Austria's Best Apres-Ski

Nov 20, 2015

ApresSki_FEATURE — Hohe Mut Alm in the Oetz Valley boasts a large open terrace overlooking the Alps. // © 2015 Tirol Werbung

In Austria, finding the perfect spot to ski is easy. But even more important than a day on the slopes is an evening off of them. Here are some of the best spots in Austria for apres-ski.

St. Anton am Arlberg is directly on the train route from Tirol to Vorarlberg, just an hour west of Innsbruck. One of the world’s oldest ski resort communities, St. Anton sits at the foot of one of Austria’s best mountain ranges and is therefore known for its ski culture. Among the locations directly on the slopes for apres-ski is MooserWirt, which “Playboy” named the “mother of all apres-ski bars.” Another favorite is Krazy Kanguruh, which has been a contender on the apres-ski scene since 1965.

For a taste of Tirol, visit Kitzbuhel, known for the ski race “Hahnenkammrennen.” This ski area has 99 miles of pistes, a fun park for snowboarders and miles of terrain for ski tours. But beyond its slope reputation, Kitzbuhel is known for its apres-ski, especially during racing season when the town erupts into one giant party. The Londoner is one of the best spots for a late night out. If it’s something more refined you’re after, check out Club Take Five.

Also in Tirol, a must-visit is Ischgl, a town with a notorious apres-ski scene. Start the night at Nikos Hexenkuche, right next to the Silvretta cable car station. From there, hop your way to Trofana Alm, a two-floor barn known for its all-night Europop. You can also visit Trofana Alm during the day when it acts as a regular restaurant serving regional cuisine.

Apart from the traditional apres-ski scene, Austria is known for its gourmet ski huts, which are a cross between Alpine chalets and ultra-modern lounges. Though they are known more for their food than their party scene, where there is food and wine, a party usually follows. Of particular note is Barenbadalm in Kitzbuhel,a cozy ski lounge at 6,135 feet above sea level that features large windows that open to the Alps, plus a menu of regional cuisine.

Hohe Mut Alm in the Oetz Valley’s Obergurgl is another ski hut of note. The restaurant is designed in a modern Alpine style, with wooden parlors and a massive sunbathing terrace that overlooks the Alps. Every Wednesday evening, the restaurant hosts a fondue night with spicy hot punch and live music.