Not so long ago, ski holidays were largely considered affordable only by the rich and famous. Since the millennium, however, times – and ski resorts – have changed.
The advent of quick and inexpensive flights to top ski destinations in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, and greatly reduced fares to the US and Canada, combined with accommodation to suit every taste and budget means that ski holidays can now be enjoyed by almost everyone.
But skiing is only part of the story. Today, the most prestigious resorts are renowned as much for their hedonistic après-ski scene as for the quality of their slopes.
More travellers are heading to the best resorts to have fun and soak up the vibrant party atmosphere
Consequently, more and more travellers – whether experienced skiers or first-timers – are heading to the best resorts to have fun, enjoy the entertainment and soak up the vibrant party atmosphere.
With the popularity of ski holidays on the rise, holiday rentals specialist Alpha Holiday Lettings has named its best ski resorts for partying and après-ski this winter.
Ischgl, Austrian Tyrol
Ischgl is the resort that has it all; a naturally beautiful Alpine setting, slopes that are suitable for skiers of every ability, year-round attractions including tennis, fishing, cycling, hiking, fun parks and mini-golf, superb shopping, bars and restaurants and plentiful accommodation.
Ischgl’s ‘Top of the Mountain’ concerts, held each Easter, have attained legendary status and attract international performers of the calibre of Elton John, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart to entertain the crowds.
A competitor performs at the 2012 Winter TEVA Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado. Photo: Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.comVail Mountain Resort, Colorado
Nestled at the foot of the mountain, Vail Mountain Resort is the gateway to one of the US’s most popular and spectacular ski areas.
The town of Vail is split into three areas – Lionshead, Vail Village, and Golden Peak – which between them contain a host of après-ski hotspots including dance and live music venues, pubs, nightclubs, lounge bars and lots of great eateries.
Pedestrian friendly, Vail has heated pavements and when the sun dips behind the mountain the partying begins.
Chamonix, France
Overlooked by the mighty Mont Blanc, chic Chamonix is considered one of France’s most prestigious ski resorts.
Nevertheless, everyone is welcome to enjoy some of the most exciting pistes in the Alps, while down in the valley Chamonix town caters for partying night owls from dusk to dawn.
Whether your style is a cosy English pub, a boisterous après-ski bar, a tea room or a frenetic all-night discotheque, Chamonix is one of the hottest – and coolest – ski resorts in which to be seen having a good time.
Zermatt’s Swiss skyline is dominated by the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Photo: BeerYom/Shutterstock.comZermatt, Switzerland
Needless to say, a mountain village in the heart of the Swiss Alps and dominated by the iconic Matterhorn is always going to offer an outstanding ski holiday.
Better still, away from the slopes the Swiss really know how to have a good time.
For starters, with more than 100 restaurants, Zermatt is regarded as the gastronomic capital of the Alps so finding good food will not be a problem.
Then it’s on to Zermatt’s seemingly endless supply of lounge bars, traditional inns, après-ski haunts, smoking lounges and live music venues; there are more than 60 inviting, colourful and cosmopolitan places in which to relax with a drink a swap skiing stories.
And that’s before you hit its fabulous nightclubs…
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
The great thing about Whistler is that while the resort is legendary for the quality and diversity of its skiing, snowboarding and other snowsports there’s so much else to see and do that you could spend an entire holiday without ever strapping on a ski or skate.
When not admiring Whistler’s breathtaking mountain vistas, hiking, golfing, shopping or wine tasting, visitors can enjoy some of the best après-ski entertainment of any resort.
Every possible style and nationality of bar, tavern, lounge and club is represented in the resort; a crawl here could last months, while for those who have the energy, Whistler’s nightclubs frequently host sets from world-famous DJs, ensuring that the resort’s feel-good atmosphere remains long into the night.