January 12, 2024 8 min read

The shortlist on where to go this season for the best Apres Ski

Tis the time of year to search for those snow-capped palaces, frozen lakes and pretty alpine retreats amongst the winding pistes. A towering hot chocolate will warm up your muscles while you kick back in front of an open fire and the next stop will have you laying in the sunshine surrounded by heaps of snow with a steaming mulled wine. Such a different experience to a summer holiday, but we can assure you, once you’ve experienced the dreamiest traditions of apres ski, you’ll make time for both every year!

Finding the best skiers paradise across endless mountainous terrain can be hard with so much choice. If you’re desire is discreet, cosy and unpretentious, but with understated luxury, then we’ve got the selection for you. From the chic delights of France, the traditional heritage of Switzerland, to bucket list retreats in Italy.

 
 

FRANCE

Loaded with many of the favourites, and Les 3 Vallees which covers the world large ski area from Couchevel, Meribel to Val Thornes. Chamonix is home to Mont Blanc and the location of the first Winter Olympics, making it one of the most popular French ski resorts.


 

Where To Stay

Airelles - Val D’Isere
Airelles Val d'Isère draws in mountain lovers to experience an authentic and refined experience, in an extraordinary family home. The 5-star ski-in ski-out hotel is home to 41 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as 5 sumptuous private apartments. Look in every direction and you’ll have a blissful view of the surrounding snow-capped fir trees. In the idyllic location at the foot of the slopes, the grand house opens its warm and elegant atmosphere, make it the dream break for all. Hit the slopes with ease and return for a moment of relaxation in the wellness Spa designed by the Guerlain brand.


   

 

Chalet Valentine Meribel
Valentine is a stunning family chalet ideally positioned in the heart of the Trois Vallees. Located in the exclusive Belvedere area of Meribel and only 100m from the piste, this beautiful seven-bedroom chalet houses a luxury private spa on the middle floor and every luxury you could wish for.
Sleeping 14 people, the rooms are incredibly spacious with the bedrooms featuring en suites, a terrace with hot tub, and stairs leading up to the barrel sauna and plunge pool.
Weather you opt be self-catered or have a fully catered service, there is no shortage of ultimate luxury during this stay, however this experience comes with a price tag!
  
 
Four seasons Megeve
Committed to preserving and regenerating the environment and leaving a positive impact on the local community, you’ll uncover a true mountain retreat at the Four Seasons in Megeve. Enjoy ski in, ski out access and the help of the hotels ski valet and ski concierge to navigate throughout your stay. With distinct French character the hotel embodies Alpine tradition alongside contemporary interiors. Indulge in the largest spa in the region when off the piste, dine at their renowned restaurant La Dame de Pic – Le 1920 or play one the finest Alpine golf courses. There is plenty on offer for everyone here.
 
 

Where To Eat

Gigi restaurant Val D’Isere
At an altitude of 2550 meters, with the snowy peaks of Val D’Isere as the back drop, Gigi welcomes guests for an alpine feast worlds away from the slopes below. Bask in the sun on the open terrace or cosy up in the immense building of wood and stone, showcases panoramic views in every window.

 
 
Le Clos Bernard – Meribel
In a charming forest setting, with a romantic terrace and spacious interior dining area, Le Clos Bernard specialises in open-fire cooking Apres Ski style. A truly cosy and friendly ambience where everyone is welcome, discovered by ski through a stunning pathway through the pines.
 
Bagatelle – Courchevel
A beautiful setting on top of the mountain with exquisite food and panoramic views. Live music will awaken your spirits on the slopes. It’s a popular choice so be sure to book.

 

SWITZERLAND

If you want to experience every positive Alpine cliché in a singular hit, Switzerland is the place where tradition and apres ski unfolds. From the St Moritz chic century-long parties, to the cosy vibe of Kloster’s and the horse-drawn carriages and arguably the prettiest, snowy retreat of Zermatt.
 
 

Where To Stay

The Chedi – Andermatt
Surrounded by nature beauty in the Swiss Alps. The Chedi Andermatt combines authentic Aline chic with Asian charm. Rooms are elegantly warm with dark woods and a palette of black, reds and browns to set a seductive scene, while natural heated floors provide more luxury to the rain showers and large soaking tubs set in the bathrooms.
The Chedi Andermatt offers a ski butler service, delivering and collecting your equipment from the slopes, but they are also a reliable source for tips on the alps.
The Winter Village is the newest attraction at The Chedi Andermatt where the courtyard has been transformed into a charming Alpine village amidst the fir forest. Guests will find the winter traditional chalet, a Finnish barrel sauna, hot tub and The Kota – a typical Scandinavian hut build around a central firepit. Staying true to their sustainable ethos, every cabin has been made with local wood, while The Winter village makes the most of natural light, using only a few additional lanterns to light up the courtyard. A magical lace for you and your loved ones.

