![Skiers start the descent of Valle Blanche in the Alps. Valle Blanche descent links Italy and France through the Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, France](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fexplore%2FChamonix.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Winter is skiing season in Europe when people spend whole days skiing around with their clan. But what comes after that You go après-skiing. Nothing beats getting together for a few drinks, sumptuous snacks, and inflated skiing tales after a day on the slopes. And this long-standing custom has a name après-ski. The term technically translates to "after skiing" in French, but nowadays it refers to any type of well-deserved celebration following a day spent burning calories on the slopes.
With the rise of commercial skiing dating back to the 1950s in the Alps. après-skiing became quite the culture. After the ski boots come off, a session of après-ski has no boundaries and can take the shape of anything from spa bonding to tabletop dancing and dining. With that being said, we give you a rundown of the most exciting après-ski destinations across the European continent.
Chamonix, France
For dedicated skiiers with a propensity for liquor, the "near-mythical" Chamonix (nicknamed the "mecca of skiing") is one of the best après-ski spots. It was a small mountain village in Haute-Savoie, an area of the French Alps, up to the beginning of the twentieth century. You can see Art Nouveau buildings with Belle Epoque influences reflected the exquisite balcony railings here. The Aiguille du Midi, the Mer de Glace, and the Brévent mountain are the three exciting places that you must visit. And treat your tastebuds to hearty fondues and tartiflettes. After a long day of skiing, skiers huddle on the Marmottons terrace for panachés and independent performers. Cold beer and live music come together in the legendary Chambre Neuf, which is situated at the northernmost point of the city.
How to reach It takes about 5.5 hours to get to Chamonix by rail from Paris, or you can take a short trip to Geneva and then go to Chamonix by car.
Livigno, Italy
With a variety of bars flanking its main stretch, Livigno in the Italian Alps offers a genuine feast of après-ski entertainment. People here typically take a break from skiing for a leisurely lunch or a red wine and chichetti pit stop, followed by hot showers and massages. This is in contrast to a beer-soaked après. When it comes to pizza and Peroni, Tagliede Après Ski is more laid-back, but Milky's Aperitivo Bar cranks on the charm with a cockle-warming Bombardinos or Aperol spritz.
How to reach Zurich airport is closest to Livigno (ZRH). You can also take a train from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Livigno via Milano Centrale, Tirano, Poschiavo, and Poschiavo, Stazione.
St Moritz, Switzerland
With its majestic mountains, stunning snow-covered castles, and frozen lakes, St. Moritz is nothing short of paradise. With a scenic mountain backdrop, skiiers can enjoy sipping champagne and dancing to European music. The Roo Bar at Hauser is a classic in St. Moritz for its subterranean dance floor while Schneebar Pirates on the Rocks, another sophisticated bar at Corviglia's top station, promises an exquisite experience of St. Moritz.
How to reach Take the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express which travel along a UNESCO World Heritage railway route. This is the most breathtaking way to get to St. Moritz. Passengers are transported to Engadin by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) from Chur over the Albula Pass or from Tirano (Italy) via the Bernina Pass.
Verbier, Switzerland
The village in south-western Switzerland in the canton of Valais is another notable ski resort. Widely known for mixing international glitz with boozy live performances, the ski resort boasts an ethos that encourages early risers to maximise their time on the slopes before crowding into restaurants like Chez Danny for a lengthy lunch. This always leads to a rosé-fuelled afternoon at Bar Le Rouge. It's typical in Verbier to munch on freshly baked pain au chocolat no matter where you decide to après.
How to reach The valley has easy access to Verbier. In all of Europe, Switzerland has one of the largest rail networks. Take any train, get off in Martigny, and then board a train for Le Châble.
St Anton, Austria
If you are looking for a boot-stomping party after skiing, then St Anton is the right place for you. From live music to free-flowing beer and people dressed in lederhosen, St Anton is special. Table dancing sometimes starts as early as 11 in the morning, with Bar Cuba being most famous for its live music and dance. If you are looking for something more, disco bars are the place to find yourself dancing to European music.
How to reach It takes around an hour and a half to go by train from Innsbruck to the train station in St. Anton. By private shuttle or rented automobile, it takes 75 minutes to get to St Anton from the Innsbruck airport.