Mad Dog researchers favourite Aprés-ski spots

Posted by AlanHayes 15th February 2010

Whether your life is fine without a Valentine, or you need a little Dutch courage to help you find one in resort, this mini-guide to the best of this season’s aprés joints should come in handy. The Mad Dog bloggers in resort have been putting the (happy) hours in, and can now reveal exactly where it’s at.

 

Duncan Smith in St Anton, Austria

“St Anton is well known for its vigorous aprés-ski, and this is partly because the Austrians are less cool but have more fun than the French. The Mooserwirt is 'world famous in Germany' and is something like a cheesy Germanic rave in an old farmhouse. Taps and the Krazy Kanguru are smaller but more popular with seasonnaires, with more of a mixed European feel, but they are both pretty hectic when they get going. There’s night tobogganing on Tuesdays and Thursdays here which is always fun when it doesn't break a few bones, or some like to chill out at the Wellness Centre with its indoor and outdoor pools at the bottom of the piste and  a selection of saunas and steam rooms, massages etc.”

Jesse Howe in Winter Park, USA

“US aprés is far different than Euro aprés. Happy hour on the mountain is always popular, followed by happy hour in town. A bit of a lull as everyone eats dinner, then popping again late night. Very casual dress, you will see ski pants and goggles at closing time at the bars, which unfortunately close at 2am in the States...
There's always the after party though!”

Amie Postings in Morzine, France

“The most popular aprés venue in Morzine this winter is the heated terrace at L'Etale on a Friday night. Local band Funkadelique play from 4.30pm-7.00pm but because they have such a loyal local following, the place gets packed out quickly. L'Etale is in the centre of town, therefore very close to other excellent aprés bars such as the Crepu (has a definite 'pub' atmosphere), and the Coup de Cour (for a more sophisticated, wine bar type scene).”

Chrissie Kimber in La Plagne, France

“In Plagne Centre the old favourites are still good for a night out. Judging by the noise (like gorillas trying to sing) made by the revellers in the early hours there is always a party somewhere! Planja, the Dutch bar, is great for reasonably priced drinks, music and live footy if you need your fix! Scotty's is lively as ever, with the odd bar brawl and live music. Several other bars have live music and one has mechanical polar bears...
“In Bellecote there are several bars and clubs, which seem to take turns at being the one in favour, so it's best to wander and see where the people are. A favourite of ours is Spittin' Feathers – it has music, sometimes live, reasonably priced drinks, all the sports and a good atmosphere.
“In Belle Plagne look out for live music: Le Saloon where the happy hour seems to go on forever is usually packed. La Tete Inn has live music every day! Or you can go ten pin bowling at the aptly named Le Bowling.
“If you are staying in 1800, La Mine Pub is the place to go, while in Soleil it's Monica’s Bar.”

Naeem Alvi in Serre Chevalier, France

“Aprés in Serre Chevalier has only recently started to kick off. Most of the pubs at the foot of Aravet run in Villeneuve offer some form of live music with Le Grotte taking the majority of punters. In the neighbouring town, Chantermele, a new English-run bar called The Station is my personal recommendation. They offer live music from 4-6pm, free snacks and cheap drinks. What more could you ask for?”

Jon White in Saas Fee, Switzerland

“With several locations up the mountain things tend to start early on. When you get down to the bottom there is Number1 right on the slopes, with big tents over the bars and plenty of heaters. As you move in towards town you pass the Black Bull which is great for a quick one but gets cold quickly until mid season. The best location by far is the Fee Igloo bar. Small and tucked out of the way, it’s found by skirting around the Tea Room and down the covered steps. There you’ll be greeted by the best burgers in town cooking on the barbeque. The impromptu open mike live music nights (every Wednesday but could happen any night) go on from aprés well into the night.”

Got a better tip?

We always like to hear your tips, although we can’t promise we won’t tell everyone! Email hannah@maddogski.com and we’ll furnish you with a mystery Mad Dog gift in return. Include your address!

Want more?

With a little help from our bloggers, Mad Dog’s Kate was one of the experts on a Times Online live advice session last week. Check it out here. She did a food one a few days later too! See it here

 

 

 

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