There is nothing quite like après ski in Val d’Isère.
Often touted as the après capital of the Alps, this glitzy resort is nestled right at the end of a long and dramatic valley, but certainly worth the effort to get there.
If your idea of a fantastic ski holiday is less about the actual sport and more about sipping Aperol slopeside, then you can’t go wrong in Val d’Isère.
The après scene is so good, I stayed for a whole season when I was 22, and have been back for a week of debauchery every year since.
That being said if you are into actual skiing as well, Val D still offers one of the best and most well-connected ski areas in the European Alps, especially suited to intermediates and advanced.
**Check out my full Val d’isère guide to read about the best runs for all ability levels.**
In the meantime, I’ll share with you some of the best après ski bars in Val d’Isère below, from iconic on-piste party institutions to cosy bars favoured by the locals and hardcore clubs that stay open until the early hours.
I’ve visited all of these places in the last year (2024) for an updated vibe check.
Best Après Ski bars in Val d’Isère: On the Slopes
1. Cocoricos
Right on the nursery slopes in town, Cocoricos steals my heart every season. Come snow or shine, this place is bopping off from 5pm, with pyrotechnics to keep the place alight as the mountain descends into darkness.
There’s usually a live band in the afternoons, followed by a tried and tested playlist of cheesy party classics that will have you climbing on the tables and clamouring for more.
Since Cocos is located on the nursery slopes, you don’t need to ski more than a few metres afterwards, and you can even change out of your ski boots beforehand if you plan to take your dancing seriously.
This is the best way in my opinion, because it means you can roll straight out of Cocos and into dinner in town (it closes at 9pm).
2. La Folie Douce
As loud and hedonistic as they come, La Folie Douce is the on-piste party to end them all.
With music that can be heard thumping from several runs away, the place is packed from 3 pm onwards, with DJ tunes and wild live dancers to get you stomping away in your ski boots.
Top Tip: Bring a couple of bottles of beer or wine along in your backpack and park up with your pals somewhere on the slope above Folie for the first few. Going in there completely sober is not recommended, and it’s fun to watch the chaos ensue from above for a while before getting immersed in it yourself.
3. Signal
With an alfresco balcony that feels suspended amidst the mountains, Signal is a popular lunch spot on the Solaise side of the Val d’Isère ski map, halfway up from the hamlet of Le Fornet.
Offering a quieter alternative to the raucous parties at Folie or Cocos, Signal is more about sipping Aperol while you admire the view.
There may be some low-key live music, and occasionally they host bigger events with dancing and DJs, particularly towards the end of the season.
This is the spot for you if you like your après ski with a side of civilised conversation and show-stopping scenery!
Best Après Ski Bars in Val d’Isère: In Town
4. Rosee Blanche
This restaurant-cum-bar is perfectly located at the foot of the slope down from La Folie Douce in La Daille.
After a wobbly ski (or gondola) down, you can avoid the long queues for the bus with a quick rosé or seven in Rosee Blanche, which has also started offering live music and afternoon DJs in recent years.
This place gets packed with the overspill of Folie revellers and keeps the party going until closing time at 8pm.
5. Blue Note
If you’re looking for more of a typical British pub vibe with a pool table and darts, Blue Note is a much-loved seasonnaire haunt with a more causal vibe.
Perfect for a quiet drink and a few games before or after dinner, this place gets busier at around 10pm, when the local chalet hosts have finished their shift.
Top Tip: Blue Note can be a bit hard to find, there is just a small doorway with the sign above sandwiched between Hotel Ormelune and Bricoval ski shop.
6. Coin Des Amis
A cosy little apres ski bar right in the heart of Val d’Isère, with a welcoming, Alpine atmosphere.
There are TVs inside for big sporting events, while warmer days mean punters spill outdoors where live music often sets the scene for a chilled afternoon in the sun. There’s also delicious Thai food on offer, and the genepy is said to be some of the best in town.
Come sunset, customers huddle together under heaters with a vin chaud in hand, or head indoors for a local beer in one of the cosy booths.
7. Bananas
I’m still not sure whether Bananas is a bar, restaurant, or club, but it has a perfect location that puts it firmly on the après ski map regardless.
In the upstairs area, you can have a reasonably priced meal or a quiet pint. Meanwhile, the basement bar gets progressively more rowdy as the evening advances, from relatively civilised at 8pm to thumping drum and bass by 11.
If you’re dining, order the raclette burger. If you’re down for a party, ask for the freestyler – a dealer’s choice cocktail concocted on the spot by the bartenders.
Best Val d’Isère Nightlife: Clubs and After Dark
8. Doudoune Club
Located in an atmospheric cellar venue underneath Cocoricos, this wild party starts at midnight and rages on until 5am.
With show-stopping special effects, regular sets from world-renowned DJs, and events throughout the season, there’s even a free shuttle bus to get you to and from the party.
Ideal if you love to dance until the early hours and don’t mind paying a premium for the privilege.
