Since ski slopes across the French Alps tend to close around 4 or 5 pm, it leaves both avid followers of this athletic endeavour as well as non-skiers, plenty of time to direct their attention into some fabulous after-ski activities.
Apres-ski, which originated in Norway in the 50s has become a ritual part of this popular winter sport and has traveled swiftly down to the French Alps, as the culture only needs an excuse to wine and dine.
Read on to discover which are the top lively resorts in the French Alps for apres-ski where you can dance on the table with a pitcher of beer with your boots on and some exciting off-piste activities for those in need of an adrenaline rush.
Alpine Elements can ensure you book these epic resorts in the Frech Alps for apres-ski and exciting off-piste activities.
Val d’Isere
Home to the infamous La Folie Douce just above La Daille where you can party in your ski boots into late evening. Here you will find DJs on the balcony belting out dance music in a style not for the faint-hearted.
For British-like bar service, head to the Morris Pub and treat yourself to some great burgers. Then there is the Danish bar, La Petit Danois, where you can enjoy free shots during happy hours.
Wind up the night at the legendary Dick’s Tea Bar which has been serving the party loving crowd of Val d’Isere, close to thirty years. This very popular apres-ski spot opens at 4 pm every day and is located at the base of the La Face piste and features live music and DJs.
Chamonix
Being one the most popular towns in the French Alps, Chamonix has a vibrant party scene, unlike other resorts in the French Alps which cater solely to the seasonal tourists and has much more in the name of apres-ski and nightlife.
Bars and restaurants pack the town center, the most popular being Chamber Neuf which features live bands, six days a week from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, all through the winter. Another good spot is Le Castel, at the foot of the Flegere cable car station.
For good beer and live music, don’t miss going to Jekyll The MBC, a Canadian microbrewery, ideal for great beer and even greater food, while the rich and famous should try out Le Privilege.
Val Thorens
Chosen as the location of the second incarnation of La Folie Douce, Val Thorens is the highest of all resorts in Europe and enjoys a great reputation of being a lively party town. The arrival of La Folie Douce and to an extent, La Fruitiere has only cemented its popularity further
Other popular joints here include Roastbeef and British Frog where after a couple of beers down you can head to Bar 360 which houses a massive terrace, live music and an apres-ski happy hour.
You can also party the night away at one of the highest nightclubs in Europe at Le Malaysia, a huge 1000 sq m underground club. Apart from the infamous apres-ski scene, the club has played host to legendary artists and DJs from all over Europe.
Les Deux Alpes
The Les Deux Alpes is the most popular apres-ski destination of the Southern Alps and comes up trumps with the classy Le Saloon, known for its exceptional range of sushi burgers, while The Secret Service is great for live music and pizzas.
To sip a range of flavored rums, head to La Rhumerie or the upscale Windsor Pub, a boutique outlet. As the night progresses, check out the L:Avalanche club.
Best off-piste activities in the French Alps
They say that if your legs get tired after a day on the steep French Alps slopes, you should indulge in activities that don’t involve traditional skiing to make the most of your holiday.
Try a dog sled ride
A great way to experience the French Alps is by a dog sled ride offered by many ski resorts. Such a trip usually lasts for half a day, but can be tailored for longer durations. Thanks to the well-trained huskies, in no time you will be enjoying the time of your life, over mountain and Dale
Soothe your body at a spa
Muscle groups that normally don’t show a fuss, tend to flare up after a couple of days on the slopes, the reason why many resorts and hotels offer wellness and spa treatments which you can book even if you are not a guest of the hotel.
The Koh-I-Nor luxury hotel located in Val Thorens has top class facilities for a spa, jacuzzi, hammam and sauna. In addition, there are seven different types of massage treatments on offer, all using hot stones and essential oils.
Replace skis with snowshoes
If you want to slow down, try switching to snowshoes for a day. You can strap these shoes directly on to your winter boots that will allow you to walk on the snow without sinking into it. Moreover, snowshoes are available on rent everywhere and are a great way to get up close to nature on your own terms.
Put on snowshoes for just a day and you can leave the slopes behind and hear birds calling from above and trees creaking in the wind You get to explore some uncharted territory of the four-legged animals of the mountains and a large variety of bird species in their own habitat undisturbed, but at your own leisure and pace.
Hike in the woods
A walk in the forest is a sure-shot treatment for unwinding and relaxation and in the French Alps many resorts have gone a step further and recommended walking to help people suffering from high stress.
In all its simplicity, hiking constitutes a walk through the forest in silence and meditating while just looking at nature around you in the company of an accredited guide. The purpose is to show gratitude to the trees and just being in nature.
Enjoy a meal at an Alpine kitchen
The winter cuisine in the French Alps is designed to tackle the harsh climate and the tough mountain conditions. Alpine delicacies like charcuterie and robust red wines reign supreme and are great to go around the table while the snow is blowing outdoors.
These days, cheese fondue is served as a traditional French dish in many resorts. Also is a sort of potable gratin, topped with local reblochon cheese and dry-salted bacon or a seasoned leg of pork. The mix is served with sliced potatoes and fried onions, gratinated in the oven and served piping hot.