The Best Après-Ski in the World

Skier skiing down a slope

After a thrilling day on the slopes, the après-ski scene at the resort is almost as important as skiing. Every resort claims to be the best, but we looked at the data from ski resorts across 10 countries for the definitive answer. 

We ranked resorts based on factors such as bar availability, luxury appeal, fine dining, live music, and the resort’s popularity on social media to find which ones provide a truly unforgettable après-ski experience.

The Après-Ski Ranking

Have you been to one of the resorts on the list?

Après-ski global rank

Our ranking included some of the world’s favourite ski resorts, each offering a unique après-ski experience for its visitors. 

Our rankings found a clear winner in a very competitive field, and it can be found in Canada. According to our metrics, Whistler-Blackcomb is the best ski resort in the world for après-ski. The resort in British Columbia scored an impressive 63 out of a possible 100, making it the best après-ski resort overall out of those we surveyed. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vibrant ski village including bars, fine dining, and live music, it’s earned a reputation as North America’s most popular winter resort. 

Second on our list is Morzine in France. According to our rankings, it’s the best performing European ski resort, with an impressive 56 out of 100. It’s a classic French mountain resort with traditional chalet-style architecture and buzzing nightlife. 

Austria took third and fourth place with St. Anton am Arlberg and Solden scoring 54 and 53, respectively, for their après-ski offerings. While St. Anton is a lively, buzzing resort, Solden has more of a chic, laid-back atmosphere. In fact, St. Anton am Arlberg is the best-regarded resort on TripAdvisor, with over 280 positive apres-ski-related reviews, more than double its nearest rival.

The best après-ski by country

Does Your Favourite Resort Make The List?

Europe — The Home of Après-Ski

So what does après-ski mean?

You need to look no further than Europe’s finest ski resorts to find out. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Alpine winter resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy invented the concept. The best European resorts offer skiers and other winter holidaymakers the chance to relax, socialise, or party in style after an exhilarating day on the slopes. 

Our European winner, Morzine, at the heart of France’s vast Portes du Soleil ski area, has turned après-ski into an art form. Popular hotspots like Bar Robinson, famous for its potent Mützig beer, and Le Tremplin with its slope-side DJ sets make Morzine a firm favourite with post-slopes partygoers. In fact, Morzine has the highest number of bars in Europe for skiers to enjoy a drink and a dance après-ski, with 36 bars accessible from the resort. 

Although our top 5 is dominated by established European resorts in France, Austria, and Italy, there are 3 Bulgarian resorts in our top 10. Offering a budget-friendly option, the Borovets, Bansko, and Pamporovo Mountain resorts appear at 6, 7, and 10, respectively. 

Borovets is Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort, combining cosy mountain lodges with a relaxed après-ski scene. Bansko is a UNESCO-listed old town that combines modern facilities with traditional Bulgarian culture. You’ll find rustic mountain taverns and stylish bars in an increasingly popular resort here. If you’re looking for a laid-back après-ski experience, Pamporovo is a great option with its stunning views of the Rhodope mountains. 

Scoring 51 out of 100, the top resort in Italy and fifth in our European table is Madonna di Campiglio. Located in the Dolomites in northern Italy, this sophisticated location is home to fashionable chalet-style venues like Piano 54 and Bar Ober 1. Over in Switzerland, the top-scoring resort is Gstaad, one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations. Located between four valleys, each with its own ski centre, the town buzzes with winter sports enthusiasts during the season. 

The best après-ski in Europe

Après-ski in the Land of Kiwis

If you’re looking for an Antipodean skiing adventure,

then it has to be New Zealand.
True to its name, The Remarkables is consistently hailed as the top ski resort in New Zealand. With its inviting mountain lodges and a plethora of bars and restaurants, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to dive into an unforgettable
après-ski experience. In fact, our research shows that The Remarkables boasts the second-highest number of bars in the country, with an impressive 43 options for skiers to choose from – ensuring there’s something for everyone! 

Not to be overlooked, renowned New Zealand resorts like Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt also offer remarkable après-ski atmospheres. You can enjoy breathtaking views as you gather around fire pits for late-night conversations or explore various bars, cafes, and restaurants that invite you to indulge in delicious food and drink.

Whether you’re unwinding after a day on the slopes or embracing the vibrant social scene, these top New Zealand resorts provide the perfect backdrop for memorable evenings in the mountains.

Which Resort Scored the Best in Each Category?

So, where should you book if you’re looking for the chance to let your hair down, capture stunning shots for your socials, or eat out on a budget? 

Our après-ski research uncovered a few surprises!

après-ski global stat card, 4 individual countries/resorts scored best in their own category - party, meal and drink, moste expensive meal and drink, most instagrammed resort
Après-ski stat card - look at the winners!

The Best Resort to Party

If you’re looking for thrills on the slopes and a party afterwards, head to Argentina’s mountains. According to our research, Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia is the world’s number 1 après-ski party town. With 56 bars, you’ll never be short of somewhere to drink and dance the night away. With its stunning views of the Andes and the surrounding lakes, there’s more to the resort than just its buzzing nightlife. 

Cheapest Resort for a Meal and a Drink

Nozawa Onsen in Japan offers a high-quality experience for discerning winter sports fans, and a meal out won’t cost you the earth. At an average of just $11, this is a great place to sample fantastic Japanese cuisine at a bargain price. Visitors can also unwind in public hot springs, known as onsen, from which the resort takes its name. 

Most Expensive Resort for a Meal and a Drink

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gstaad is at the other end of the scale for food and drink. This legendary Swiss winter sports resort is famously expensive, and here, you’ll pay an average of $43 for food and drink. Along with pricey food, you’ll also find upscale shops and boutiques, and you might rub shoulders with the rich and famous. If your budget is more limited, you don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy the Skycity online casino as part of your après-ski routine!

Most Instagrammed Resort

Sölden claims the crown as the most Instagrammed ski resort in the world. With its stunning alpine scenery and striking architecture, it’s a photographer’s and skier’s dream resort. Home to the Ice Q Restaurant featured in the James Bond film Spectre, its tables offer panoramic views across the mountains. 

Methodology

Skycity used ‘On the Snow’ to define the most popular Ski resorts for Après-Ski in the world, we then analysed reviews on Tripadvisor looking at keywords such as “luxury,” “exclusive,” “upscale,” “fine dining,” “champagne,” “live music,” and “fireplace”. We calculated the score giving each data point equal weighting.

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