The Three Valleys has long been considered as one of, if not the greatest ski area in the world. The 600km of interconnected pistes gather snowsports enthusiasts from across the globe. With its snow sure conditions and variety of on and off-piste skiing options, from the challenging grand couloir in Courchevel 1850 to the gentle greens of Les Menuires; it has it all.
However, as with any ski trip, a ski area is only ever as good as its après! And the Three Valleys does not disappoint.
In this blog, we will be looking at the top 3 Valleys après ski spots on offer. Whether you’re looking to take to the tables with a beer-pêche, or relax with an Aperol and a view, you can find it all here in the ultimate guide to the best après ski in the Three Valleys.
La Folie Douce – Méribel/Courchevel 1850
Kicking things off, we have the godfather of après ski, the enthralling La Folie Douce Meribel – Courchevel. This party on the piste brings you fantastic DJ’s, and extravagant shows of live music with dazzling dancers. There’s even a bottle gondola that delivers right to the exclusive VIP area on the raised decking. It is the height of slope side entertainment and always a fun end to a great ski day.
Located by the midway station of the Saulire Express, it offers an exciting ski down to Méribel centre. Skiing back to Courchevel? Leave with time to catch the last lift back over, either via Col de la Loze or Saulire. Although, there are much worse places to be stuck than Méribel!
The Three Valleys features two of these famous après-ski bars for the ultimate party on the slopes with Folie Douce Val Thorens. You can read more about the many La Folie Douce bars across the Alps in our Après Ski at La Folie Douce blog.
Bar 360 – Val Thorens
Along with the Folie Douce in Val Thorens, one of the highest altitude après ski bars in Europe is Bar 360. DJ’s blast tunes out to the surrounding pistes, attracting skiers in from their final runs for a dance on the decking. Throughout the season, 360 Bar is used as a venue for renowned acts to perform like Afrojack and many more. You never know who might be performing there when you visit.
Positioned above the Morraine and Portette chairlifts, Bar 360 sits along the Combe de Thorens green run. The gentle ski back to resort allows for a lively après-ski without worrying about getting down the hill. Bar 360 also has a selection of food options. Sun loungers line up on the piste-side, so you can enjoy a quick lunch watching the skiers pass by or have a meal in the indoor restaurant, until you’re ready to roll into the party.
Le Rond Point (Le Ronnie)- Méribel
Another Méribel mention is the vibrant Le Rond Point après-ski bar. In a prime ski-in ski-out location along the Rhodos green piste, skiers gravitate to its vast south-facing sun terrace. Ideal for a sunny lunch or come for the live music from 5:30-7:30pm every day. In the sometimes unpredictable mountainous weather, the enormous terrace umbrella is deployed, keeping the piste-side party protected. Stairs and ski boots are often a challenge, but not at Le Rond Point, where you can skip the stairs by using the slide down to the toilets. It’s certainly a highlight for many Méribel après ski lovers, just be ready to catch yourself at the bottom!
Le Rond Point can also be accessed via the bus, allowing non-skiing members to join for an afternoon of music. For those that need an alternative to the wobbly ski to Méribel centre, there is an elevator down to the main street part way down the blue Doron piste. Ski angels are on hand to offer help as tipsy people return to the town on their skis.
Cap Horn – Courchevel 1850
For the skiers searching for an unforgettable après experience, ski into the extravagant and wondrous world of Cap Horn. This nautical themed restaurant sits along the Pralong piste with an expansive terrace area overlooking the Courchevel altiport. Open since 1954, it is the oldest mountain restaurant in Courchevel 1850, and a hub of opulence. A Cap Horn après ski is a sight to behold, exuberant dancers perform as you savour an expertly crafted cocktail, it’s a must-see scene of après ski in Courchevel.
