Those of us who enjoy the exhilarating rush of adrenalin and fresh alpine air, also want to unwind at the end of the day. Therefore, it’s not just the ski runs that’s important, we also want to know what après ski offers in the European resorts.
Skiing appeals too many sports enthusiasts and the numbers are growing each year. During the winter ski season more than 1.5 million British nationals enjoy at least one ski holiday per year. Recent figures have shown that 29% of the 1.5 million, take advantage of two or more ski holidays during the same winter season – lucky them! Increasingly, we are seeing great ski deals advertised and as long as you book fairly early, you really can pick up some bargains. Val d’Isere and Méribel in the French Alps are popular ski resorts and both Val d’Isere and Méribel are two resorts that spring immediately to mind, that offers fabulous skiing and great après ski.
Val d’Isere
Is one of the most established and exclusive ski destinations in Europe. Yes, it’s where you will see the odd famous face mingling in one of the many upmarket restaurants and it’s the playground of the wealthy. Why do you think they visit Val d’Isere? For superb skiing and great entertainment plus socialising with like-minded people and no doubt, it’s ideal for networking. Local, rustic dishes and international menus are served in the numerous bars, from pub style venues with pool tables to trendy bars serving cocktails. Traditional eateries where you can relax on comfy sofas and chat with friends in a welcoming environment are complete chilled out zones.
Year round you will find a range of events from music, film and dance festivals to Christmas and New Year events and firework displays. Christmas is a wonderful time to visit this amazing ski resort and there are events throughout the festive season for families, couples and groups of friends. If you want to dance the night away into the early hours, no problem as Val d’Isere is known as one of the livelier resorts in the French Alps and, it’s the place to be seen.
Méribel
Is another lively resort and is popular with the young crowd. There is superb après ski on offer with rowdy bars and clubs perfect for a good night out. Do you love live music? If so you are in for a treat here and another famous event is the international banquet nights. This is where restaurants offer a themed night for foodies, whether it’s Thai, Chinese or Mexican nights they are always well received. Fancy an open mike night? You can sing or crack a few jokes and again it’s a fun packed evening had by all. Christmas and New Year are magical times to visit Méribel, with Christmas themed entertainment and some fabulous late night dancing.
Although both of these ski resorts have lively après ski, it’s important to mention that these resorts also appeal to families. There is plenty of family fun activities and family friendly restaurants and of course Christmas is made for families and children love to play in the snow. Families enjoy après ski too they simply tend not to stay up too late. Most of the night clubs and disco venues don’t open until later around 10pm or 11pm anyway.
As the ski season is under way, when you are looking for a super ski resort with excellent après ski, take a look at both Val d’Isere and Méribel. They make wonderful ski destinations and they both have ski property for sale in the French Alps.