Après-ski (French: after skiing) is going out, having drinks, dancing, and generally socialising after skiing. It is popular in the Alps, where skiers often stop at bars on their last run of the day while still wearing all their ski gear. The concept is similar to the nineteenth hole in golf. This can also happen anywhere in the world where there is snow.
For some, the après-ski is just as important when choosing a winter holiday as the skiing or snowboarding. Après-Ski is most commonly associated with the nightlife in ski resorts, but what is available can vary from resort to resort. Some alpine resorts are famous for the bars that sit on the side of the slopes, playing music, hosting live bands and encouraging the party atmosphere, and a lot of people will choose a ski resort based on the après-ski.
For some, partying the night away after a heavy day on the slopes is not for them. Depending on the resort, there are more relaxed ways to spend your evening. Comedy shows, visiting the cinema or just having a chilled night in a cosy wine bar is more appealing.
A lot of resorts offer more adventurous things to do at night, including a moon light shoe walk to a mountain refuge, or tobogganing under the floodlights. It is always worth having a look at what your resort offers for après-ski, as it’s a great opportunity to try something new that you wouldn’t usually get to do at home.
Après-ski in Meribel
The après-ski in Meribel is certainly one of a kind. There are plenty of different bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Jacks Bar, located next to the bottom of the piste, offers live music and comedy nights. La Taverne, open until 2am, is great for partying into the night. Enjoy live music, tasty food and a fantastic atmosphere. Le Pub is also popular, offering live music 7 days a week and large flatscreens to show all the major sporting events. For something a bit more upmarket, there’s La Poste (de secours), one of Meribel's coolest bars. Prices are high, but its beautiful surroundings and cosmopolitan feel makes it well worth a visit. Finally, there's Barometer. Perfect for those who just want to have a few drinks, play some pool and soak up the atmosphere, this is a great stylish bar to visit at the end of a hard day on the slopes.
If drinking the night away is not for you, then Meribel has some great alternative après-ski activities. Open until 1am, Bowling Le Canadien is perfect for a fun game of bowling with friends and family. For sports fans, the sports bar is great so you don't have to miss your favourite sporting event! Alternatively, head on down to the ice rink in Meribel, the perfect après-ski activity, or watch an ice hockey match, held every Tuesday, which is an experience not to be missed. If you want to continue being active in your après-ski time, then going on a snowmobile tour is perfect. Race around empty snowfields with your guide and adventure into the woods, this is definitely not a sport for the timid!
Of course, if you just want a nice relaxing evening at the end of a hard day on the slopes, then relaxing in front of the fire in your cosy catered chalet is a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
If you would like more information about après-ski in Meribel please contact us on info@skicuisine.co.uk.