Europe boasts some outstanding ski resorts and for the more active skier, some of the best party ski resorts too. Selecting the cream of these will always create some interesting debate as the après scene in many ski resorts is hard to top, but the selections we have here will take some beating taking into account all budgets and expectations.
Chamonix – France
With stunning panoramic views, the very best in skiing and a vibrant après ski feel, the French resort is a reputed legend. Situated at the front of Mont Blanc very close to both Italian and Swiss borders, people come from all over the world to experience its unique atmosphere. There are five top skiing areas here from Grand Montets to Les Houches, and all have top class facilities. Off piste, novice and non skiers alike, are all well catered for. A traditional mountain town, it’s still looked upon as the global capital for winter sports, and the home of mountaineering. The fact something goes on all year round sets it apart from many rivals, and the night-life is impressive. It’s a must visit for serious skiers. Getting to Chamonix is super easy too. Situated only 100 km from Geneva International Airport, a Chamonix transfer will cost around €28 per person with Chamonixfirst making it very economical resort to travel to also.
Sauze d’Oulx – Italy
Found at one end of the famous Milky Way circuit this may not be St. Moritz, but its well known for its colourful and friendly party atmosphere. Just under 1400 metres up in the Italian Alps, the highest slopes can take you up to 2701m, and there are efficient lifts to match. You’ll find 950 cannons are always at the ready to provide artificial snow, and the end of day entertainment is still well worth experiencing from a resort dating back to 1930. The season runs from December to April and you can even ski all the way back to France, if you’re so inclined. There’s little doubt the birthplace of Italian skiing is still highly rated.
St. Anton – Austria
If you’re looking for a truly world class resort you’ll find it here a couple of minutes from the railway station and less than an hour’s drive from Innsbruck airport. There are lots of quality marked pistes, and off piste skiing stretches to 180 km. For the seasoned Après skier there are restaurants, bars and shops aplenty, together with an exciting atmosphere. With 84 lifts and some superb facilities, visiting the Arlberg region is certainly recommended. All of the skiing areas are linked by a free and efficient shuttle bus, so transport is of a high standard throughout the resort.
Verbier – Switzerland
With Royals and celebrities aplenty then this is truly a Cosmopolitan resort, attracting people the world over. There are also enough beginners, children’s and novice areas to keep everyone happy. Just under 46,000 skiers are transported around here each hour, and there are 35 lifts working at any one time. There are wonderfully steep slopes at Col de Chassoure and around Mont Gelé, and once you’re finnished for the day, the nightlife is everything you might expect from a legendary resort. The village can be found nestled in south-western Switzerland in the canton of Valais. There are also a vast range of shops and bars and four major skiing sectors with some of the best off piste skiing on the planet.
Zermatt – Switzerland
Step out of the station and have your breath completely taken away by the presence of the giant above, otherwise known as the ‘Matterhorn’. There are horse drawn carriages, fantastic bars and shops, exhilarating off slope entertainment, and some of the best slopes in the world. The skiing area is simply huge with the best in facilities to go with it. No wonder this resort was voted World’s best resort for après ski,” in the 2012 World Snow Awards. It’s charm lies in the fact people from all walks of life can mix happily together enjoying a range of mountaineering and alpine sports alongside quite stunning scenery. Zermatt lies in the area known as Visp which is located in the German section of Valais, Switzerland, and there’s plenty of activity all year round. In short it really does have it all.
The choice is yours of course, but Europe certainly has an impressive range of Après ski resorts. It really all boils down to taste and personal preference. There’s little doubt however, the five chosen here won’t disappoint, so let’s raise a glass to Après skiers everywhere.
