In Austria, many villages boast great après-ski. Some winter sports enthusiasts find après-ski just as important as skiing. So when booking their winter holiday destination, they always check the 'après-ski' box, sometimes even before looking at the number of piste kilometres or snow guarantee. It's nice to finish a day of skiing in a pub, drinking beer with friends, ordering shots or singing along with the best après-ski hits. Hangover is for later. First, it's time to party! These are the 10 best après-ski villages in Austria.
1. Gerlos
Gerlos is famous for its après-ski. The party starts early on the slopes at Seppi's and continues into the night in the village at places like Cin Cin and Cin Cin Partykeller. In this cosy Austrian village, you can enjoy the best après-ski hits and live performances by international singers. Party in Gerlos is guaranteed!
2. Westendorf
Westendorf is part of SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental - one of Austria's largest and most popular ski areas. This cosy and charming village is popular for skiing and its exuberant and lively après-ski. If you are looking for a great party, the Karat Bar and Gerry's Inn are places to be.
3. Ischgl
Ischgl is famous for its ski area as well as its fantastic après-ski. There are many après-ski bars both on the slopes and in the centre of the village. You can choose from traditional pubs to high-class venues and cosy wine bars. On the slopes, the party starts early at the Paznauner Taja and continues in the village until late. Popular spots are the Kuhstall and the Trofana Alm.
4. Kirchberg
The Kitzbühel & Kirchberg ski area is incredibly popular. The wonderful pistes and great après-ski attract partygoers from all over the place. When there, don't miss a visit to the Eisbar.
5. St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg is the place to go for fantastic skiing and great après-ski. On the slopes, après-ski starts around 4 p.m. at the Mooserwirt and then continues in the valley till late. Don't forget that from the Mooserwirt, you still have to ski down to the valley.
6. Mayrhofen
Gerlos is not the only fantastic après-ski destination in the Zillertal valley. The village of Mayrhofen is one of the founders of après-ski, and the great atmosphere is still there. After a day of skiing, you can choose from various bars. From Mo's to Brückenstadl and the Ice Bar - you certainly won't run out of options. Great hits, plenty of alcohol and a party that continues late in the night will make your stay unforgettable.
7. Flachau
Flachau definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best après-ski villages in Austria. There are several après-ski options both on the slopes and in the village. The most famous destination is the Hofstadl, located at the bottom of the Hermann Maier FIS Worldcup run. Once a small mountain hut has now grown into a huge après-ski palace, where a party is guaranteed daily. But there are also many other great bars and pubs in the village.
8. Saalbach en Hinterglemm
Saalbach and Hinterglemm are also popular destinations for après-ski. Both villages offer a wide choice of après-ski bars and discotheques. The party starts early on the slopes and then continues into the night. In Hinterglemm, we recommend visiting the Goaßstall and the Hexenhäusl. In Saalbach, try out the Bauer's Schi-Alm and the Hinterhag Alm.
9. Sölden
After completing the BIG 3 in Sölden, you have earned a few drinks and a celebration. Sölden has many après-ski possibilities both on the slopes and in the village, ranging from cosy bars to exuberant clubs. We recommend you begin your afternoon at the Almrausch or the Schirmbar and continue the party at the famous Fire & Ice.
10. Zell am See
Zell am See is a charming winter sports village with plenty of après-ski possibilities, such as a wide variety of bars and discotheques. On the slopes, après-ski starts early in places such as the Schnaps Hans Alm-Bar. As the evening progresses, everyone moves into the village. Pub crawls, quiet beer drinking, live music and exuberant dancing, everything is possible in Zell am See. We recommend a visit to the Villa Crazy Daisy and the Pinzgauer Diele.
About Nina Jan
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.