4 of the Best Après Ski Destinations in Europe: Where the Party Never Ends

Ski season isn’t just about chasing fresh powder or conquering the black diamonds. Okay, well, maybe it is, just a little. However, let’s be honest, the après ski scene is just as important. After all, it is the best part of the ski day, and people are starting to catch on. This year, more people than ever are searching for the ultimate post-ski party. Google trends are showing a +186% jump in après ski searches over the last quarter. Many of these searches are turning up the best après ski destinations in Europe. They are, after all, the OGs of the post ski party.

So, which European ski resorts are elevating their après to new heights? I recently crunched the numbers on a study done by booking site Omio. In it they ranked destinations by the number of bars and pubs. While this metric does not necessarily reflect the culture, energy and reputation of the resorts, it is an interesting benchmark nonetheless. That said, here is the breakdown on where to ski hard and party harder in Europe. 

Your Ski Day Ends. Europe’s Après Ski Starts.

Europe’s best après ski destinations aren’t just about the bars and the drinks. They're about culture and energy. From Austria’s table-dancing chaos to Italy’s wine-soaked evenings and Switzerland’s polished lounges, après ski is the real headline.

Here’s how to plan it right.

1. Stay Close to the Après

The best après ski resorts in Europe are walkable, bar-packed villages. Book lodging near the center so you can go from last chair to first drink without thinking twice. Booking.com makes it easy to stay where the party lives.

Pro Tip: If you can walk home in ski boots, you booked correctly.

2. Dress for Slopes → Spritz

Europe does après early and often. Layer up appropriately so you can go from the mountain to the bar with ease. Akova Gear is warm, packable, and stylish enough for an all-day transition.

Pro Tip: Choose gear you won’t rush back to change out of.

3. Wear the Après Culture

Après isn’t subtle and neither is your fit. All About Après hoodies, tees, and beanies fit right in from Austria to Italy.

Pro Tip: A beanie says “here for après,” even without saying a word.

4. Skip the Car

Europe’s best après ski towns are built for walking, not driving. Rent a car only to get there — then park it. Discover Cars covers the major Alpine hubs if you’re bouncing between resorts.

Pro Tip: Choose villages with clustered bars, not spread-out resorts.

5. Protect the Trip

Weather, travel delays, and après-fueled decisions happen. Visitor’s Coverage helps keep small problems from ending a big trip.

Pro Tip: Après is more fun when you’re not stressing the “what ifs.”

6. Go Beyond the Bars

Après ski in Europe includes wine tastings, spas, DJs in mountain huts, and long dinners. Viator is perfect for mixing in experiences without losing the vibe.

Pro Tip: One recovery night keeps the trip going longer.

7. Stay Connected Across Borders

Hopping between Austria, Italy, France, and Switzerland? Airalo eSIMs keep you connected without swapping SIM cards or paying roaming fees. Perfect for pulling up maps, sharing après stories, and booking last-minute plans on the fly.

Pro Tip: Download your eSIM before landing so you’re connected the moment the beers start flowing.

Ski Hard. Après Harder.

With hundreds of bars, legendary scenes, and cultures built around social skiing, Europe’s top après ski destinations prove one thing:

The lifts may stop, but the party doesn’t.

Austria: The Après Ski Mecca

If you’re dreaming of legendary après, Austria is pretty much the VIP lounge of Europe.

Sölden: 320 Bars and Counting

Standing at the peak is Sölden, Austria, with a whopping 320 bars. From cozy mountain taverns serving fondue to wild clubs with table dancing, Sölden proves that the party starts the moment the lifts stop spinning (or maybe before they stop).

Saalbach-Hinterglemm: The Table Dancing Capital

Coming in second with 288 bars is Saalbach-Hinterglemm. With that many options, you would be hard pressed not to become an après ski legend. Whether you’re into live music, energetic DJs, or just sipping a cold beer with friends, this resort delivers.

More Austrian Hotspots

Other Austrian resorts rounding out the top 10 include:

• Lech & Zürs – 183 bars

• Kitzbühel – 133 bars

• St. Anton am Arlberg – 124 bars

• Mayrhofen – 109 bars

• Ischgl – 68 bars

The number of bars aside, the best part are the prices. With pints averaging around €5, Austria is the ultimate destination for skiers who like to hit the slopes and the bars.

Italy: The Underrated Après Ski Contender

Italy isn’t always the first country people think of for après but perhaps you should. They have options, and plenty of them. 

Val Gardena: Wine, Cheese, and DJs

With 264 bars, Val Gardena offers the perfect blend of relaxed Italian charm and high-energy nightlife. Think alpine wine bars and cheese boards that you'd expect from the Italians plus world-class DJs keeping the party alive well into the night.

Livigno: Family Fun Meets Nightlife

Livigno has 143 bars and offers a little something for everyone. Families can enjoy a long ski day settle in after to recap their day. Then, when the kids go to bed the adults can make their way to any of the lively après ski spots in town where the tables and maybe your ski boots (if you're crazy enough to still have them on) come alive.

Switzerland: Luxury Après Ski…For a Price

Switzerland’s resorts are iconic. Famous worldwide they stand out as the beacon of European skiing. However, their fine snow comes at a premium that just might be worth it. 

Zermatt: Views, Bars, and High Costs

Zermatt's scenery is the stuff of dreams. It also ranks pretty high with 206 bars, making for a  legendary après ski experience. But buyer beware, it will cost you. Daily costs average €257, and a pint will set you back about €7.50. That said, a pint with a view of the Matterhorn is worth it, making it a bucket-list destination if budget isn’t your top concern.

Other Swiss resorts worth noting:

• Davos–Klosters – 131 bars

• St. Moritz – 115 bars

• Verbier – 78 bars

• Laax – 65 bars

• Arosa–Lenzerheide – 46 bars

France: Après Ski for Every Mood

France might not rank high in number of bars but if you are looking for variety, they have it.  From casual wine bars to mega-clubs, or slopeside drinks with a view, France can check every box. Resorts to check out:

• Chamonix – 148 bars

• Val Thorens – 130 bars

• Les Menuires – 107 bars

• La Plagne – 98 bars

• Alpe d’Huez – 97 bars

Bottom Line: Where are the Best Après Ski Destinations in Europe

If you’re planning your next ski trip with après on your mind consider the following:

• Austria is king for non-stop après action and affordable pints.

• Italy is the underrated spot for style, charm, and good vibes.

• Switzerland is bucket-list luxe—amazing, but expensive.

• France offers variety and classic mountain charm.

No matter where you go, one thing’s for sure, après ski is booming, and Europe has a bar waiting for every skier, snowboarder, and party enthusiast.

Are you on the hunt for the best après ski spots around the world? If so, we have you covered. Join our All About Après community and get fresh stories, insider tips, and trip inspiration sent right to your inbox on a weekly basis.