The 9 best party ski resorts

Insane fun. That’s what we’re looking for. And especially after the last couple of seasons we have had! So where are the best party ski resorts in Europe? We’ve done our research and put together a list of resorts with the best après-ski in Austria, France and Italy! Remember there are many and I mean, many awesome places that didn’t make this list but the ones that did guarantee an epic time. Places where you can ride all day, step straight off the slopes and into an après-ski wonderland with the mountains as your spectacular back drop. And while I’ve got your attention, remember that any escape to the slopes requires techical clothing to get the most out of your ride. Our collection of women’s and men’s ski and snowboard clothing is just what you need. Now enjoy this read!

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Sölden, Austria

Nestled in the Ötztal valley in the magnificent Austrian state of Tyrol, Sölden sure knows how to party. To kick off your après-ski celebrations why not try ‘Fire&Ice’, a great place to drink and dance. Most of the drinking establishments are on the Dorfstraße which makes a pub crawl a great option.

Every year Sölden holds the ‘Electric mountain festival’, bringing the world’s top electronic dance DJs to the Alps. So after a day of carving up the slopes, you can be entertained by the world’s best. The next Electric mountain festival will be held on 7th and 8th April 2022 so you’ve got some time to plan. If you have a Solden skipass, you’ll get free admission to this festival. And every month during the snow season there are Electric mountain parties where top DJs take the turntables to the delight of the après crowd.

Apart from being a sure bet for a good party, Sölden is also a sure bet for snow. With it’s high altitude, snow conditions are amazing from early in the season to late in April. And Sölden doesn’t have one glacier, it has two, the Rettenbach glacier and the Tiefenbach glacier with wide runs and spectacular views.

More info: Après-ski in Sölden

Ischgl, Austria

Revellers at Ischgl can party long and hard. This resort, voted best ski resort of 2018, is known for it’s wild late nights, or rather early mornings! The town has retained it’s picture postcard good looks and with a wide selection of restaurants and bars, there’s something here for everyone.

In this charming Austrian town, you can have a drink at what is considered one of the best après-ski bars in the world, the Trofana Alm! Here they truly know how to party to a European playlist. And they’ve totally renovated the old digs for opening in winter 2021. In the same league, there’s the Kuhstall where the DJs keep you dancing till the early hours of the morning.

This resort also plays host to the legendary ‘Top of the Mountain festival’. It’s one hell of a party that usually closes the season with music, dancing, lights, insanity, drinks and lots of smiles. Last spring this festival was cancelled due to Covid restrictions but hopefully they’ll be rocking the mountain in early 2022. We can’t find the dates but expect it to some time in April.

More info: Après-ski in Ischgl

Mayrhofen, Austria

High up in the Austrian Alps, you’ll find Mayrhofen. For decades, this has been a favourite for skiers and snowboarders alike although it is known specifically as a snowboarding mecca. With 142km of runs and 58 lifts, it has a reputation for reliable snow and a long season of it as well. Mayrhofen also has Austria’s steepest slope called the Hakakiri!

And as far as partying goes, Mayrhofen can truly rock and attracts a young, hip crowd. At the top of the Penken cable cars is the ‘Pilzbar’. With an umbrella bar and terrace, this is the perfect place to start the après-ski. Another great starting point is ‘Bruck n Stadl’ where the party starts at lunchtime and continues until 2am. Since the pandemic, they’ve upgraded their outdoor seating area so it’s a fabulous place to hang out in the fresh air.

‘Bruck n Stadl’ is also where the ‘Snowbombing festival’ kicks off. This festival is an epic week-long sporting and music festival which features huge names playing in this magnificent setting. This awesome festival will be taking place on from 4th to the 9th April 2022. Check it out.

More info: Après-ski in Mayrhofen

St. Anton, Austria

Considered by some to be the après capital of the Alps, this Austrian hot spot is a great choice for a party and with 94 lifts servicing more than 700 km of awesome terrain, it’s also perfect for the action on the slopes.

It’s a difficult choice when asked which party venue we’d recommend, but we couldn’t write about St.Anton without mentioning ‘MooserWirt’ – the legendary après ski destination where there’s great food, drink and sounds (closes early though at 8pm). The bartenders are something to see, carrying trays 30 large beers per tray, one in each hand. St. Anton is perhaps not the destination for those seeking a chilled après ski as it may also be the most jammed and jumping place to be come snow season.

