The Best Après Ski Spots in Tirol

Some say that St. Anton is the spiritual home of après, so it’s no wonder that it is world-renowned as “the” place to après! Kicking back after a day on the slopes with food and drinks while still wearing ski gear is a time honoured tradition in ski culture here. A trip to St. Anton isn’t complete without a slice at the “Mooserwirt” and at Olympic Champion Mario Matt’s “Krazy Kanguruh”, two legendary bars, located virtually opposite each other, on either side of the ski trail leading down to St. Anton. Grab a beer and watch skiers make their way down the last run of the day at the slopeside decks. When the sun goes down the party continues down in the heart of the village at places like the hip “Anton Bar” and the more casual “Alibi”. Suffice to say, all après bars at St. Anton know how to ensure a good time is had by all, so be prepared to party when you come here. 

In Ischgl, après ski is considered an artform. An exciting après-ski scene is the ski resorts’ social heart, where day meets night, where tall tales and magic moments come together. And where you will likely rub shoulders with international celebrities, from actors to athletes. The resort’s nightlife is legendary, coupling a sophisticated urban lifestyle with Alpine charm. For some classic après ski diversion, head to “Paznauner Taja” at the heart of the ski resort. More sophisticated après ski establishments in Ischgl include glamourous “Champagne Club” and “Madlein-VIP-Club” as well as rustic “Posthörndl”. Three times each winter season, international top acts take to the stage at Silvretta Arena during the legendary Top-of-the-Mountain Concerts, where live music unites goggle-tanned rippers and shredders.

True, the skiing in Sölden is legendary, but did you know that fun really gets going after the lifts stop running? Sölden’s après is justly legendary. It starts up the mountain, notably at “Panorama-Alm” or at “Gampe-Alm” and progresses to countless places in and around the long main street. There are plenty of options to kick your ski boots up, from inns, bars and pubs, with and without live bands to throbbing discos. Lively and packed, dancing on tables is de rigeur at “Fire and Ice” and at “Almrausch”. A few doors down you will find the “Mirage” and “Bierhimmel”, which is especially popular among the younger party scene. They offer good times, party rocking live shows and, of course, great beer (“Bierhimmel” translates to ‘Beer Heaven’).

Thinking of Kitzbühel conjures up cat-suited ski racers and designer and fur-clad celebrities. A legend in its own right, Kitzbühel is the playground of the Rich and Famous, and venue of the scariest downhill race on the annual World Cup circuit. The race gives Kitzbühel an unbelievable buzz every January. However, the buzz continues all winter long at the ski resort. Slopeside bars like “Oberkaser” and “Maierl-Alm” on the Kirchberg side of the mountain are the places where you go to have a good time. Getting down to awesome DJ sounds is the norm over here on weekends, when “Café del Maierl” opens at “Maierl-Alm” by noon.  Don’t even bother taking off your gear for aprés beverages at “Streifalm”, located on foot of the “Streif”, the notorious, dangerous, blood-curdling downhill racecourse for men. Clubs like the “Hahnenkamm Pavillon” entice with a stack of resident and visiting infamous DJ's . And in downtown Kitzbühel, you can party the night away at legendary bars like “The Londoner” or “Take Five” Club.

Après is a celebration of all the incredible things you did on the mountains that day and the Hochzillertal-Hochfügen après scene is legendary. With numerous slopeside après options there is always a massive afternoon shindig happening somewhere. Setting the bar high, the luxurious “Kristall Hut” and “Wedel Hut” are two of the most well-known ski lodges in the country. High-end living is embraced here with vigour, laid-back DJ sounds and elevated dining experiences in the true sense of the word. A different kind of experience awaits at the rustic “Holzalm” in Hochfügen. The place is woodsy and cozy, the drinks are strong, and the music is traditional Zillertal folk music. A must for all those Schlager fans out there is the “Postalm” in Kaltenbach. Strongly recommended for those wanting to dance the night away.

Mayrhofen is the number one of the party towns in Zillertal Valley. Anyone who loves to party, knows that Mayrhofen is the place to be for the best après ski parties. Choose your place, set the pace – Caribbean-style atmosphere at “Cohibar”, cocktails in the classy “White Lounge“ atop Ahorn Mountain or more classic après ski environments like the “Yeti Bar” at the base of Horberg Gondola, “Brückenstadl”, “Ice Bar” or “Hiatamadl” at the base of Penkenbahn Gondola. For live music, check out “Brückenstadl”, for blaring club sounds head to “Arena”. One of Mayrhofen’s favourite events is the yearly Snowbombing Festival close to winter’s end. A week of partying with the best DJ’s from all over the world, especially popular among British revellers.

In Innsbruck after dark, the scene is set for you to really let your hair down. Who said the winter adventures have to stop when the sun goes down? There are a lot of places you can chat or dance the night away, each with their own unique vibe. The most unique party location is “Cloud9” on Nordkette Mountain: In winter, this stunning igloo bar at Seegrube, situated at an elevation of 1,905 meters above sea level, relishes this unique location high above town. On Friday nights, this is the rallying point for those kicking off an evening out in Innsbruck and the after-dark crowd who appreciate above-ground ambience and jaw-dropping views. The party continues down at the base of Hungerburg Gondola at “Hitt & Söhne”. Still don’t want to go to bed early after an exhilarating day of fresh air and adventure in the mountains? With nightclubs, bars, pubs and clubs like “Jimmys”, “Kater Noster”, “Dachsbau” or “Cubique”, Innsbruck partiers have options in every direction. Just be sure to take off your ski gear before heading downtown…

Ellmau and Söll are the biggest resorts at Wilder Kaiser Region and there are plenty of options to celebrate your day in the mountains, to refuel, refresh, and most importantly to reconnect with your fellow humans. With plenty of live music, you’ll be up dancing at “Moonlight Bar” at the base of the gondola even after a full day of play in the outdoors! Right at the heart of town is “Salvenstadl”, where a variety of local and international DJs are spinning party beats. The hotspots at Hochsöll Ski Resort are the sun-soaked slopeside patios of “Stöcklalm” and “Alpengasthof Hochsöll” that will sneak fantastic bands and musicians in whenever they can.