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? France’s après-ski bars are renowned for being expressive event spaces. Dancers, singers, and smiles on the face of every visitor; après-ski in France really has it all.
But which ski resorts offer the best après for your tastes? 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.
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.
Once the sun has gone down the fun doesn’t stop. Méribel can offer guests a whole range of après-ski activities. The ice skating rink is always a family favourite, this is sometimes where the kids can upstage their less well-balanced parents. The swimming pool is also an area where are the family can enjoy their après ski time before heading back to their luxury chalet in Méribel.
Val Thorens
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 a La Folie Douce too, 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.
Other notable après-ski bars in Val Thorens are the Bar 360 situated on the “Combe du Thorens” green piste which takes you back into the centre of town from the Peclet area, The Frog and Roast Beef (the highest pub in Europe) offering live music and great happy hour offers including the famous yard of ale! Val Thorens also has a large indoor sports complex which has a large inflatable play area, trampolines and indoor tennis courts!
Val d’Isère
If you’ve considered a ski holiday in Val d’Isère then you’ll probably already heard of the quite legendary, best spots for après ski. The most well known ones being La Folie Douce (you can see a recurring theme here!), and Cocorico, which over the last few years has really taken off and is now getting packed out early so make sure you get there in good time to get a good spot.
If a slightly wilder style of après ski sounds up your street I would highly recommend Le Petit Danois, a great central location, never to far away from your luxury chalet in Val d’Isère. Val d’Isère’s sports centre also offers families and group of friends alike plenty to do. Why not enter the weekly table tennis or squash tournaments?!
Morzine
In Morzine there are an abundance of après ski bars and activities to choose from. There is no better way to start of your après ski than a stopping off on the way back into Morzine at Inferno. This is the premier piste side après ski bar in the Morzine where all can enjoy a lively atmosphere, an ice cold beer and an awesome view!
Also worth visiting in Morzine is the Tibetan Cafe a chic après ski haunt with live music and tempting cocktails. The Dixie Bar is a favourite amongst locals and holidaymakers alike offering live music and live sport so you don’t miss out on that all important sporting clash on your family holiday in Morzine.
A luxury ski holiday in Morzine wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Le Tremplin, this hotel come après bar is situated at the bottom of the Pleney ski lift and is often where the ski school have their torch lit descents. Great for families to enjoy together be it a vin chaud for the parents or a hot chocolate with all the trimmings for the kids!
Chamonix
Chamonix is well known for having a great après ski scene, with a diverse range of activities and places to go once the skiing is done for the day there is something for all the family. Chambre Neuf is gaining a reputation of being one of the go-to places for après ski in Chamonix, known for 2-4-1 happy hour cocktails and “pichers” of beer to go along with the great live music.
Recently opened which is a big hit with families and groups alike is the Luge Alpine Coaster! This alpine coaster takes riders along 1300 metres of track offering great views of the Chamonix valley and thrills for all.
Other well known après ski bars in Chamonix are La Terrace, which is just down from the train station in the centre of town, offering clients a prime location to enjoy an après ski beer or hot chocolate. 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 micro brewery!
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.
