events, and a calendar full of live concerts and DJ sets, St Anton apres-ski knows how to make evenings memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a bar sing-along or a quiet drink with a view, St Anton has something for everyone. Lovers of music will relish the Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival, which brings together artists from all over the world, and the White Ring Challenge, providing sports fans something exciting to watch across the ski area.

  • Energetic bars with fun and good cheer.
  • A calendar full of events, from live music to sporting events.

A Look at the Menu: Après-Ski Classics

Over their long history, après-ski holidays have made available some of the most delicious and iconic drinks in the world. These staples have developed a renown of their own for being après-ski favourites, so here are a few of our favourites:

  • Hot Toddy: Also known as hot whisky, this cosy classic is a cocktail of whisky, hot water, honey, lemon, and cinnamon.
  • Vin Chaud: French for ‘hot wine’, this equivalent to mulled wine tastes delicious with a citrus garnish or cinnamon stick.
  • Glühwein: Traditional German mulled wine is the perfect winter drink, delivering hot, spiced flavours.
  • Irish Coffee: With soothing coffee warmth and an alcoholic kick, this delicious treat is made with hot coffee, Irish whisky, sugar, and a head of fluffy cream.
  • Jägertee: Also known as Hunter’s Tea, this Austrian classic is made with rum, black tea, and a range of warm, sweet essences.

Europe’s Most Affordable Après-Ski

If you’re looking for a European après-ski without breaking the bank, there are affordable options out there. A lively choice with a reputation for being fun without sky-high costs is Bansko. Offering Bulgarian charm and a great ski atmosphere, Bansko has energetic clubs and cheap drinks to keep the fun going all night long. 


For affordable Italian skiing and a picturesque village to explore, Sauze d’Oulx is not only one of the best ski resorts in Italy but also one of the most well-priced and lively après-ski destinations. Andorra resorts are also well worth exploring, such as Pas de la Casa for its laid-back and well-priced villages.

  • Bansko, Bulgaria, offers lively charm and cheap drinks.
  • Sauze d'Oulx, Italy, delivers excellent après-ski at good prices.
  • Andorra resorts offer generally cheaper après-ski, including Pas de la Casa.

Get Ski Holiday Ready at The Snow Centre

If you’re looking forward to your first après-ski holiday, our expert instructors can help you make the most out of your trip. Our ski lessons at Manchester and Hemel Hempstead cater for all ages and abilities. From beginners to experts and kids to adults, you can find the perfect lesson out on our slopes. 


If you have any questions about our ski lessons, be sure to contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to help. Looking for the perfect holiday to start your skiing adventure? Why not check out our guide to the best ski resorts for beginners?