9. Dick’s Tea Bar
Located slap bang in the resort centre, Dick’s Tea Bar is usually where everyone who stays out past midnight ends up.
It’s sweaty and crowded and there’s usually something on fire – from shots on the bar to champagne sparklers – but that doesn’t stop people from dancing. You can book a booth and order bottle service if that’s your thing, or simply fight your way to the bar instead.
An iconic and indulgent (if somewhat pretentious) party paradise – with pizza served by the slice at the end of the night.
10. Petit Danois
Open until 2am, Petit Danois is a favourite for après ski in Val d’Isère, amongst tourists and locals alike.
This Viking-themed pub also serves food throughout the day, with live music and DJs to get the party going after hours. There is a happy hour at 4-5 pm and 9-10 pm, and free shots of toffee vodka are kept flowing to fuel the dancefloor.
There are also plenty of booths and bar stools if you prefer to perch and watch the chaos unfold around you!
FAQs
Where to stay for the best après ski in Val d’Isère?
We stayed at Chalet Izia on our most recent visit to Val d’Isère and feel it offers the perfect location for après ski in Val d’Isère.
Chalet Izia is home to apartments of 1,2,3, and 4 bedrooms, with an exceptional ski-in, ski-out location less than a five-minute walk from the infamous Cocoricos (and Doudoune club). Within 10 minutes of walking you can also be in the centre of town for the rest of the Val d’Isère Nightlife.
On top of this, the stunning new apartment block has a gorgeous indoor spa complex complete with a large swimming pool, sauna, and hammam.
Book Chalet Izia Val d’Isère here.
Can I get a taxi in Val d’Isère?
Taxis are not too common in Val d’Isère, mainly because the town is small and fairly walkable, and there is a free, regular bus service.
If you download the Val d’Isère app, you can even see live locations for the next bus and all available routes, making it easy to hop on and off (the main ‘red’ bus comes literally every five minutes).
However, if you want to travel a little further afield (like to Tignes for example), your hotel or chalet staff should be able to provide you with the best taxi contact details. Many transfer companies also offer private hire vehicles to and from the nearest major airports.
What is the closest airport to Val d’Isère?
The closest airport to Val d’Isère is Chambery, which is about two hours driving on a good day but up to five when there is bad traffic (which often happens on the weekend changeover days).
The next closest airport is Geneva, closely followed by Lyon and Grenoble. All of these are around three to six hours away depending on traffic.
Where can I buy a Val d’Isère ski pass and ski hire?
You can buy a Val d’Isère ski pass directly from the resort website, order it through your accommodation booking provider, or visit one of the ticket offices when you arrive in town.
The main one is located opposite the Solaise lift at the Rond Point des pistes. Most ski passes cover the whole Tignes Val area, or you can get local ski passes for a small discount (only advisable if you are a beginner).
Meanwhile, there are lots of options for ski hire throughout town – look for one that is close to your accommodation for convenience. I recommended Snowberry for the best choice of quality equipment.
Is there any Val d’Isère night skiing?
While there are some sporadic night skiing events in Val d’Isère throughout the season, there is no company offering this on a regular basis.
The events are often just on the nursery slopes or cross-country for a bit of fun, rather than a real, thrill-seeking adventure.
If you just want to watch Val d’Isère night skiing, some of the ESF instructors and talented local children put on a torchlight descent on several dates throughout the season, which is always fun to watch.
This year, you can head to the Rond Point to see them on Christmas Day in Val d’Isère, which is accompanied by fireworks and free mulled wine on the slopes.
Dates and more information can be found here.
What are the other best ski resorts for apres in Europe?
Some of the other best apres ski resorts in Europe include:
- Val Thorens
- Meribel
- Courchevel
- St. Moritz
- Verbier
- St. Anton
- Tignes
What are the best ski in ski out hotels in Val d’Isère?
There are several ski in ski out hotels in Val d’Isère to suit a range of budgets:
Chalet Izia: A fantastic apart-hotel with excellent facilities, located right next door to some of the best après ski in Val d’Isère. Perfect for a mid-range budget.
Hotel Mont Blanc: A beautiful boutique hotel for half-board ski holidays, located a little further up the hill.
Airelles: Five-star piste-side luxury at its finest with a ski-to-door location and old-school alpine charm. One of the most sought-after Val d’Isère hotels in the centre of the village.
Hotel Les Barmes De l’Ours: A beautiful and exclusive hotel perched above the Bellevarde lift close to town, offering unparalleled service and gastronomy, as well as a stunning spa complex and even a bowling alley!
So there you have it! Offering some of the best après ski in Europe, a Val d’Isère ski party is like no other, with everything from spraying champagne slopeside to sipping vin chaud in town.
Heading to Val d’Isère this winter? Let me know in the comments! Maybe we could meet up in Cocos for one…
**Read The Full Guide to Val d’Isère for more information on local restaurants and the best runs for all ability levels.**
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