Throughout winter, the après ski scene thrives in many Austrian mountain resorts. The country's reputation as the ultimate destination for ski boot stomping and champagne spraying is well-earned and valid. An infamous alpine tradition, participating in après parties is sometimes the only rightful passage between the slopes and the boot room at the end of the day.
Erupting daily during the afternoon hours, revellers can enjoy a euphoric party experience where electro DJ sets fill the crisp alpine atmosphere and surrounding summits with melodic pulses. Ski enthusiasts flock to resorts where iconic après bars have been perfecting their craft for decades, and Austria happen to be the home of some of the best après ski destinations in the Alps.
St. Anton
Firmly holding onto its status as one of the best après ski destinations in the Alps, St. Anton is home to some of the most well-renowned mountain party experiences. Starting with Mooserwirt, a slope-side bar that has been hitting après hard since 1989. The aesthetic is classic wooden alpine chalet style and the vibe is après meets Oktoberfest. A large beer stein can be found in every reveller's hand and the playlist is Europop perfection.
Another renowned après institution to add to the ski bucket list in St. Anton is Krazy Kanguruh, located perfectly on the mountain for an easy stop-off on the last ski run home. A vibrant dance party atmosphere and impressive mountain views make it one of the best après parties in the Alps. On top of this, other bars such as Taps, Basecamp and Heustadl mean there's an après party for every day of the week in St. Anton.
Top Hotels in St. Anton
It's easy to see why St. Anton is one of the top ski resorts for après ski in Austria, and the accommodation on offer also provides ski enthusiasts with some of the best places to stay in the Alps:
Ullrhaus
Sophisticated alpine chic would best describe Ullrhaus, a centrally located hotel in the heart of St. Anton ski resort. Aesthetically, guests can expect modern interiors where light natural wood cladding creates a calm and serene environment to relax in after a day on the slopes.
The design hotel has an excellent wellness facility where après skiers can unwind and sink into the evening atmosphere at the hotel. The restaurant at Ullrhaus offers casual fine dining and the bar is elegant but cosy. Overall, the mountain hotel is luxurious, but inviting. Being located right next to the Rendl gondola and Galzigbahn means guests can access the slopes with ease. St. Anton's infamous nightlife is also just a stone's throw away.
Mooser Hotel
Hit the slopes from where you stay, Mooser Hotel is a prime slope-side hotel that could not be better located for guests booking an après ski holiday. Situated next to the infamous Mooserwirt après ski bar, skiers can easily slide from the party scene to the sauna when staying at Mooser Hotel.
The mountain retreat has an upscale feel. A stunning lodge with enviable mountain scenery, highlights include the ski-in/ski-out location, the outdoor pool and the wellness facilities.
VAYA
The VAYA mountain resort offers stylish serviced apartments to guests who prefer a little more private space than a hotel room. Accommodation sizes range from 4 to 14 people, allowing groups large and small to enjoy a chalet-style ski holiday together.
Being south-facing, the contemporary alpine apartments fill with sunlight during the day and the spacious balconies are the ideal place to continue the après ski with a pre-dinner sundowner. With panoramic views of the Tyrolean Alps and a location close to the Nasserein cable car, guests will feel truly content with this ski resort accommodation.
Ischgl
Another top ski resort for après ski in Austria is Ischgl, a mountain town with an incredible reputation for impressive ski terrain and epic party atmosphere. Most notably, the end of season Top of the Mountain concert showcases the dedication to on-slope entertainment.
Kuhstall is a great location for après ski, where revellers can dance from the last lift of the day until the late evening hours. Trofana Alm is a double-storey après party haven where the Europop is pumping and the disco lights are sparkling all night long.
Top Hotels in Ischgl
A traditional Tyrolean mountain resort, the village of Ischgl maintains its historical alpine culture. While there are plenty of classic alpine hotels to choose from, several contemporary ski hotel accommodations are also on offer:
Hotel Madlein
Quite possibly the top spot for après ski holidays, Hotel Madlein has it all. Exquisitely designed, all the rooms are styled uniquely and beautifully creating a true home-away-from-home atmosphere.