The 360° views from the terrace will have you awestruck. Surrounded by snow swept mountains, watching as skiers whizz past and private jets take off. It’s certain to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Copiña – Courchevel Moriond
For our friends looking for a more intimate après atmosphere, I propose the exquisite Copiña cocktail bar in Courchevel Moriond. This Galician inspired tapas bar brings delicious dishes and experimental cocktails to its cherished customers. Their friendly and experienced team take pride in their work and add a warmth to the entire experience.
On sunny afternoons, nurse your drinks and nibbles on the outside terrace, or for the days of less hospitable weather, retreat to the marble top bar where the bartenders will take exceptional care of you. Copiña also features a sister bar along Méribel high street, spreading their drink wizardry throughout the Three Valleys. The Méribel bar offers sharing platters and small plates, whereas Copiña Courchevel has the full restaurant experience.
Pub Le Ski Lodge – La Tania
In the family resort of La Tania at the bottom of the Folyères blue run sits Pub Le Ski Lodge. Its après-ski brings live music to its customers every day at 5pm, with bands and performers throughout the week. Running a daily happy hour between 4-6pm, it’s an affordable après that will not disappoint. It hires friendly English-speaking staff and has a good selection of beers to choose from too. It’s without a doubt the best après ski in La Tania.
Furthermore, it serves classic pub food for a lunch on the mountain, there’s also a French taco shack on the terrace. Ideal for families to fuel bellies – do be wary of peak times though, as it does get very busy.
Le Bar De Madame – Courchevel 1850
Nestled in the La Sivolière Hotel is the secret Le Bar de Madame. This snug speak-easy style bar offers a suave way to relax after your full day skiing. In a piste-side location along the Dou du Midi red run, it has a DJ, dancers and attentive staff, bringing you a special experience. The experienced mixologists, serve up a menu of well crafted, unique cocktails that are sure to quench your thirst.
Customers attending après-ski here are looked after as though they were guests of the hotel. On arrival, you can use the heated lockers to store your ski equipment, and upon leaving are offered a complimentary chauffeur service back to your accommodation within the resort, or to the next bar! With service like that, it’s hard to stay away. Check out our Where to Après in Courchevel 1850 blog to find your next stop.
Lodge du Village (LDV)- Méribel Village
Not to be missed, the Lodge du Village après-ski runs live music from their terrace at 4pm every day. Ideally paired with their 4-5pm happy hour, it’s a great start to an evening of jovial partying in the mountains. It’s one more reason to stay in Méribel Village. At the bottom of the Lapin blue piste into Méribel Village, it’s in ideal location to end your ski day. There’s a bus stop outside to catch the free Méribus shuttle, every 30 minutes, so no risky post-après ski down. The bar staff are also more than happy to help book you a taxi.
La Terrasse du Village restaurant, serves affordable, quality meals on their sunny terrace during the day. Making Lodge du Village also a great spot for lunch before heading up the Golf chairlift to the wider ski area before returning to one of the best spots for après ski in the Three Valleys.
Le Lodji – St Martin De Belleville
The marvellous Le Lodji Hotel sits on the St Martin de Belleville snow front, affording beautiful valley views of the surrounding mountains from its spacious terrace area. It sits at the bottom of the Jerusalem blue piste, a run that’s gained a reputation among Three Valleys skiers for its 2km of playful rollers and enchanting views. It’s an obvious end to an excellent day’s skiing in the Three Valleys. The bar offers a selection of beers, cocktails and nibbles. There’s something for everyone. Running an après-ski session from 4-6pm every afternoon, with bouncing music and flowing drinks, it’s the place to be.
I hope this has given you some insight into the best après ski in the Three Valleys. Some might say the best après ski in Europe! Looking to experience the après-ski for yourself? Have a look at our ski-in ski-out chalets of the Three Valleys for the ultimate luxury holiday.
Plan your luxury ski trip to the Three Valleys by getting in touch with our knowledgable team of Ski Specialists. Give us a call on +44 1202 203650 or send us an email, we’re more than happy to help.
