Après-ski, for many, is one of the most important factors to consider when booking a luxury ski holiday in France. The bubbling glasses of champagne, the foamy sweetness of a bière pêche… whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to pair excellently with the mountain views. And what’s a drink without a show? The best après-ski bars in France are renowned for being expressive event spaces. Dancers, singers, and smiles on the faces of every visitor; French après-ski bars really do have it all.
But which ski resorts offer the best resorts and bars for your taste? What are the top bars in those resorts? We at Ski In Luxury are more than happy to answer those questions. In this blog, we outline the best resorts for après-ski across France, giving you inside knowledge on how to make the most out of your next celebratory ski holiday.
Après Ski in Méribel
Méribel, situated in the heart of the Three Valleys, is well known for its après-ski scene. So where will you kick off the revelry? The cabaret shows at La Folie Douce are a must-see, an essential visit when skiing in the French Alps. But also, the daily live music at the renowned Rond Point, affectionately known as the Ronnie, is an experience exclusive to Méribel. At the base of the lifts, near the car park, is the family-friendly, yet punkish, Jack’s Bar; its location makes it a great final stop of the day! Refuel with their homemade pizzas and relish the last pints before returning to enjoy dinner at your catered French chalet.
Once the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. The Olympic Park offers guests a whole range of après-ski activities in Méribel. The ice skating rink is always a family favourite, where the kids can upstage their less balanced parents. The swimming pool, climbing wall, and bowling alley are other great options for the family to enjoy après-ski time before heading back to their luxury chalet in Méribel.
Val Thorens Après Bars
Over the last few years, Val Thorens has become arguably one of the top après-ski resorts in the world, not just France. Val Thorens also has La Folie Douce, albeit slightly smaller than the Méribel edition. However, the location more than makes up for the size. You really get the immersive mountain experience from watching the sunset over the Belleville Valley.
Due to the high altitude of Val Thorens, a factor that has likely contributed to its reoccurring title of ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ at the World Ski Awards, its bars often grant fabulous panoramic views. As the name suggests, this is true for the Bar 360 situated on the Combe du Thorens green piste. Once finished, you can take this piste back into the centre of town from the Peclet area.
Another feather in Val Thoren’s cap is The Frog, the highest pub in Europe! This bar, named for the jestful rivalry between the French and British, offers live music and great happy hour offers. Included in these offers is their yard of ale! Val Thorens also has a large indoor sports complex which has a large inflatable play area, trampolines, and indoor tennis courts. Options never cease!
Après Ski in Val d’Isère
If you’ve considered a ski holiday in Val d’Isère, then you’ll probably already have heard of the legendary party culture; Val d’Isère is undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts for après-ski in France! In fact, it is a sort of pioneer of après, due to being the birthplace of the famous La Folie Douce. Of course, there have been a number of Folie Douce bars in France since, but you have to credit the original.
Another famous bar in Val d’Isère is Cocorico. This must be one of the most popular après-ski bars in Tignes-Val d’Isère; be sure to get there early to grab a good spot! What’s more, its slopeside location at the base of the Solaise and Face de Bellevarde makes for easy ski access. Of course, coming in from Le Face, you’ll be treating yourself after tackling the challenging World Cup downhill run! But for skiers looking to relax before après, the Solaise bubble is close by.
If a slightly wilder style of après-ski sounds up your street, we highly recommend Le Petit Danois, a great central location, never too far away from your luxury chalet in Val d’Isère. Val d’Isère’s sports centre also offers families and groups of friends alike plenty to do. Why not enter the weekly table tennis or squash tournaments?
Après Bars in Morzine
There is an abundance of après-ski bars in Morzine, each with a distinct personality that draws in customers year-on-year. The bars in Morzine town are perfect for partying long into the night, but of course, you must start slopeside. A local favourite is Happy Hours Bar, host to one of the best celebratory atmospheres in the Portes du Soleil! Wild parties, excellent live DJs, and simple, delicious food to line your stomach as the beers start to flow.
Then begins the (careful) journey back to Morzine town from Montriond. If you ski back to the base of the Pleney lift, there’s one bar that has to be on your après-ski bucket list. After all, a luxury ski holiday in Morzine wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Le Tremplin. It also happens to sit where the ski school completes their weekly torchlit descents, accompanied by fireworks! The views of the final stragglers coming back from mountain après can make for a good laugh at the end of the day. It’s also great for families to enjoy together. A vin chaud for the parents and hot chocolate with all the trimmings for the kids – what could be better?
Also worth visiting is the Tibetan Cafe a chic après-ski bar in Morzine with live music and tempting cocktails. This is also conveniently located beside the local microbrewery, Bec Jaune. If you’re looking for a slightly more laid-back après-ski in Morzine, then this chilled, rustic establishment is brimming with craft ales and delicious food options to enjoy! Finally, the Dixie Bar is a favourite amongst locals and holidaymakers alike, offering live music and sport; you certainly won’t miss out on that all-important sporting clash on your family holiday in Morzine.
Chamonix Après Ski
Chamonix is well known for having some of the best après-ski in France. With a diverse range of activities and places to go once the skiing is done for the day, there’s something for all the family. Chambre Neuf is gaining a reputation for being one of the go-to places for après-ski in Chamonix; it’s known for 2-4-1 happy hour cocktails and affordable pitchers of beer to pair with the lively tunes that pump from the speakers.
In terms of non-skiing activities in Chamonix for a family ski holiday in Chamonix, the Luge Alpine Coaster is a great alternative après-ski option. This alpine coaster takes riders along a 1,300m track, providing great views of the Chamonix valley and thrills for all!
Another well-known après-ski bar in Chamonix is MOÖ Bar, just by the train station in town. Here, the team runs by the slogan “walk in, dance out”, offering both great food and a friendly atmosphere for drinks from noon until late. If craft beer is your thing, we can highly recommend MBC (Mirco Brasserie de Chamonix). Here they make all their own craft beers in their own microbrewery – the burgers are top tier too!
If you are looking to choose a resort for your luxury ski holiday in France based on the après-ski scene, I hope that this blog has given you some further inspiration. If you need any further information or would like to discuss your ski holiday, give us a call on +44 1202 203 650. Alternatively, you can drop us an email.