  


Crans Ambassador – Crans Montana
Snow lovers will love the unique location of Crans Ambassador. Almost ski in, it sits with direct across to one of the most famous areas in Switzerland in the heart of the Valais Alps. The 56 rooms and suites showcase panoramic views of the winter landscapes through huge bay windows, while the lobby is the living heart of the Crans Ambassador – you’ll be captivated watching the pink sunrise in one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Valais.
Contemporary rooms are decorated in harmony with the landscaped setting. Dark wood, natural linens and caramel tones, make a warm and cosy atmosphere, while central tubs are positioned in front of the large windows to embrace the views in every moment.
A wellness destination in its own right, the Crans Ambassador Nescens Spa is the place to detoxify your body and regenerate in the mountains, whilst of an evening, relax in style on La Terrasse. The hotels signature terrace for an unforgettable lunch or dinner. Heated in winter, it invites you to the front row facing the magic of the Swiss Alps.
 
 

Where To Eat

Le Mouton Noir – Verbier
To awaken your senses at high altitude, head to Le Mouton Noir. Positioned conveniently by the Ruinettes lift, with extraordinary views, it’s the largest terrace bar in Verbier. With a DJ playing the best tunes to light up your apres ski, eat and enjoy the atmosphere in the mountains.
  

 

Pellegrini Bar - Klosters
For a cosy, amber-lit apres ski afternoon, retreat to Pellegrini Bar in Klosters. Most fine whiskey than beers, this traditional chalet style Alpine bar has the relaxed atmosphere you might need after a hard day on the slopes.


Chez Vrony – Zermatt
Loosening the ski boots and kicking back on the terrace at Zermatt’s Chez Vrony, is the only way to take in the view of the Matterhorn. With lovingly prepared dishes and carefully selected fine wines, this stop is set to keep you parked all afternoon. The traditional wooden restaurant set 2100 meters in the side of the mountain, embodies a tradition of over 100 years and it is one of few restaurants in the Swiss Alps operating with organic products from cattle fed solely in alpine grass.

  


ITALY

Cortina D'Ampezzo features five peaks and is considered one of the best resorts in Italy. Luxurious and with well-set snow, it's a must-visit in the Dolomite’s. However, it is not as popular as other ski resorts in Italy due to its limited transport links. The scenery of the Dolomites is without doubt truly spectacular and if you can allow a bit more travel time, it is worth it - we’ve selected our favourite locations that will never stop drawing you in.
 

Where To Stay

Forestis – Dolomites
A place of retreat surrounded by nature is an understatement at FORESTIS, and you will never understand why until you experience its serenity first hand. Surrounded by dense treetops, the  62 rooms and suites have sweeping views of the Dolomites Massif.
Stripped back to simplicity and clean lines, the rooms are dominated by the nature through the vast views. Natural materials and clear style reflect the peace of the forest and surrounding natural world. Every room has a view, but if you come here just once, then the Penthouse houses the rooftop pool, or the Tower Suite will give you that bucket list terrace.
During the winter, skiing is high on the agenda and the FORESTIS ski-in, ski-out location is perfectly placed. Plose ski resort has 45km of slopes for all levels and for those who may not want to ski, there are also Tobogggan runs, yoga and winter hiking trails.
This high altitude alpine hideaway is for adults who want a mindful trip to the slopes.
  
 
Alpina Dolmites
Built harmoniously integrated into the surrounding environment, the Alpina Dolomites is a luxury 5* hotel for anyone to embrace nature, sport and relaxation. The modernist architecture is home to 60 chic rooms and suites with balconies and terraces making the most of the view, from its almost circular location on the Alpe di Suisi. Rooms are slick with minimal decoration and floor to ceiling windows running the width – the main feature naturally being the cinematic views of the Dolomites. 
The spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat, is a world of water, steam and aromas, dedicated to improving vital energy and strengthening your immune system. Enjoy treatments and the most tranquil swim in the lengthy pool overlooked by the mountain tops carved into the skyline.
Blending in with its natural surroundings, it’s built from local stone and wood in three parts with the ski slopes in between. Luxury in the mountains.
 

 

Where To Eat

El Brite De Larieto - Cortina
Local traditional food with contemporary culinary techniques, El Brite de Larieto is a family farmhouse situated in the chic ski resort of Cortina. Dishes are delicately mastered together using the farms own organic ingredients, so expect the finest meal when you visit. It has become a destination for the fashionable crowd.

  
 
Rifugio Edelweiss
A classic timbe ski lodge, Edelweiss serves wholesome, local dishes making it the ideal lunch spot on the slopes. It is also where the apres ski begins with a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the mountains. Once a week, it becomes an evening restaurant as well, when guests ride snowmobiles up from Colfosco after the ski lift stops running. The local venison there is cooked slowly, over an open fire – one not to miss.
 
Rifugio Col Alt - Corvara
Located more than a mile up, this sky-high ski lodge is reachable by cable car and serves the best old-fashioned Alpine food, especially tasteful pasta dishes. Dating back to 1938, this restaurant has kept its traditional features, making your experience feel like life 40 years ago with a grand hearth-heated dinning hall.

 

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