The Best Aprés-Ski the Swiss Alps Have to Offer

by Natasha Wolff | February 23, 2016 11:50 am

There are few things more rewarding than a crisp beer[1] or a glass of hot glühwein after a long day on the slopes—because we all know that going on a ski vacation isn’t just about the skiing, it’s also about the aprés-ski scene. And the Swiss certainly have that down. From sophisticated sun terraces to cozy mountain bars, these are some of the aprés-ski spots you simply can’t miss on your next visit to the Swiss Alps[2].

The Farinet

The Farinet, Verbier

Verbier is probably as famous for its backcountry skiing as it is for its aprés ski. On the slopes, you’ll find loads of mountain bars serving beer and Vin Chaud, but the aprés-ski party really gets started in the town. The Farinet Aprés Ski bar is one of the most festive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself grooving on a counter-top, jug of beer in hand—guests are encouraged to dance on the bar. If you’re after something slightly more sophisticated, make your way to the hotel’s other bar, the Farinet Lounge. But don’t be fooled by the leather couches, cozy fires and swanky crowd, Verbier’s elite also know how to throw a wild party.

The Carlton terrace, St. Moritz

St. Moritz, let’s not forget, is the place where celebrities like Naomi Campbell have been spotted. The Carlton St. Moritz is one of the finest hotels in the town (it’s rumored to have once been the holiday house of the former Russian tzar) and boasts a sprawling terrace where you can watch the sun set behind the mountains. This is definitely one of the most sophisticated spots for an aprés-ski drink—and although you won’t find yourself dancing on the bar, you will be enjoying world-class wines amongst a very elegant crowd. 

CERVO

CERVO, Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most well known ski resorts in Switzerland[3]. And with good reason. It has great skiing and sits right below the iconic Matterhorn peak.  Take in one of the best views of the Matterhorn from the sun terrace at the super stylish CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort. The terrace is conveniently located at the bottom of the piste and serves a variety of drinks and snacks. The hotel is so enticingly chic you might find yourself dropping money on a room, as well as a drink. As for the view, that’s priceless. 

The Basement

The Alpenblick and The Basement, Arosa Lenzerheide

Arosa is one of the low-key resorts in Switzerland, but that certainly doesn’t make it any less fun. On the slopes, you’ll find the Alpenblick, a bar and restaurant with a huge outdoor terrace. Order a beer or glass of wine (from the private cellar) and snack on delicious meats from the region. If you happen to be traveling with kids, head to The Basement, located in the basement of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel. This chic gourmet diner has a bowling alley, so your kids can enjoy a round of bowling, while you enjoy a well-deserved drink. 

Il Pup and Arena Hotel, Laax

Laax is a family-friendly ski resort, which has all kinds of bars and restaurants for every budget. The resort shares a ski area with the nearby town of Flims, so guests are really spoilt for choice. In the charming town of Laax, skiers can enjoy an aprés-ski drink at Il Pup, which is a rustic bar at the Rocks Resort. In the neighboring town of Flims, the super-cool Arena Hotel is where it all goes down. There are five bars to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with the Gin and Oyster Club, which serves a selection of oysters, gin and champagne—a winning combination.  

The Bolgen Plaza, Davos

Both the largest ski resort in Switzerland and the highest town in Europe, Davos certainly attracts the crowds. But the bigger the resort, the more slopes you have to ski and the more bars you have to try. The Bolgen Plaza, a lively Swiss log cabin-style bar, is a favorite with locals and tourists. Located at the foot of the Jakobshorn Mountain, the aprés-ski party starts early and ends late. If you stumble home in your ski boots in the early hours of the morning, that’s totally okay: there’s nothing better for a hangover than crisp mountain air and another day on the slopes.

Source URL: https://dujour.com/life/swiss-alps-apres-ski-guide/