The culinary delights on offer are also outstanding, with a dedicated sushi restaurant adding a refreshing alternative alongside delicious alpine classics. The pièce de résistance though - the nighlife. Not only does this hotel have its own club, a vibrant hotspot that attracts some of the best international DJs, but guests can also enjoy a night at MAD CAT, a strip tease and gentleman's club that takes après ski to a whole new level.
Hotel Zhero
On the outskirts of Ischgl, Hotel Zhero is a contemporary five-star design hotel that welcomes all. A pet-friendly and family friendly establishment, the accommodation is perfect for a well-rounded ski holiday where guests wish to incorporate the Ischgl après ski experience into other experiences and activities in the Alps.
Boasting the best barbecue in Ischgl, Hotel Zhero is a great destination for foodies, and the bar area often showcases live music and guest DJs. The spa and gym areas provide plenty of space to exercise or relax when a day at the hotel trumps a mountain excursion on the slopes.
Elizabeth Arthotel
Searching for a ski-in/ski-out hotel in the centre of Ischgl? Look no further than the Elizabeth Arthotel. Unique features include the in-house art gallery; pop art, surrealism and other varieties of modern art adorn the walls and corridors of the hotel. The wellness area also features an impressive infinity pool on the 7th floor, with panoramic mountain views. Floating amongst the summits is a truly surreal experience and one that should be added to every ski bucket list.
Another top hotel to book for après ski in Europe, the Elizabeth Arthotel is home to The Schatzi bar, another of Ischgl's hottest party locations. Transforming from a delicious pizza restaurant in the day, the nighttime atmosphere is filled with great music and drinks all around.
Sölden
The small mountain village Sölden can certainly compete with the larger ski towns when it comes to après ski, an enticing party atmosphere can be found throughout the resort during the winter season. Venues for drinking and dancing can be found in a variety of locations both on and off the piste. Take a look at Philipp, Schirmbar, Marco's and The Vue Skybar when organising the après ski itinerary.
The village itself is charming, blending traditional alpine buildings with contemporary architecture seamlessly. The resort works well for holidaymakers looking for adventure and excitement, and those seeking a more serene alpine stay.
Top Hotels in Sölden
This small Austrian alpine village is home to some incredible mountain hotels, so don't overlook Sölden when searching for the best après ski destination and hotels in Austria:
Sportlers Lodge
Focusing on health and wellness. Sportlers Lodge features an impressive hotel spa and unrivalled gym facility. It's the perfect destination for those with a work-hard, play-hard attitude. Well, workout hard to be more accurate. Guests can make the most of the Sölden ski terrain and the Sportlers gym facilities during the day, and explore the après offerings in the village during the night.
The outdoor pool is a spectacular place to relax and soak in the mountain views, and the large sun terrace is idyllic if visiting the alpine area during the summer months. Rooms are modern and decorated in neutral tones, allowing the impressive mountain surroundings to shine through the windows and take pride of place.
Das Central
Where to start when describing Das Central? The five-star hotel features one of the best infinity pools in the Alps, and the architectural design is truly unforgettable. Inside, Das Central has been furnished exceptionally and epitomises alpine luxury living. Classic alpine materials run seamlessly throughout, complementing the beautiful mountain surroundings.
Their impressive wine cellar holds over 30,000 bottles from 7 countries and 40 regions, offering guests a more civilised après experience if an exquisite glass of wine is preferred over a large beer stein.
Hotel Schöne Aussicht
Another alpine retreat with an impressive wine cellar is the Hotel Schöne Aussicht. This Sölden ski accommodation is for adults only and boasts a slope-side location for easy ski-in/ski-out access.
Located in Hochsölden, the views from the hotel are extraordinary, and at a height of 2,090 metres above sea level, guests are surrounded by nothing but mountains and air. A tranquil retreat that allows guests to have a restorative stay, but the buzz and atmosphere of the après down in Sölden are still easily accessible from here.
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