More info: Après-ski in St. Anton

Les Deux Alpes, France

Here at Les Deux Alpes the daytime après-ski is huge, there are outdoor and indoor music stages, loads of alpine bars and secret parties – it’s not surprising that this resort is also known as the Las Vegas of the Alps. The charming villages of Venosc and Mont de Lan together make up this ski resort and these two villages are linked by a 2km long strip which is filled with bars, restaurants and clubs.

And if you’re looking for an awesome festival, Les Deux Alpes also has that. Helping you to truly celebrate the festive season, the ‘Rise Festival’ is early, taking place this year between the 11th to the 18th December 2021. It’s an action-packed week with world reowned DJs as well as up and coming talent.

And regarding the terrain, it’s 220km of stunning slopes with Europe’s largest skiable glacier and there is something for newbies to expert skiers and snowboarders.

More info: Après-ski in Les Deux Alpes

Tignes, France

Tignes, in the northern French Alps, is a world-renowned resort not only known for its magnificent skiing and snowboarding oppurtunities but also for it’s après-ski. The options for where to go are endless but here are some tips. For a convenient slope-side drink, try the ‘Marmot Arms’ for live music and good food, or go a little more upmarket and check out the ‘Le Whitney Bar’. The ‘Saloon bar’ and the ‘Polar Bear Pub’ are also great choices. Tignes also has four clubs to keep you dancing into the morning so there should be something here for everyone.

As far as festivals go, ‘Live in Tignes by Francofolies’ is everything you could want from a slope side festival and more. There are two stages, one on the slopes and the other in town. This fabulous festival is usually in April and is completely free!

More info: Après-ski in Tignes

Val Thorens, France

Val Thorens is a favourite amongst the students so there’s always a lively young crowd here in the French, purpose-built village. With pretty much guarenteed snow cover from November to May, Val Thorens has terrain for all levels from beginners to experts and it’s setting at the head of the Belleville valley is truly spectacular.

Val Thorens sure knows how to party with a wide selection of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Try one of the most popular bars in the Alps, ‘La Folie Douce’. This is the hottest and highest après-bar with breath taking views over the moutains. Here they play great tunes and mix amazing drinks.

‘Bar 360’ attracts a young crowd, with its perfect location and large terrace. Then there’s the on-slope, ‘Saloon bar’ with a famous happy hour and great music. As far as night clubs go, you must try the ‘Malaysia’, the largest nightclub in the Alps.

More info: Après-ski in Val Thorens

Cervinia, Italy

Unknown to many, Cervinia has some epic après-ski! The weekend starts on Wednesday with Thursday having the best happy hours and other entertainment. What’s really cool is that you can start on the slopes and work your way down the mountain. Start at ‘Plan Torrette’ where you can cure the afternoon munchies, then make your way done to the ‘Principe’ then into town for the ‘Dragon’, a pub-style drinking hole with a dance floor in the basement.

Now we’ve planned your route, let’s just give you a little info about the resort itself. It’s linked to Zermatt in Switzerland with access to some of Europe’s highest pistes. The top lift reaches an incredible 3883m and there are 350 kms of slopes split into 150 runs, some of them very long. Cervinia is a great place for beginners.

More info: Après-ski in Cervinia

Livigno, Italy

For some true Italian spirit as well as a cheap après ski resort, check out Livigno. Right on the Swiss border, this place is a marvellous mix of party and snow. When you’ve had your fill of action, grab a bite to eat at the ‘Angels and Demons’ where they serve a fantastic risotto. There’s no shortage of great places to party after that. Check out the ‘Kosmo’ umbrella bar with live music and DJs or what about the ‘Stalet’, which has an early start and often involves people dancing on the tables!

Livigno also has it’s own festval ‘Snowland’ which usually takes place in late March. You’ll be partying alonside around 10 000 other après-skiers at 7 different locations and an open air stage. What’s not to love.

More info: Après-ski in Livigno

Conclusion

So there’s our shortlist of the best party ski resorts in Europe. From Austria to Italy, these are the places that know how to entertain you and you’ll have a smile on your face from the moment you wake up till you finally hit the hay in the early hours of the morning. Remember to give your après-ski wear some thought before you go. You’re at the perfect place as here at Protest we’re known for creating ski and snowboarding clothing with a street edge. Check out our best après-ski clothing for women and for men here. We’ll help prepare you to get there.