Head out with us on a whistle-stop tour of the best après ski in Val d’Isère.
There is possibly nothing better than a tasty beverage after a great day skiing, and I think the majority of Val d’Isère would agree with me on this. Come 16:30 the slopes start to empty and the bars begin to fill. No matter what kind of vibe you’re after, you are sure to find an atmosphere to suit your mood. Whether that’s dancing on a table or snacking in a corner, Val d’Isère has got you covered.
The Best Après Ski in Val d’Isère
Cocorico
I think it’s only right to kick start this pub crawl at what some might describe as the New Gen team’s favourite place to party. If you find yourself here, you just might spot one of our instructors crowd surfing past you. Heck, you might even end up lending a helping hand to hold them up as they cruise over you. Apologies in advance for some of the beer they may spill along the way. That’s right. This is Cocorico in all its glory.
Situated in the centre of town, right on them main snow front between the Solaise and Olympic cable cars, it’s the perfect location to ski into. It even has a bus stop right outside if you, for some reason, didn’t manage to make it up the mountain. You have no excuse not to stop here, it really would be rude not to. It has a fantastic terrace that soaks up the sun on a beautiful blue bird day that is always jam-packed, even when the snow is falling it doesn’t keep the crowds away.
If you want to party this is without doubt where you need to come for après. The doors open at 2pm where you can make the most of their happy hour from the get-go, getting you nice and in the mood for the fab live music that showcases daily. This place will suck you in, throw you around and spit you back out again all for 8pm. A sensible and pleasant time to stumble home, have some dinner, and be in bed for a decent hour helping eradicate any signs of a hangover! What’s not to love!?
Blue Note
Well, I am sure there are some of you that may be thinking quite the opposite. Not everyone is so keen on a madhouse and instead like a more civilised affair where they can enjoy their tasty beverage in peace and actually hear what their friends are saying. I introduce to you, Blue Note.
This little hidden gem is tucked away just behind the main road on the “Rue Noel Machet”. Not that anybody has the slightest clue about road names in resort, but it just adds to the fun of finding this beauty. You will not be disappointed once found, this is actually my favourite place in all of Val d’Isère at après or any time of evening for that matter. You’ll be able to get inside from 3pm where there happy hour runs until 6pm.
However, this is no ordinary happy hour. Just sit tight and sip your drink and within no time at all the fantastic staff will bring you over some scrumptious free snacks. A huge plate with their own delicious homemade humus accompanied with a stack of bread, saucisson and olives to dunk away. You can sit, eat and drink all you like in a warm cosy environment without a ski boot to the face from that New Gen chap dancing on the table. Once in though, Blue Note has that ability to keep you there. There is no kicking out at 8pm. One minute you’re having a civilized conversation munching down some humus and the next thing you know you’re waking up still in ski gear with some vague recollection of sinking shots of genepi at 1am. You’ve been warned.
The Fall Line
Photo from Fall Line.
I think our last bar on the tour has to be one of a happy medium. One that loves a good drinking game, makes a mean cocktail but also has sofas and chairs that just swallow you up. Everybody, grab your ping-pong balls and lets take make our final stop at The Fall Line.
These guys can be found just off the main strip up another infamous road, Route de la Balme. If you find yourself here I would strongly recommended ordering a cocktail, because they sure so no how to make them. They’ve even got a load of new glassware to drink your tasty numbers from this year, making you feel ever so much more civilised. That is until you take on the almighty ‘Das Boot’ challenge. Not sure what I’m on about? Do yourself a favour, grab your wallet and go find out for yourself.
Whatever kind of après ski you’re looking for, Val d’Isère has something for you. Have you checked out any of these places? Let us know your favourite in the Facebook comments below.
