OOSC's Top 5 Après Bars

New to skiing and wondering what all the hype around après ski is about? You’re not alone. For many first-time skiers and snowboarders, an Alps trip isn’t just about the time on the slopes, it’s also about the social side that starts when the lifts close. Après ski (literally “after ski”) is a huge part of ski culture in the Alps, blending music, mountain views, great drinks and an unbeatable atmosphere with friends old and new.

If you’re planning your first ski trip to the Alps, knowing where to go for the best après ski bars can take your holiday from good to unforgettable. From sun-soaked terraces in Méribel to high-energy dance floors in Val d’Isère and Verbier, the Alps are home to some of the world’s most iconic après spots. Whether you want to sip a drink in your ski boots while watching the sunset or dance on tables to live DJs and bands, there’s something for everyone, even if you’ve never skied before.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up OOSC Clothing’s top 5 après ski bars in the Alps, the legendary venues that keep the party going long after your last run. These are the places where memories are made, ski gear turns into party wear, and strangers become friends by the end of the night.

Folie Douce - You can’t beat one of the Og classics in the modern apres scene across the French alps. Whether you’re dancing on the tables watching the sunset in Avoriaz or Les Arcs or you’re over in Val D’Isere watching the spectacular aerial displays. It’s always full of likeminded people, and Big Name DJ’s making appearances through the season.

 
The Ronnie - Situated just below the mid-point of the Rhodos lift in Meribel you’ll no doubt of skied past here multiple times. It’s not to be missed with two live performances back to back throughout winter from bands, DJ’s & solo artists this place is popping every day of the week! Their sun soaked gigantic terrace is perfect for sharing those apres drinks with the group after a day on the hill. Warning though, it won’t be long until you’re all on the tables dancing and singing away! You can either ski back down into Meribel centre or the more sensible option is to hop on the bus back int Meribel centre.

The Farinet - This is probably Verbier’s go to spot for apres in town. Perfectly located in the centre and band residencies bringing bands in from all over it’s sure to kick off. It’s famed for its loud and crazy apres and not forgetting its giant glass roof which opens up on the warmer days. It’s like you’re going to a proper old school music venue to see the best bands in town. The vibes are incredible!

 

LDV (La Terrase & Lodge du Village) - Another one of Meribel’s famous apres spots. A large terrace and a giant umbrella for those days when the weather isn’t so great means Apres takes place every day no matter what. I firm favourite for all the locals in resort as it’s situated right at the bottom of the blue slope back into Meribel Village. Don’t forget on Wednesday and Thursday they have their extended apres from 18:00 upstairs so you can continue all the way into the evening with live DJ sets and bands keeping you dancing all night long!

 

Cocoricos - Known for their large stages and bands pulling up from all over the Alps the decking is sure to bouncing! There’s not much in the form of tables to get on but you don’t need it to feel right in the mix scream and singing along loudly to your favourite apres bands. They love bringing out the pyrotechnics and letting the fires roar above the stage and crowd throughout apres really giving a full all round production. Once the bands finish don’t threat, the resident or guest DJ will be straight on the decks for the dancing to continue as long as you can!

And there you have it, our top picks for the best après ski bars in the Alps to make your first ski trip truly unforgettable. From high-energy dance floors to sun-drenched terraces with mountain views, après ski is where the stories from your ski holiday really begin. Of course, enjoying it all is much easier when you’re warm, comfortable and dressed for the mountains. If you’re still figuring out what to pack, check out our guide on what to wear on your first ski trip, where we break down the essentials to keep you looking good and feeling great both on the slopes and at après. Because the right gear doesn’t just improve your ski day, it levels up your après too.